1977 BMW 3 Series
First generation · E21 1977–1983
The original 3 Series — a two-door sport sedan that replaced the 02 Series (the 2002). US cars arrived for 1977; the E21 established the compact rear-drive BMW formula the line still follows.
The 1977 model year
Overview
The 3 Series reached the United States for 1977, replacing the beloved 02 Series (the 2002) as BMW's compact, rear-drive sport sedan. Early US E21s were two-door sedans powered by fuel-injected four-cylinder engines; the model established the formula — a small, driver-focused BMW saloon — the line has followed ever since.
Specifications
- Body styles
- 2-door sedan
Year over year
What changed
- US launch of the 3 Series, succeeding the 2002 / 02 Series.
- Sold as a two-door sport sedan with fuel-injected four-cylinder power.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- A 1970s BMW: rust and the condition of the fuel-injection and electrical systems are the chief concerns on survivors.
Worth knowing
Notable
- The first-ever 3 Series — the start of BMW's most important model line.
Sources
Other First generation years
Explore the E21 generation → All First generation · E21 years →