BMW’s first E21 3 Series model rolled off the assembly line in Munich, Germany, in 1975. Designed as a replacement for the popular BMW 2002, no one behind the creation of the 3 Series coupe realized that a legend had been born, or that this single car would go on to shape the entire future of BMW as an automaker.
Produced from 1975 – 1983, the E21 3 Series was the first BMW to sell over one million copies, with half of these exported out of Germany. Early cars were available only with four-cylinder engines, ranging in output from 90 horsepower to 125 horsepower, yet performance was still considered sporty for the day.
In 1977, BMW introduced its now-iconic in-line six-cylinder engine, in both 2.0-liter and 2.3 liter displacements. Output of the 2.3-liter version was 145 horsepower, and 323i models got the additional benefit of four-wheel disc brakes and Bosch fuel injection. Available options included a sport gearbox and a limited-slip differential.
Though BMW produced more E21 3 Series models than 2002s, few owners viewed the car a a future collector’s item. Original examples (that aren’t worn out) are hard to find, adding to the car’s value in the collector market. We think the E21 3 Series still looks good today, which isn’t a compliment we can pass along to many cars of the mid-1970s.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
