Driving the First BMW 3 Series (E21 BMW 320/6)

In the 3 Series, BMW created a dynasty of recognisable and immensely successful compact executive saloons. And from 1975 - here's the original - the BMW E21 that started it all, complete with its six-cylinder engine and manual gearbox.
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[@Mancozeb100]

Poetry in Motion ! Both your narration and the car. That 6-cylinder is so sweet. Ok - They usually are - and that one, is pure honey. Great review, Ed.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂

[@kim007250]

Please take a 10/10 for that comprehensive review Sir.

[@TwinCam]

Very kind of you, thank you 🙂

[@gerardfitzpatrick4245]

100%

[@GentilsGarage]

Not only this is the best E21 video around, it's the best BMW video about what defined BMW for decades and how it started. It's very easy for anyone just to read books and repeat on camera, but the way Ed does his research and then puts everything into perspective and context, makes for a very captivating videos. 11/10 from me.

[@TwinCam]

Ah that's tremendously kind of you to say my friend :)

[@dappergent9422]

Our friends across the pond could lean a thing or two on how to narrate a car video from this man.

[@AutistCat]

I have to praise the presentation and broadcasting skills you’ve developed over a short period of time. Brilliant job, mate.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@shankarbalan3813]

these old BMWs and Mercedes are the pinnacle of mechanical engineering. Nowadays most cars are the same save for the badges. Thanks Ed as usual for the informative video.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always mate :)

[@Lar308]

A master class in how to make a classic car review video and with a superb vehicle to do it with.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Again a presentation that’s up to BBC-quality. What you do is so well made that it’s impressing. It’s of broadcast quality in pictures and narration. So well done 😊👌

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Kasper, that's incredibly kind of you to say :)

[@HTMLEXP]

Content on Twin Cam is better than anything car-related that the BBC have put out since the early 1990s to be honest.

[@richardhaywoodh]

I was lucky enough back in 1983 to have a rare 4 cylinder 320i fuel injection model, it was a 1976 right hand drive but imported in 1978 so was as S rather than N reg. Black with fantastic folding britax sunroof, Smiths servo glide electric windows, cross spoke slloys and Martini Stripes, what a great car that was....

[@encoreunefois1X]

I couldn't stand my stepfather, but as a 12 year old I volunteered to wash his 323i so I could sit in the driver's seat and admire the whole thing up close. Excellent review T-C.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend :)

[@staceys1208]

These things sold like hotcakes in California in the early 80s. They were the symbol of the new Yuppie class. At least in the US, it was the e21 that solidified BMW's image as a quality, sporting car. For BMW in the 70s and 80s, to make a volleyball analogy, the 2002 caught the volley from the opposing team, the e21 set up the perfect shot, and the e30 was the forceful spike over the net. My uncle bought a 320i in 1980, and it got passed down through the family and now I have it.

[@jimsimpson1006]

Another great review. Being a young lad back in the early 1970s, I can tell you that BMWs were a very rare sight on the roads then.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Jim 🙂

[@jameskrell4392]

I had a 316, 323, 520 and then a 320. After that I left buying BMW but planed to return to them, I never did and now I don’t even like modern BMW's. In the days I had a BMW they stood out but not in a in your face way, they where disitctly stylish and then when you drove one it was a great rewarding experience. To tour in a BMW was a great experience and memorable. Something I didn’t feel again until I drove an Alfa Romeo in 2012. I’m British but in my experience the reason why men in particular where fixated on Ford and Vauxhall was that their fathers bought them. Different times that are hard to belive by those that weren’t there. You folowed the football team your father suported, you drunk the beer your father drunk, you ate the food that your father ate and you suported the same political party your father supported. If you were working class anyway. I had it said to me more times then I can remember why do you want to buy that rubbish (BMW) hard to belive now but thats how it was. I did have a Mercede’s between the 323 and the 520 but I never warmed to them. My father was Mercede’s until the day he died after leaving Ford behind in the mid 1970’s. His background was engineering so there was probaly a link there. Previous to the BMW’s I had owned a Citroen GS, great driving car but rusted terribly, A Peugeot 304, rare in Britain then with comfy upholstery and a metal sun roof as standard and then a 504 Ti, another great car. All these I toured in, great times.

[@woofcity6307]

I totally agree with you about the old Bmw’s and my dad and I were the same way. I really do miss those times. It was something special honestly. Now the whole excitement of motoring is pretty much gone like every car is the same! I still have an old e30 but now I drive Toyota Lexus and like they’re just super reliable but the new BMWs just don’t even remind me of anything and the modern drivers now have no respect or interested in the legacy of the company. So it’s just another object it doesn’t feel special anymore.

[@BarryHWhite]

same

[@richardhaywoodh]

Your review style is great researched & eloquent, nice nostalgic review for a car I previously owned & enjoyed as a daily driver

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Richard, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@roberttaylor6295]

Ed you have lost none of your engaging, beguiling enthusiasm both in your driving style and your brilliant, resched knowledge and presentation, made so much more genuine by the lack of an auto cue! We share a love of 6 bangers but in all my many cars through owned, plus competition and testing motors I have not had the pleasure of a BMW, but from you description of this one, with is soft and easy performance I am sure it would suit me being an old codger yet exuding some semblance of sportiness by its name and company reputation. Thanks as ever for the continued reviews you do, and I wish you continued success, health and happiness 'cos that's what you give to we loyal fans, as well as knowledge and unbeatable en😊tertainment.! Rob

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always Rob :)

[@brianwhelan5382]

I had a 320 in the 80s, it definitely stood out but it was expensive to run and needed repairs constantly. The BMW was an aspirational car and cars were relatively expensive in the 80s while houses were 30K Euro! In Ireland young fellas basically worked for their car and insurance was astronomical. My first car was a Ford Anglia which was 19 years old which I bought for IR£25, the insurance was IR£440!

[@plym1969]

Brilliant review of an iconic car. Great stuff Ed!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Philip 🙂

[@damianrodd7821]

Had three of these .. a 320/6 and a couple of targa’s .. still the smoothest thing I’ve ever driven in its class .. wonderful work .

[@f.d.robben159]

Nice video, well done! I practically grew up in the back seat of a Ford P7b with the Cologne V6. I loved it, but when my aunt drove up in her new 323i at the end of the 70s and she took me for a spin, I was thrilled. The sound, the power and yet compact and agile. I was only ten, but that this little BMW was something very special did not remain hidden from me. And then there were these two exhaust pipes, which showed everyone restrainedly but unmistakably: ".... Don't even try!"

[@Rjhs001]

Hi Ed. I've said it before, but your presentation, editing...everything really, just goes from strength to strength. This was a great video about an amazing car and you totally did it justice. Cheers.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@amgguy4319]

In high school my friend's dad, a medical doctor, bought a stick-shift model. He allowed me to drive it. It really was amazing at the time, everything about the feel and way it drove was great.

[@oscarsnr]

Great car, great commentary

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Oscar :)

[@davidgibson4840]

Why you only have 53k subscribers is a mystery to me

[@TwinCam]

I'm very thankful for all 53,000 of you!

[@warrenny]

Great video. As so many have said, excellent presentation. The few vehicles I have driven with no power steering were not fun to park.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always mate :) Honestly, I've never found a non-PAS car that I've found difficult at low speeds. Of course, many need more effort, but it's not unpleasant or unexpected. This is the first one!

[@dirkleroy]

Wonderful presentation of BMW's history over the past decades and of the first 3-series which crafted the modern-day future of BMW.

[@21stcenturyozman20]

Yet another top-class video from TwinCam! I had a 1983 318i (a leased work vehicle). While it was a great little city car, it had two shortcomings: * a 3-speed auto box - an absolute no-no on four cylinders! - and * aircon (good). Trouble was, if one was climbing a hill - even a mild one - with the aircon running, one had almost to pedal like Fred Flintstone to get the damn thing moving respectably. Paul Bracq was a design genius! I have been privileged to own numerous Bracq-designed Benzes, including that which is generally regarded as his Meisterstück, the W112 300 SE coupé. A few years ago, when I was into publishing, a mutual friend suggested that I ghost-write / publish Bracq's biography, which would have entailed my staying for some time with PB in Bordeaux. I was close to arranging appropriate travel (from AU) when PB - like many elderly folk facing their biography - got cold feet. His reasoning was "Once my life is in a book, that book must come to an end - and so might I". Of course, I was bitterly disappointed at missing out on such an opportunity, but those be the breaks. PS: That proposed Neue Klasse @ 24:38 suffers severe kidney disease! Yuk yuk yuk!

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Didn't he also do Turbo Concept, inspiration for Giugiaro M1?

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always mate :) Honestly, I can't imagine anyone in the right mind would privately order a three-speed automatic one of these! Paul Bracq's Mercedes-Benzes are utterly stupendous. While the E12 and E21 are timeless in their own right, there's something universal and hewn from granite about his work at Stuttgart that's visible from the very first glance. As for the Neue Klasse concept, I understand your point, but it doesn't offend me. In my view, it's as if they've gone back to the wide-grilled of old, but just removed the chrome edges of the kidneys in the centre. Yes that makes it wide and rather aggressive, but it's far less offensive than the current 4er, 5er, and 7er are!

[@21stcenturyozman20]

@@TwinCam "I can't imagine anyone in the right mind would privately order a three-speed automatic one of these!” Agreed! But I was at the mercy of my employer’s buyer, who cheaped out by leasing a showroom demonstrator. Re the Neue Klasse concept being far less offensive than the current 4er, 5er, and 7er - I do agree with you. But everything is relative, eh.

[@woofcity6307]

I’ve had an E30 since 1987 and I still have it with 242,000 miles on it. The engines never been taken apart. I won’t lie. I spent a fortune on maintaining it over the years but at this point, it’s pretty amazing and it’s just like this review. Mine is the 2.7l eta - which is much maligned, but mine is completely clean and rennovated and it pulls up to 110mph (as fast as i’ve ever experimented) - i’ve never maxed it out. Big thing in these is you Have to get new clean injectors and make sure you have spec fuel pressure and no vacuum leaks. If you don’t, don’t bother, you’ll get weak performance. It’s got to be 100% - but if you can maintain that - it’s a beautiful drive.

[@anthonystevens8683]

Another top video Ed. I drove one of these in the 80's and to be honest my first impressions were not great, it was not that well equipped as far as cabin was concerned at the time. It felt a tad utilitarian but after driving it I had a grin from ear to ear. That refinement and function just flowed through and I think that this era for BMW was one of the best, keeping that great balance of function and form. The car did exactly what it was told to do. Many thanks for sharing.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Anthony :) That's where they spent the money - there wasn't any left for flashy bits!

[@jefferysmith3930]

Fantastic review, Ed. In 1983, my dad had a a ‘78 US spec 320is. Great car. 4 cylinder fuel injection, 5 speed, sunroof, a/c and Recaro seats. I loved that car. I will most likely never own one, but definitely a car that would be in my dream car garage

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Jeffery :)

[@robybabe4461]

Loved my 320...Beautiful sounding straight 6

[@fhwolthuis]

Well done, Ed! Another excellent video and beautiful motorcar ❤

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always mate :)

[@edwardm9788]

Ripper bonza narrative and video.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Edward :)

[@russellhammond4373]

Great history lesson - much appreciated. And the E21 BMW 320/6 in manual about as close to perfect you can get.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Russell :)

[@49commander]

Great Job, I love those older Cloth Interiors on German cars! It wore like iron doesn't get all dried out and cracked like leather does in most of the US! Plus its just far more comfortable on long drives! You cannot beat a good manual steering car I say! Oh, the US Supreme Court just made a ruling that could see most if not all EV car mandates ruled unconstitutional! Plus Electricity rates in the US are soaring now too! The next 10 years should be interesting for cars!

[@TwinCam]

I love the interior, but I can't say I agree. I commented on the brilliance of the finish and the solidity of the dashboard, but I was careful to not complement the seats on the same point as I've seen countless E21s with horribly torn seats. In the E30s, it seems endemic!

[@vapsa56]

I was stationed in the Netherlands in 1985 to 88. My first car was a 1977 E21 316 4-speed manual in gun metal gray. I loved at car.

[@e28forever30]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane Ed! My dad had a friend who owned an E21 with the M20 engine in the eighties. Still remember sitting in the back seat, admiring the cockpit style dashboard, highly enjoying that sweet sound. Right then, as a ten year old boy, I gained massive respect for these cars. Seventies and eighties BMW’s were simply awesome. I’m glad to own a piece of that history in the form of an E28.

[@TheInstructor66]

Bravo!🙌🏻 Your presentations getting better and better. I been driving both 02’s and 3 and 5-series from this era. The 5 was the polite one, but the 02 was the most fun. The 3 was something in between.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@careycummings9999]

Ed, this brings back the most pleasant memories. I had an 81 320/6, and it was one of the best cars I've ever owned. It was a real rarity here in the states, mine having been brought over by a military person. It had alot of miles on it, but was still amazing. I wound up putting a 2.3 block in it, as well as some nice wheels and tires, Bilstein sway bars, as well as really good Hakkapilletta winter tires on the original BBS/Mahle alloy 13" wheels. I still miss it. Excellent presentation as usual. Keep up the great work.

[@P.Galore]

Totally enjoyed your presentation. Thank You

[@TwinCam]

Thank you 🙂

[@The-Rectifier]

1979....I did rebuild a darkgreen( metalic) 323i. Drove it nearly 2 years. Can't forget the sound of this 6 pack inline . Absolutely an ear orgasm 😂 Only the (weak ) head gasket did bring constantly problems .Replaced them...million times on several 323i😢

[@RajuPalat-qy9gm]

Absolutely absolutely superb presentations. Thank you

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂

[@davidhinkson8856]

I just love the simplicity of this first gen 3-series and it really looks like a natural evolution of the 2002 that preceded it. As usual, a well put together video that shows your passion for the cars you feature.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks David :)

[@nicklisoire]

Excellent review! Very professional and informative narrative on a truly fantastic vehicle. Keep it up

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Brilliant review of a great car Thank you

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Jonathon :)

[@frankb5603]

I look back on that era of BMW with great affection. So much better to drive than anything else on the road. The only other car to come close would be the Audi 80GT.

[@TwinCam]

I'd very much like to drive some old Audis.

[@Rouxenator]

Excellent review that does the car justice. This might sound like heresy, but that straight six sounds kinda like my 999cc 3-cyl Corsa. Doubtful there will be any of the later around in 40 years time.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :) No not as far as I'm concerned. Three pots sound delicious, and multiples sound similar, so three and six naturally will have a similarity. It's just the smoothness they lack!

[@chrispark4310]

I agree with everybody, your presentation is excellent. As per the e21….what a car for those who have known them. I would buy one today!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Chris :)

[@pdunn1871]

great review thanks

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend 🙂

[@ernestomorales2487]

Great review my friend, and yes the e21-6 is a great car!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks 🙂

[@jbrown7403]

My compliments, good sir! As an owner of 4 BMWs over the years (including a 325i in the late 80s and currently a F82 M4), I appreciate your thorough review and history lesson! Cheers from Austin, Texas! 👍🏁🍻

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend, very kind of you to say :)

[@ghuff31]

I picked one up for $800 in 1993 and drove it all over Germany. My wife looked at it with some suspicion but, three years later, she was trying to get me to take it with us back to the States! Such a great little car.

[@abersnat]

My second car. My first car was a Renault 17 coupe. But i truly loved that first beemer!

[@exgtt2061]

My Dad had a 323i back in the 90’s, it looked ancient then compared to all the new rounded cars from all manufacturers but we both didn’t care - it growled like no other car on the street. DUB18Y. Affectionately known as Dubby, it was a sort of sport spec in all but name. Factory BBS cross spokes, deeper front chin spoiler, small rear boot spoiler. The car was Opel Green. Was very reliable in the 8 or so years of ownership, it needed a head rebuild at about 80k, due to worn valve stem seals but never left us stranded.

[@davidgamper6726]

the first 5- series, the E12, was the illustrious predecessor of the 3-series E21. I never drove one but thought they looked nice, just out of my budget at the time. I liked the E3 saloons even more, which came out in 1968

[@SeanAHarding]

Well this was very entertaining and enjoyable to watch. I have owned an e46, e90 and now F30 320i. Watching this was very interesting and it would be fascinating to drive the e21 and the difference.

[@DavidMorley]

I had a similar version in a darker green. I believe it had a 4 speed box which was great. Rusty but it went like a bat out of hell. And in the wet it was a serious handful. But it replaced a Beetle so it was incredible in comparison.

[@wouterkolkman]

The car I passed my driving test in, late 70s:-)

[@Kampfmesser89]

Really well done video. I own a 79 320i (north American model), definitely not a straight line speedster but a fantastic driver.

[@timcarpenter2441]

Was and still is a handsome and timeless car. Being driven in one - a 316 - vs the staple cars of my youth in 1982 was night and day.

[@user-yd7ni9nn7x]

Good clip

[@alanwayte432]

My late Father traded his Rover SDI after six disappointing months of constant problems for this exact car, same colour and interior, he then drove BMWs until his passing in 2016..

[@lash9400]

The very first BMW I drove was a mates X reg 316, 30 years ago. I still remember how refined it was and confident it drove even though it was a bogo BMW. Many years later I bought an old 1970 2002. Once I sorted the suspension and engine I realized what all the fuss was with the 02 series. I still regret letting it go. 😢

[@robertkimber822]

Great video. I remember the arrival of BMW as a real force in the car market and the creation of their mystique. I also remember later, in the 80s, when BMW UK weren't happy about used Bimmers showing up on council estates. I'm a recent convert to the marque, having just bought a 430i and loving it. You do get used to the big nose, honest. I hope the company rethinks the radical change and electrification of the 3-Series, given the experience the Mercedes and their EQ debacle.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

BMW electrifying entire range, only manufacturer offering ICE, BEV, PHEV, Diesel, hydrogen.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Robert :)

[@TwinCam]

What Hydrogen car does BMW produce now?

[@geoffwalker7530]

Had the identical model mid 80s, beautiful build quality, shows how far BMW have sunk since! To take off the rose tinted glasses a bit, they drank fuel nearly as much as the XJS I had later, and that soft damping was dangerous if pushed too hard, the rear end would snap out violently, driving in snow was lethal. Don't agree with the steering, I thought slightly heavy but beautifully precise and I wouldn't have changed it!

[@TwinCam]

I have to say, the fuel consumption issue is undoubtedly a problem rather than how they are. And as for the oversteer, that's not a problem with soft suspension, it's a simple geometry limitation of the semi-trailing arm suspension. You just need to drive with it in mind and not panic when cornering!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I would love to have a BMW 2002. The 3 Series you're driving is one of the last body styles that I really like

[@marcdelaunay1]

I had one in the nineties exactly like that but its fuel tank was knackered so got rid but I,loved that engine and car. 😅

[@calbackk]

Thank you for a very well narrated review. I had an 1982 323i from 1984 to 87. I liked it a lot, but it was not the best car for winter conditions. It would have needed the kind of differential brake that was sold as an after market product.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks 🙂

[@peterthwaites5891]

As ever a perfectly presented and well researched video of a car which in it`s day, and even now was the envy of many, sadly today BMW have lost their way especially in terms of design...

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Peter, very kind of you 🙂

[@unowen-nh9ov]

BMW haven't been expanding for 60 years by repeating themselves.

[@TwinCam]

They did for the first 40 years or so. It's only in expanding downmarket that they've changed their philosophies.

[@andrewcooney2387]

Good video and I also note all of the modern cars you've driving past, they have no character, they don't stand out at all.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Andrew 🙂

[@michaeltutty1540]

Very interesting and informative as always, Ed. When you were talking about torque, and the lack thereof at low revs, you hit on why I never cared for the driving characteristics of the BMW engine. I was used to large, understressed V8 pushrod engines that never needed to work hard or strain to get the party started. The revs needed for proper torque delivery burned fuel like it was going out of style. My 2 ton yank tanks with 5.7 or 5.8 litre engines and 3 speed automatic gearboxes matched or bettered the fuel economy of the revvy little 6 while also being faster on the road. Now, of course, i would not touch any new car. The myth of BMW handling has been put to rest for me as well.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always Michael :)

[@robertcambareri1028]

I would rather drive this 320 any day compared to any new BMW. They are too bloated, and filled with too many gizmos that I am not interested in, and will end up costing much hard earned $ or Euros to repair. This was a great review of this iconic car. Great job.

[@thomash2806]

There’s a surprising amount of gear whine in first. Gearboxes have come along!

[@TwinCam]

Very true, though I do like the whine!

[@kramnam4716]

The next gen 320i auto is the sweet spot

[@gilesusher8191]

BMW - early 70s to mid 80s. Mercedes mid 60s to late 80s. When both of them were at their zenith.

[@mrkeopele]

i didn't know there were 4 and 6 cylinder 2 liter engines, thank you

[@colrhodes377]

I had a 3 series for a while, and although I acknowledge that it's a fabulous car, it really made my arse ache on a long trip.

[@TwinCam]

It's a truly underrated part of vehicle development, seat technology. While many older cars have comfier seats, they aren't designed for long-distance driving sat in the same position. Many modern car seats initially feel worse, but they often bolster better and have padding to reduce that fatigue over long distances.

[@jehib8533]

If you think that the ribbed black plastic between the rear lights is bland, remember that it was originally brought out without even that in 1975, with just naked metal between the lights. The black plastic was only added a few months into production due to costumer demand. Few early 3 series without the black plastic survive because most owners added it later on - that is, if the hadn't already painted the area black themselves (some even went further and restyled the rear end by putting the number plate between the lights).

[@ElTio.45-70]

Some replaced that black panel with reflective red one.

[@TwinCam]

Yes absolutely, though for some reason I do appreciate the simplicity of the non-blacked out rear panel.

[@jagboy69]

The 320 was a 4 banger here in the states. I've owned both and preferred it with the 6.

[@TwinCam]

Of course, yes. But I can absolutely imagine the six is nicer - the sonority and smoothness they produce is dreamy.

[@richardhaywoodh]

​​​@@TwinCamI didn't want the 6cyl 320i or 323i, the 4cyl 320i fuel injection was not far off the pace of the 323i but far simpler mechanically, I changed the 4cyl water pump in 15 minutes and cost me £30 in 1982, 30+ mpg as well

[@TwinCam]

I wouldn't even entertain the idea of a four if a six is otherwise available. It's not about pace, it's about refinement and enjoyment. That's why I have a petrol six in my E46 rather than a diesel four.

[@mournfulmaurice2009]

Just one tiny thing: it' s as far as I know not the Hoffmeister Kinck but the Hoffmeister Knick. Knick is german for a bend and that's what it does. Otherwise great video and grea cars, all kinds of uncles and friends had them during my childhood - born in '67 😆👍🏻

[@TwinCam]

It works either way!

[@BarryHWhite]

20:06 perfect backdrop for the E21

[@artureff3046]

Great 6-cyl and we were young.....

[@Nick10407]

The 320 was one car that I missed. My mother had a Triumph Dolomite that needed replacing. My suggestion was a 320. I thought that was a suitable replacement :) however she ended up with a company car, a Triumph Acclaim :( I never got to drive a 3 series, but I did try my uncles original One series a 116 that drives in a very similar way. Without too much power to restrain the handing was very sweet.

[@TwinCam]

The Acclaim is a car I'd really like to create a video about. Such a fascinating car when taken in all its context before and after.

[@Nick10407]

@@TwinCam The Acclaim is only interesting from an industrial aspect. It probably saved BL at the time. As a car its dull. The saving grace was reliability and proving that the UK workforce could build a car properly.

[@TwinCam]

@Nick10407 Absolutely - that’s the point!

[@daleywhaley]

I had this one in this colour the axle went and it was beyond economic repair. I'm still heartbroken 20 years after.

[@richardhaywoodh]

Yup I had the rare 4cyl 320i 1976 in 1982 and still miss it now! Black with Martini stripes, amazing Britax folding sunroof, Smiths servoglide electric windows and cross spoke alloys, very rapid as well as being a delight to drive..

[@Pat-Mustard-w7s]

Friend of mine had the 320 , straight six. Ran like a sewing machine…really sweet engine.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Apparently it was 150% of their I4, why their corporate HQ is 4 cyls.

[@Pat-Mustard-w7s]

@@unowen-nh9ov Eh?

[@TwinCam]

I'm not sure what you mean?

[@Pat-Mustard-w7s]

@@TwinCam Me or the other guy ?

[@TwinCam]

Sorry, the other guy!

[@tombrehony6277]

Has that got a 5 speed gearbox. Great video

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Tom, and yes it does :)

[@2rocship]

Nice Vredestein Quatrac all season tyres fitted. Just put some 155/80r13 on my car (can you guess what car?)

[@richardhaywoodh]

The 1976 320i 4cylinder was the first Fuel Injected E21, I had one in the UK

[@TwinCam]

Yes of course, somehow slipped my mind that you could get both a carb and injected 320/4.

[@richardhaywoodh]

The 4cyl 2.0 was gutless compared to the 4cy 2.0 bosch fuel injected 320i a real flying machine when you wanted it to be only a 4 speed manual though​@@TwinCam

[@geoffcrisp7225]

Still miss that six cylinder engine note, especially when running next to a wall. My early 1990's 320i auto proved thirsty and unreliable with the Getrag auto box failing at under 40K miles. BMW offered a refurbished unit with an allowance for repair costs, but that failed after a further 20K. My motoring then was mostly business motorway driving; I am not hard on a car, but I am a press on driver. It was a BMW approved used car but think the car wasn't well treated before I purchased it despite a fsh. I have driven BMW's for 24 years and wouldn't drive anything else. My current 320i auto Grand Coupe is a superb car.

[@jameshamlyn4172]

You forgot the isetta. Without it there would have been no 700. I had a 79 320iS here in Canada. I bought it used in 90 or 91. It was a wonderful driving car. The S package here gave you 13” BBS wheels. Recaro seats and some other bits and bobs. The 1.8 4 banger I remember was lively but not fast.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Isetta was Italian Iso made under license & 700 was motorcycle engine.

[@TwinCam]

The Isetta really wasn't a saviour. They were popular for a short period, but they aged horribly quickly both in an engineering sense and a regulation sense. Plus, it wasn't a BMW design to start with. They got the rights when they were panicking about financial oblivion!

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

Nice vid but always find it a surprise when BMW history's covered without a mention of their core 2 wheeler output. i remember a review in either the (London) Standard or Evening News soon after the I6 320 launch - late 77/early 78 - and the reviewer thought it ok but largely unremarkable and very expensive - and that square style was nicer than the '02 but it was very much Euro-box only slightly updated from the 60s

[@unowen-nh9ov]

BMW were smart, hired '60's Mercedes designer Paul Bracq to give them a corporate look, iconic 1 sausage 3 sizes, didn't change until Bangle arrived.

[@TwinCam]

Of course, BMWs motorcycles were the centre of their business, but car and motorcycle operations were kept somewhat independent, so the former's success doesn't have much to do with the latter. As such, it's just not relevant to mention.

[@TwinCam]

Chris Bangle's a funny subject - one for a future video I'm sure - because his influence is both under- and overstated. The first generation of cars he oversaw were the gorgeous E38, E39, and E46. In fact, the E46 was all his own work, yet it's a triumph of elegant sporting design. It's only later as more radical minds came to join him at BMW did things morph into the 'Bangle style' we know.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

That first 3 is so appealing. I like the Bavaria too - don't know what it was called in Europe.

[@TwinCam]

Badged by engine capacity.

[@peterwoodhead2569]

I love nearly everything about that car, design and execution are superb especially for the era, but the soft suspension and trailing arm rear suspension could make them lethal on the limit, an Opel Ascona/Manta inferior in almost every other way and with a live rear axle would run rings around it when driven hard, otherwise extremely desirable.

[@VinDieselS70]

The 2000 Touring, which I had from 1984 until 2005 had a much better look. And was so much more advanced with its 50/50 split flat foldable rear seats than any Golf until the MK2 Golf.

[@TwinCam]

Totally agree - the 02 Touring was by far the best version. The only reason I didn’t mention it was because the E21 was only available as the saloon.

[@VinDieselS70]

@@TwinCam yeah, fair enough and I can see why. I do know the 4 cylinder E10 engine had chain driven camshaft as did the 4 pot in the 3 series. But didn't know the 6 cylinder had a belt.

[@TwinCam]

Yes, the M20 being belt driven undoubtedly counts towards its smoothness, but it’s an unusual trait for a BMW engine.

[@jeremywentworth1833]

My Dad bought an X reg 323i early 80s he only bought it as Datsun/Nissan were no longer going to be offering Skyline for the UK market. As the Nissan/Datsun dealer was also BMW so traded in this V reg Skyline 240KGT & bought a demonstrator 323i..He always said it was so very basic compared to the Datsun but more than made up for it in how it drove.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

German.

[@TwinCam]

Certainly, premium German manufacturers had a reputation for being stingy when it came to equipment. But that was for a good reason - your money was going on engineering. Many Japanese cars of this era were fantastic products with great longevity, but they were simply not as well engineered, so that R&D money could instead be spent on fancy equipment to keep you entertained!

[@pauldavidson2443]

My first BMW - E21 320/6, 1979 in 'Sepiabraun' Build quality, ride/handling, engine was a revelation! Unfortunately BMW rusted like every other make of the period...

[@deanstevenson6527]

🥝✔️ 4bbl Solex 4A1 carb. Found on the 2.746 litre Mercedes Benz, the Opel/Vauxhall 2.8, and the 6.75 litre Rolls Royce Camargue and early Bentley Mulsanne Turbo.

[@davidrumming4734]

Yep, back in the day if you had a bmw, it was like owning a Mercedes….both very rare. Can you imagine going from a mk2 escort into a first gen bmw 3 series…😮

[@alanwayte432]

I always wondered what happened to Gordon Grimley ❤

[@braddietzmusic2429]

The American versions, no matter the engine sounded wheezy and labored, to my memory, but… in their own way, domestic, American vehicles, even performance oriented ones sounded wheezy and labored. Otherwise, it seems like a finely-engineered car.

[@TwinCam]

That’ll most probably be due to all the emissions equipment mandated by the US government. Certainly, they don’t sound like that over on the old continent!

[@michaelgarnett1372]

The car in photo isnt first version It wouldnt have the big passenger mirror nor a 5 speed - but it did have most importantly two timing chains for great response w the four speed four cylinder snd a single chrome mirror

[@TwinCam]

Your point is?

[@michaelgarnett1372]

Hey wasn’t intending to offend but simply point out the that the earliest 3 series drove differently from the one in the photo w the caption