First-generation 3 Series (E21, 1977–1983)
1977–1983 (US)
The first-generation 3 Series (E21) replaced the 02 Series and reached the US for 1977 as a two-door sport sedan. It established the compact, rear-drive, driver-focused formula the 3 Series has followed ever since, though it predates the M3 — there was no E21 M3.
Photo: “BMW 316-E21 Front-view” by Luc106 / Wikimedia Commons — Public domain. Cropped to 16:9.
1977–1983 (US)
Overview
The first-generation 3 Series (E21) replaced the 02 Series and reached the US for 1977 as a two-door sport sedan. It established the compact, rear-drive, driver-focused formula the 3 Series has followed ever since, though it predates the M3 — there was no E21 M3.
Milestones
Highlights
- Replaced the 2002 / 02 Series as BMW's compact sport sedan.
- Sold in the US from 1977, as a two-door sedan.
- Established the rear-drive 3 Series formula; no M3 was offered.
Model years in this generation
Browse scale models for this generation. Check each listing for its actual year, trim and scale.