Germany · German launch in July 1975; BMW Classic lists 320i production through 1982

BMW 320i (E21)

The first 3 Series in its fuel-injected launch form, with a compact body, rear-wheel drive and a cockpit that turned toward the driver.

Sports sedans

Exterior · Photo shows Exact E21 320i; year, German-market launch specification and trim details are unproven.. Exact E21 320i; year, German-market launch specification and trim details are unproven.
BMW 320i.jpg · FotoSleuth · CC BY 2.0

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A place in vehicle history

More than a set of wheels.

BMW presented the first 3 Series in July 1975 as the successor to the 02 series. All launch cars were two-door models; the 320i sat at the top of the initial four-cylinder range by adding fuel injection to its two-litre engine. Its crisp Paul Bracq-era shape, independent suspension and driver-angled dashboard established ideas that later 3 Series generations kept developing.

Look a little closer.

BMW's first 3 Series cockpit was visibly curved toward the driver—a small design choice that became a family signature.

Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.

Why the 320i mattered

The E21 range began with four-cylinder 316, 318, 320 and 320i models. The injected 320i was the performance leader among them: it kept the same compact two-door idea but gave the two-litre engine stronger, more precise fuel delivery. It should not be blended with the six-cylinder 320/6 that arrived later.

Source: BMW Group · 50 years of the BMW 3 Series ↗

A small car with sophisticated wheel control

BMW used MacPherson struts at the front and independently suspended trailing arms at the rear. That meant each rear wheel could react on its own instead of being tied to a solid axle, supporting the mix of ride comfort and agile handling that BMW advertised.

Source: BMW Group PressClub · Five generations of the BMW 3 Series ↗

Where these facts come from

Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 1, 2026.

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