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

[@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 🙂

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@kim007250]

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

[@TwinCam]

Very kind of you, thank you 🙂

[@gerardfitzpatrick4245]

100%

[@dappergent9422]

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

[@T.E.S.S.]

dumb comment

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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....

[@paulvon2378]

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

[@powertripper]

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

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@arthurdardalis]

Excellent review, the best six cylinder engine ever made! Had a 1990 E30 320i convertible, the sound was pure heaven from the front & the back!

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@plym1969]

Brilliant review of an iconic car. Great stuff Ed!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Philip 🙂

[@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 ..👍

[@juanmanuelGonzales-ix1yy]

Brilliant review. I own a E21 320 / 6, is very fun driving it. When I take him to town is usual that people congratulates me for such a beautiful car.

[@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.

[@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!

[@willardr100]

I had a 10 year old 320 straight six back in the late 80s and I can tell you it was smooth as butter. And also rather tail happy! It felt so very special and was a real joy, compared to my (later) XR3i it’s hard to describe how that 320 felt so much more premium. I had several BMWs since over the next 15 years in part, perhaps, due to that 320 experience. The best being a 1989 325i M Sport with LSD (also eager to kick out the rear), wow that was a looker and fully deserved the label of the ultimate driving machine. Great pedigree.

[@stephendavies6949]

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

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@edgar9651]

Thanks for the reminder. I bought one of those used in 1986 and I drove it for about a year. Same color, same engine, but the steering wheel on the left side (in Germany). At that time, I never drove a car with power steering, and I never missed power steering on it. About the performance: It had a 4-barrel carburetor. Two of the barrels (about double the size then the other two) only opened if the engine was warm, if the revs was (I think) over 4000 and the foot down to metal. It seems you didn't experience that part. It was fun.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@oscarsnr]

Great car, great commentary

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Oscar :)

[@fhwolthuis]

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

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always mate :)

[@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 :)

[@gmonsen]

I love seeing younger people in love with the earlier BMW's. I've owned 14 of them from 02's to CS's to a 323i. Stuck a 3.3 with downdraft Webers into my 323 and the car was wonderfully fast. Older now. I mostly drive my E12 sedan. My E340 M3 sits most times these days.

[@LastChanceFossil]

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

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@edwardm9788]

Ripper bonza narrative and video.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Edward :)

[@AqueousSip]

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 :)

[@P.Galore]

Totally enjoyed your presentation. Thank You

[@TwinCam]

Thank you 🙂

[@allyclarke6505]

I had a E21 320 Automatic! Loved that car - RRY 939W if my memory serves me right! Not had another BMW since!

[@robybabe4461]

Loved my 320...Beautiful sounding straight 6

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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😢

[@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. 😅

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@theoriginaldanalogue]

Cracking presentation. Love all your vids. I have to say though… personally I think the 02 is a much better looking car. To me the proportions are perfect. That’s why I own one!😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@RajuPalat-qy9gm]

Absolutely absolutely superb presentations. Thank you

[@TwinCam]

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

[@ernestomorales2487]

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

[@TwinCam]

Thanks 🙂

[@checovichnet]

So eloquent and beautifully expressed.😊

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Brilliant review of a great car Thank you

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Jonathon :)

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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 🙂

[@tbeau5748]

outstanding video

[@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!

[@gilesusher8191]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@thomash2806]

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

[@TwinCam]

Very true, though I do like the whine!

[@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!

[@abersnat]

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

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@jessekuchinski1172]

I have to agree with your opinion of the straight 6 motor. Being an American i always felt its my duty to love a big V8 but after having a Ford 300 6, a Jeep Xj with the 4.0 and now an E34 with the inline 6, people can have the V8s. The inline 6 is so addicting for reasons youll never convince others of unless they also have owned them. Reliabilty aside there's just something to them you wont even get from a V6. Idk

[@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

[@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. 😢

[@BarryHWhite]

20:06 perfect backdrop for the E21

[@pdunn1871]

great review thanks

[@TwinCam]

Thank you my friend 🙂

[@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!

[@ekner]

Man, I think I need an old BMW now.

[@TwinCam]

So do I!

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

back when they made quality cars

[@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.