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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[@kim007250]

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

[@TwinCam]

Very kind of you, thank you 🙂

[@gerardfitzpatrick4245]

100%

[@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 🙂

[@paulvon2378]

One of the best cars ever! This was all dudes dream car from the 1980s ... Crank up the Duran Duran.

[@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 :)

[@dappergent9422]

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

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend :)

[@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 :)

[@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....

[@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.

[@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

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@anthonygray333]

The 320i was what I lusted after in college. It took til 87 when I got my hands on a 316 while stationed in Germany that I got to enjoy a BMW. Later I had an E36, E46 and E92 until they kind of lost their styling mojo. Maybe I need to look at one of these!

[@powertripper]

Top notch job! Feels and sounds like a proper motoring journalist from the eighties! You should deserve your own channel!

[@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.

[@stevedickson5853]

It hasn't got those horrendous massive plastic black US bumpers has it ..

[@staceys1208]

Unfortunately yes. I want to source and swap on Euro bumpers, but cost and time has so far prevented me from doing that.

[@stevedickson5853]

@@staceys1208 ..👍

[@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

[@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!

[@LastChanceFossil]

This man is a poet and treats these girls with the utmost respect and appreciation ❤

[@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 :)

[@C90C60C30]

Brilliant narration and knowledge … better than any mainstream TV Channels 👍

[@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 .

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Damian :)

[@mgambuzz3]

Great review!! In the late 80s I owned a 1977 320i that was traded in at a Honda Dealership!! I loved this car and regret trading it ever since. It had 60k miles when I traded it in, fabulous condition, and was offered a pittance at the time. The styling, running, shifting, made believers of several friends who afterwards followed my trend, buying BMWs. Thanks for taking time for an indepth review as well as drive.

[@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 :)

[@plym1969]

Brilliant review of an iconic car. Great stuff Ed!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Philip 🙂

[@gilesusher8191]

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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@dougrodriguez4977]

I had a 320 with a 5 speed manual transmission, drove it to almost 200,000 miles before rust took it away. Mechanically the car was 100% reliable it’s entire life. Still fired right up and drove great to its last day. Mine was the same color as you are reviewing and had the same wheels with blue cloth interior. The tail lights were ugly but installing a rear spoiler made it look fantastic.

[@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. 😅

[@stephendavies6949]

Excellent overview and analysis. BMW knew - and still does - know what it's doing. Loved those 6 cylinder engines.

[@oscarsnr]

Great car, great commentary

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Oscar :)

[@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!"

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@daviddesert3132]

1975 ish we had an orange 2002 for a week or two. I was 8. Two things stood out compared to the norm. A very spacious cabin and large glass area.

[@SeanyAHardy]

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.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Sean, very kind of you to say :)

[@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!

[@davidgibson4840]

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

[@TwinCam]

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

[@P.Galore]

Totally enjoyed your presentation. Thank You

[@TwinCam]

Thank you 🙂

[@robybabe4461]

Loved my 320...Beautiful sounding straight 6

[@edwardm9788]

Ripper bonza narrative and video.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Edward :)

[@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😢

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you Robert :)

[@fhwolthuis]

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

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always mate :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@itsnotagsr]

Couldn’t afford an E30 as my first car in the mid 90s so bought a base 318i auto in Sahara beige. It was rare in Australia then and completely disappeared now. Handling caught me out a few times though but luckily my dad was able to help me repair the (minor) damage!

[@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 :)

[@abersnat]

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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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

[@TwinCam]

Well no, because that's a 5 Series.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@boronsniify]

Great review, particularly your comments about the design. Ive driven many 6 cylinder 3 Series BMWs and their powertrains and size remind me of the old Triumph Vitesses I used to have. You can just stroke these along and enjoy the refinement…

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate, I certainly agree on the point of the Vitesse!

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@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..

[@RajuPalat-qy9gm]

Absolutely absolutely superb presentations. Thank you

[@TwinCam]

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

[@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 🙂

[@Kampfmesser89]

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

[@TwinCam]

Thank you :)

[@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.

[@tbeau5748]

outstanding video

[@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 🙂

[@wouterkolkman]

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

[@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.

[@ernestomorales2487]

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

[@TwinCam]

Thanks 🙂

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Brilliant review of a great car Thank you

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Jonathon :)

[@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. 😢

[@kramnam4716]

The next gen 320i auto is the sweet spot

[@ekner]

Man, I think I need an old BMW now.

[@TwinCam]

So do I!

[@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!

[@QuoPaperPlane]

Not nearly the understated styling and air of superiority of XJ Jags of the time. A pimp on wheels is what they still look like.

[@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!

[@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

[@thomash2806]

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

[@TwinCam]

Very true, though I do like the whine!

[@parandersson6541]

I had an 320i 1981 4cylinder with powersteering.

[@pdunn1871]

great review thanks

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend 🙂

[@stevedickson5853]

The shark 🦈 fronted beemers were some of the best lookers bmw ever made

[@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...

[@bombakdik]

And still the Dolomite looks so much better. Nicer stance. The E21 has the same issues to me as with the 02 that you explain. I totally agree with a bizarre looking rear end not being in proportion. The dash looks so much more refined and finished in British cars than the BMW. Plastic, no wood, merely upholstered door cards etc. It’s quite astonishing how the people “accepted” this change. Even the instrument cluster is so basic. Not even an oil pressure gauge and that for an “ultimate driving machine”. It amazes me how they got away with it. And yes, I do love BMW. Please be easy with the gears. You go through them as if it is a 2024 car 😂 it makes me nervous how often you change unnecessarily gears lol.

[@TwinCam]

What's wrong with changing gears? That's what they're there for.

[@BarryHWhite]

20:06 perfect backdrop for the E21

[@xXturbo86Xx]

First car i ever drove (while underage too). My father's second car. Imported from Germany. Kinda weird spec too. Single chrome mirror. Recaro seats. LSD. Grey/black interior. Fog lights. Alloy wheels. Not a very good car to be honest. VERY nose heavy and floaty, even compared to my uncle's Citroen BX. The brakes sucked. It never run cool and chewed through water pumps for whatever reason. Was a pain to start. Rusted easily. The worst of the problems and the one that killed our car was the cylinder head.They used poor materials and warping was common. The old Alfa Giulia it replaced was a RACECAR compared to it. Tighter,faster, lighter, better gearbox, better brakes, reliable.

[@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 :)

[@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?

[@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.