BMW 3 Series E21 320 (109 Hp)

Overall Rating

7.8 / 10

Safety N/A / 5

Not Rated

Engine 3.8 / 5

Value 4.2 / 5

Performance 3.8 / 5

Comfort 3.5 / 5

People\'s Opinion N/A / 5

Not Rated

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 1030 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 170 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 (109 Hp) Verdict:

Performance Verdict

An earlier, carbureted six-cylinder offering smooth power delivery, though not as punchy as later fuel-injected variants.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is on the higher side due to the carbureted setup, typical for early six-cylinder engines.

Best Use Case: Cruising and comfortable long-distance travel, where the smooth inline-six character is appreciated.

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:

General:
Brand:	BMW
Model:	3 Series
Generation:	E21
Modification (Engine):	320 (109 Hp)
Start of production:	1975
End of production:	1977
Powertrain Architecture:	Internal Combustion engine
Body type:	Sedan
Seats:	5
Doors:	2

Engine:
Power:	109 Hp @ 5800 rpm.
Power per litre:	54.8 Hp/l
Torque:	160 Nm @ 3700 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:	M10B20
Engine displacement:	1990
Number of cylinders:	4
Engine configuration:	Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:	2
Fuel injection system:	Carburettor
Engine aspiration:	Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:	4 l
Coolant:	7 l
Engine layout:	Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:	89 mm mm
Piston Stroke:	80 mm mm

Performance:
Fuel Type:	Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:	10 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:	11.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:	11.2 sec
Maximum speed:	170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:	9.4 kg/Hp, 105.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:	6.4 kg/Nm, 155.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:	10.6 sec

Space:
Kerb Weight:	1030
Max. weight:	1440
Max load:	410
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:	404 l
Fuel tank capacity:	58 l

Size:
Length:	4355 mm mm
Width:	1610 mm mm
Height:	1380 mm mm
Wheelbase:	2563 mm mm
Front track:	1366 mm
Rear (Back) track:	1373 mm

Powertrain:
Drivetrain Architecture	The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheel	Rear wheel drive
Number of gears	4
Transmission type	Manual
Front brakes	Disc
Rear brakes	Drum
Steering type	Steering rack and pinion
Tires size	165/80 R13
Wheel rims size	13