Interesting mini comparison from Auto Bild of the first three generations (E21, E30 and E36) of the most well know luxury sports compact saloon in the world, the BMW 3-series - Rolf
40 years BMW 3: comparison of three generations
Which BMW 3 Series is the best?
For 40 years of the BMW 3 Series proves that good things come in three. Here is the test of three generations: Which 3-Bayer is right for you?
Oldtimer, Youngtimer, classics of tomorrow: The first three generations of the BMW 3 Series cover the entire age range, from E21 to E30 through E36 to. While early copies of the compact sports sedan long in lovers Garage Parking, be late as before - hard to believe - burned as cheap winter mileage. We ask: What connects the BMW of three decades? And what makes them different?
The original model E21
The cockpit with the driver angled center console is for BMW specialty.
E21: Compact size, high agility and low power to weight ratio - an everyday classic.
Since even the original model E21. It breathes still felt the spirit of Nullzwo. Handy size, thin roof pillars and large glass surfaces form a refreshing contrast program for automotive Present Time. The 3 Series seems to shout: Welcome to the '70s, as the ashtrays were allowed to be large and the seats not blaming pinched even burly driver built in the butt. Even the entry-level model 316 comes to hardly feel that you missed something. Under its hood lies the proven four-cylinder of 02, less compacted, however, and so suitable for the time still available regular gasoline, something more powerful and with automatic choke.
Since the Ur-3 weighs only slightly more than one ton, 90 HP will have no trouble. Gas commands sets the 1800s spontaneously into propulsion, draws already heartily in the basement and submit speed increases continuously. Unfortunately, even the noise.Today, the power, particularly in the highway noticeable. Again and again catch yourself doing that right hand twitching for shifter and pokes after the fifth. It gave him an extra charge, but the henna red test car from 1980 has not him.Curves circled the E21 with distinct body roll, a consequence of the over the 02 more comfort-oriented design. But he spurt safe and can also be used with brisk gas not bring calm. Who wanted to see in the rearview mirror, as the tail starts overtaking, already had access to 320i or, better yet, the top model 323i.
With the E30 begin 80
Neat place to work the E30, here with sport steering wheel from the options list.
E30: dual headlights are from the second generation 3er not a privilege of the great engines more
The change in the successor E30 puts us in the 80s: all very factual here. The Cockpit landscape is smoothed and not as rugged as ever. As before, however, dominates the impression of a dainty compact automobile, without the feeling of space would be cause for complaint. Rear only one may, as in the predecessor, not necessarily go on long trips. The M20 six-cylinder the virgin test car from the BMW Classic fleet expires immediately into a warm, sonorous idle. He Untenrum effort, the 316 to stay on the heels. Only beyond 3500 tours comes life to the place. But he may rotate yes! Melodic zooms the 3 from curve to curve, and be playful, to the limit slightly oversteering out deliberate handling can be immediately and unequivocally assign the BMW brand, even without the white and blue propeller in mind.
Leap into the 90s
E36: The double kidney grille at the bow goes through the years in the width, the chromium is always less.
Has the E36 also still in a bad mood? He is finally much more difficult. A clear answer: Yes! At least when the right engine is beneath the hood. As the third 3 Series 1990 comes onto the market, a six-cylinder engine in the compact sedan dress is still something fine. In moreagrünen test car of 1999, the 170-hp 2.5-liter edition, deep stacks whose type figure when Displacement works. A cream Engine! Although it takes some time until the eyes have become accustomed to the cry-color interior, but then you want to snap only the shift knob through the corridors, relish wag his surefooted suspension on the country roads of the Alpine foothills and cuddle in the deep-pile carpet of sound, to the famose Reihensechser ties. What, you want a nearly 20-year-old Used to be? No, guys, here is the next classic at the start!
Paul Bracq design styling sketch of first 3-series.
Production line in Aug 1977 showing the 3-series built alongside older 1502 (right).
BMW first one million vehicle: May 1981 BMW 323i
1980 E21 316
E21 interior and dash
M20 Six cylinder E30 320i.
E30 interior
E21 top model, six cylinder M20 powered 323i.
E30 service interval indicator
E30 check control panel with various warning lights.
1999 E36 BMW 323i six cylinder
More modern cockpit and interior of E36
Rare (only 209 built) E21 Alpine B6 2.8, using modified 528i engine with 218PS and 229km/h top speed.
Baur TC1 built half cabrio, 1981 E21 323i models
Baur also built TC2 half cabrio version of E30 323i in 1980's.
The 4-door E30 3-series was introduced in Oct 1983, nearly one year after the 2-door model.
The unique South African built 1985-1987 E30 333i, used a six-cylinder from the 733i, only 204 were built.
In 1985 BMW introduced the full cabrio version of the E30 3-series.
BMW introduced the 200PS, 2.3 4-cylinder M3 in 1986 in response to the very popular Mercedes 190E 2.3-16.
BMW produced just 600 examples of the 238PS 1990 Sport Evo BMW M3
The stylish E36 3-series coupe was introduced in March 1992
BMW introduced the cabrio version of the E36 3-series in 1993.
BMW M3 was introduced in 1992 as a coupe with 286PS, 3.0 inline six. In 1994 the saloon and cabrio followed. In 1995 a new engine with 321PS and 3.2ltr displacement replaced the previous 3.0ltr.
40 years BMW 3: comparison of three generations
Which BMW 3 Series is the best?
For 40 years of the BMW 3 Series proves that good things come in three. Here is the test of three generations: Which 3-Bayer is right for you?
Oldtimer, Youngtimer, classics of tomorrow: The first three generations of the BMW 3 Series cover the entire age range, from E21 to E30 through E36 to. While early copies of the compact sports sedan long in lovers Garage Parking, be late as before - hard to believe - burned as cheap winter mileage. We ask: What connects the BMW of three decades? And what makes them different?
The original model E21
The cockpit with the driver angled center console is for BMW specialty.
E21: Compact size, high agility and low power to weight ratio - an everyday classic.
Since even the original model E21. It breathes still felt the spirit of Nullzwo. Handy size, thin roof pillars and large glass surfaces form a refreshing contrast program for automotive Present Time. The 3 Series seems to shout: Welcome to the '70s, as the ashtrays were allowed to be large and the seats not blaming pinched even burly driver built in the butt. Even the entry-level model 316 comes to hardly feel that you missed something. Under its hood lies the proven four-cylinder of 02, less compacted, however, and so suitable for the time still available regular gasoline, something more powerful and with automatic choke.
Since the Ur-3 weighs only slightly more than one ton, 90 HP will have no trouble. Gas commands sets the 1800s spontaneously into propulsion, draws already heartily in the basement and submit speed increases continuously. Unfortunately, even the noise.Today, the power, particularly in the highway noticeable. Again and again catch yourself doing that right hand twitching for shifter and pokes after the fifth. It gave him an extra charge, but the henna red test car from 1980 has not him.Curves circled the E21 with distinct body roll, a consequence of the over the 02 more comfort-oriented design. But he spurt safe and can also be used with brisk gas not bring calm. Who wanted to see in the rearview mirror, as the tail starts overtaking, already had access to 320i or, better yet, the top model 323i.
With the E30 begin 80
Neat place to work the E30, here with sport steering wheel from the options list.
E30: dual headlights are from the second generation 3er not a privilege of the great engines more
The change in the successor E30 puts us in the 80s: all very factual here. The Cockpit landscape is smoothed and not as rugged as ever. As before, however, dominates the impression of a dainty compact automobile, without the feeling of space would be cause for complaint. Rear only one may, as in the predecessor, not necessarily go on long trips. The M20 six-cylinder the virgin test car from the BMW Classic fleet expires immediately into a warm, sonorous idle. He Untenrum effort, the 316 to stay on the heels. Only beyond 3500 tours comes life to the place. But he may rotate yes! Melodic zooms the 3 from curve to curve, and be playful, to the limit slightly oversteering out deliberate handling can be immediately and unequivocally assign the BMW brand, even without the white and blue propeller in mind.
Leap into the 90s
E36: The double kidney grille at the bow goes through the years in the width, the chromium is always less.
Has the E36 also still in a bad mood? He is finally much more difficult. A clear answer: Yes! At least when the right engine is beneath the hood. As the third 3 Series 1990 comes onto the market, a six-cylinder engine in the compact sedan dress is still something fine. In moreagrünen test car of 1999, the 170-hp 2.5-liter edition, deep stacks whose type figure when Displacement works. A cream Engine! Although it takes some time until the eyes have become accustomed to the cry-color interior, but then you want to snap only the shift knob through the corridors, relish wag his surefooted suspension on the country roads of the Alpine foothills and cuddle in the deep-pile carpet of sound, to the famose Reihensechser ties. What, you want a nearly 20-year-old Used to be? No, guys, here is the next classic at the start!
Paul Bracq design styling sketch of first 3-series.
Production line in Aug 1977 showing the 3-series built alongside older 1502 (right).
BMW first one million vehicle: May 1981 BMW 323i
1980 E21 316
E21 interior and dash
M20 Six cylinder E30 320i.
E30 interior
E21 top model, six cylinder M20 powered 323i.
E30 service interval indicator
E30 check control panel with various warning lights.
1999 E36 BMW 323i six cylinder
More modern cockpit and interior of E36
Rare (only 209 built) E21 Alpine B6 2.8, using modified 528i engine with 218PS and 229km/h top speed.
Baur TC1 built half cabrio, 1981 E21 323i models
Baur also built TC2 half cabrio version of E30 323i in 1980's.
The 4-door E30 3-series was introduced in Oct 1983, nearly one year after the 2-door model.
The unique South African built 1985-1987 E30 333i, used a six-cylinder from the 733i, only 204 were built.
In 1985 BMW introduced the full cabrio version of the E30 3-series.
BMW introduced the 200PS, 2.3 4-cylinder M3 in 1986 in response to the very popular Mercedes 190E 2.3-16.
BMW produced just 600 examples of the 238PS 1990 Sport Evo BMW M3
The stylish E36 3-series coupe was introduced in March 1992
BMW introduced the cabrio version of the E36 3-series in 1993.
BMW M3 was introduced in 1992 as a coupe with 286PS, 3.0 inline six. In 1994 the saloon and cabrio followed. In 1995 a new engine with 321PS and 3.2ltr displacement replaced the previous 3.0ltr.
