Paul Bracq, Director of Design at BMW from 1970 to 1974, is credited with setting the outline course of the E21 3 Series, while Wilhelm Hofmeister is credited with first drawing the little forward wedge at the base of the C-column, a solid configuration attribute of the initial Three-arrangement. In 1975 Claus Luthe supplanted Bracq and turned into the holder of the undertaking.
In July 1975, BMW's Board of Management initially introduced this new demonstrate arrangement in the Munich Olympic Stadium for open examination. The frontal perspective of the new auto was overwhelmed by the BMW trademark kidney grille emerging plainly from the radiator spread. The styling of the new auto looked somewhat like the BMW E12 5 Series.
The wedge state of the two-entryway model was particular, extending the distance to the curiously high backside. In light of feedback of the tail plan, a dark plastic trim board between the tail lights was added.[citation needed] The auto's styling was overall generally welcomed. Measuring 4355 millimeters (171.5 inches) long, 1610 millimeters (63.4 inches) in width, and 1380 millimeters (54.3 inches) in stature, the E21 Series proceeded with the convention of the New Class. With the wheelbase measuring 2563 millimeters (100.9 in), there was little body overhang in the back wheel-drive plan. The track measured 1364 millimeters (53.7 in) at the front, and 1377 millimeters (54.2 in) at the back.
The suspension joined rack and pinion controlling and MacPherson strut suspension at the front, and semi-trailing arm sort autonomous suspension at the back. The force supported brakes were circles on the front wheels, while the back wheels had drum brakes. At first, a Getrag four-velocity manual was the standard transmission fitment. Five-rate overdrive Getrag gearboxes were fitted as standard in 1980, however close proportion "sport" gearboxes were accessible at the auto's discharge as an alternative. On the other hand, buyers could decide on the ZF 3 HP-22 three-velocity programmed transmission.
The cockpit outline of the E21 denoted the presentation of another configuration idea, with the inside reassure and focal dashboard zone calculated towards the driver. This highlight has gotten to be a piece of BMW's inside configuration reasoning for a long time. As an indication of inactive security, all edges and control components inside the inside were adjusted off and cushioned.
At the E21's discharge, three models were accessible: with 316 (1.6-liter), 318 (1.8-liter) and 320 (2.0-liter) variants of the BMW M10 four-chamber motor. To draw clear visual refinement inside the new display arrangement, the 320 models accompanied double headlights, while the 315 - 316 and 318 had single round headlights.
Toward the end of 1975, the 320i was presented; the motor was fitted with Bosch K Jetronic fuel infusion, conveying 125 bhp (93 kW; 127 PS) on premium evaluation gas.
