Positioning:
Premium compact sports sedan and coupe
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 80, Alfa Romeo Alfetta
Design Philosophy:
Driver-focused, sporty handling, build quality
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking performance and luxury in a compact package
Engine:
Comprehensive engine repair and overhaul
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension diagnosis and repair
Steering:
Steering system components and alignment
Brakes:
Brake system service, including hydraulics and components
Body:
Body panel repair, chassis alignment, and corrosion prevention
Body Equipment:
Interior trim, seating, glass, and weatherstripping
Electrical System:
Full electrical system diagnosis and repair
Equipment And Accessories:
HVAC, infotainment, and optional equipment servicing
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed wiring schematics for all systems
Maintenance:
Routine service, fluid changes, filter replacements
Repair:
Component replacement, adjustment, and rebuilding
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Diagnostics:
System testing and fault identification methods
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair information
Engine Type 320:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement 320:
1.99 liters (1990 cc)
Fuel System 320:
Carbureted (Solex 40 PDSIT) for 320, Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection for 320i
Engine Type 323:
Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement 323:
2.3 liters (2316 cc)
Fuel System 323:
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Horsepower 320I:
125 hp (93 kW) @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 320I:
170 Nm (125 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 323I:
143 hp (107 kW) @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 323I:
190 Nm (140 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Transmission 320:
4-speed manual
Transmission 323:
4-speed manual
Transmission Optional 320:
3-speed automatic (ZF 3HP18)
Transmission Optional 323:
4-speed manual (Getrag 245) or 3-speed automatic
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Crash Safety:
N/A (No formal crash test data from the era in modern format)
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Drums
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering, optional power steering
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars, integral roll bar for convertible
Radio:
Optional AM/FM radio, often Blaupunkt
Speakers:
Limited speaker configurations, often front only
ABS:
Not available on most E21 models, optional on later 323i
Cruise Control:
Rare optional feature
Connectivity Features:
None (pre-digital era)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (or as per manual recommendations, typically 7,500 miles for modern use)
Tune Up Interval:
As needed, typically every 20,000-30,000 miles for spark plugs and filter replacements
Engine Oil 320:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (consult manual for exact viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil 323:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (consult manual for exact viscosity based on climate)
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, front strut towers, rear valence
Fuel System Issues:
Deterioration of fuel lines, issues with early fuel injection systems (320i/323i)
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corrosion in connectors
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, hose degradation, thermostat issues
Engine Wear M10:
Timing chain stretch and guides (if not replaced), oil leaks
Engine Wear M20:
Head gasket issues, oil pan seal leaks, timing belt (later M20s, but E21 M20 is chain driven)
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter W 920/17, Mahle OC 104 (check specific engine)
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 32 133, Mahle LX 75 (check specific engine)
Bmw Legacy:
Known for sporting sedans and efficient engineering
E21 Significance:
First generation 3 Series, established BMW's reputation in the compact executive segment
Design Influence:
Paul Bracq design, distinctive shark nose front end
Production Location:
Munich, Germany and Rosslyn, South Africa
Total Production Units:
Over 1.3 million units
