BMW E21 3 SERIES
It’s now 45 years since the original E21 replaced the much loved ’02, itself one of the two ranges that saved BMW. The Neue Klasse (New Class) four-doors of 1962 had taken BMW in a whole new direction, directly towards the likes of Alfa Romeo – moderately expensive but well-trimmed and brisk sporty saloons with high quality running gear and engines capable of more power than the likes of BMC and Rootes. If those Neue Klasse 1500 and 1600 saloons sold well, the smaller two door 1600 and 1600Ti cars based on a shorter wheelbase version of the same platform did even better, opening up the USA as well as Britain as big export markets.
The 1975 E21 3 Series was the next evolutionary step in the BMW master plan. Rivals Alfa Romeo and Lancia had both replaced their 1960s cars with bigger, heavier and more expensive models with much success, so BMW were going to do the same. The result was a car that was slightly bigger than the 2002, not quite as fast, not quite as good to hustle along but quieter, smoother riding, better on fuel and better looking inside and out, trading the somewhat boat like appearance of the 02 for something far more modern with a vastly improved interior.
If the monocoque bodyshell was all new, then so was the suspension although it followed the now standard BMW format of McPherson front struts and independent rear suspension with angled semi-trailing arms. However, the old steering box was replaced with a rack and pinion set up, BMW’s first use of this steering medium.
