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BMW 3 Series E21 320 (122 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 3 Series:
The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E21 Overview:
BMW 3 Series (E21). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1090 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
320 (122 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong performer for its time, offering a smooth inline-six experience with decent acceleration, characteristic of BMW's sporting intent.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is moderate for a 2.0L six-cylinder of its era, acceptable for mixed driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging RWD driving dynamics and handling
- • Iconic BMW styling and classic appeal
- • Range of smooth and characterful engines (especially 6-cylinders)
- • Good build quality for its era
- • Strong enthusiast community and parts availability
Cons:
- • Rust can be a significant issue if not maintained
- • Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards
- • Fuel economy can be poor on larger carbureted engines
- • Interior plastics can degrade over time
- • Some parts can be expensive or hard to find for specific trims
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E21: 1975 - 1977).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | E21 |
| Modification (Engine): | 320 (122 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1977 |
| End of production: | 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 160 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M20B20 More details about the engine M20B20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1990 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 66 mm |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.9 kg/Hp, 111.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 146.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1090 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 404 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4355 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1610 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1380 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2563 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1366 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1373 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 145 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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