Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 80/Fox, Alfa Romeo Alfetta, Ford Cortina, Opel Rekord.
Design Philosophy:
Introduction of BMW's modern design language with clean lines, Hofmeister kink, and focus on driver engagement and sporty handling.
Body Styles:
Primarily 2-door and 4-door sedan. Some markets may have had coupe variants depending on specific model year and region.
Driving Experience:
Known for its responsive handling, balanced chassis, and engaging driving experience, setting a benchmark for its class.
Model Years Covered:
1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Purpose:
Designed for mechanics and DIY enthusiasts to perform repairs, maintenance, and adjustments on the BMW 3 Series E21.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (where applicable), clutch system, driveline.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Electrical system overview, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and gauges, wiper and washer system, power windows, heating and ventilation.
Body And Interior:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, safety belts, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Diagnostic Information:
Includes diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, and necessary checks for various systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake inspection, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and installation of all major components.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic guides for common problems, fault finding procedures, electrical circuit tracing, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, valve clearance adjustment, brake adjustment, steering alignment.
Safety Precautions:
Emphasizes safety procedures, notes, cautions, and warnings to ensure safe repair practices.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, diagrams, and factory procedures.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Detailed pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and photographs for clarity in repair procedures.
Service Tools:
References to specific special service tools required for various repair and adjustment operations.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Includes critical service data, tightening torques, wear limits, and factory specifications for all adjustable components and assemblies.
Engine Family:
BMW M10 Inline-4
Displacements Offered:
1.8L (1766 cc), 2.0L (1990 cc), 2.3L (2316 cc - for 323i).
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 90 hp (1.8L) to 143 hp (323i).
Torque Range:
Approx. 100 lb-ft (1.8L) to 130 lb-ft (323i).
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (e.g., Zenith, Solex) for base models, Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection for 'i' models.
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder.
Compression Ratio:
Varies by engine and model, typically between 8.3:1 and 9.5:1.
Crash Testing:
As per standards of the era; later models saw improvements in safety features. Full modern crash test ratings are not applicable.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Some higher-performance models (e.g., 323i) may have had rear disc brakes.
Seatbelts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and lubricant used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, filters, and ignition components should be inspected and replaced as per manual schedule, often around 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 recommended for most climates. Refer to manual for precise viscosity and specification.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. BMW specifies its own coolant types, but modern equivalents are available.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual: Gear oil API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Bushings (suspension, control arm), ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust system components, fuel pump, radiator.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses and connections can be prone to degradation, leading to intermittent electrical issues.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, around window seals, and floor pans are common areas for rust due to age and exposure.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for performance, engineering, and driver-focused vehicles.
E21 Introduction:
Introduced in 1975 as the successor to the BMW 02 Series, marking a significant step in BMW's saloon design.
E21 Styling:
Designed by Paul Bracq, it featured a more modern and angular design compared to its predecessor, with a distinct driver-oriented dashboard.
Production Period:
1975-1983 (some sources cite 1984 for final markets).
Production Volume:
Over 700,000 units produced.
