BMW 3 Series (E21) - Variants

Variants

• USA market variants featured different headlights to the European and other export versions.
• The 320i was available in the United States market and was remarkably different from the European models. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations required larger bumpers, different headlight sets, and DOT marker lamps on the sides.
• Adapting the engines to meet US exhaust emissions regulations resulted in a smaller engine in the 320i (downgraded to 1.8 L) and less horsepower output compared to the European market versions.
• Before BMW had their “M" cars, a cadre of small European performance companies such as Hartge, Alpina and AC Schnitzer modified and tuned cars from BMW offering aftermarket modifications.
• Brothers Herbert and Rolf Hartge started modifying BMW’s in small numbers in Merzig, Germany around 1971. Herbert Hartge had been involved with cars since his youth and, from 1969 to 1983, was a successful racing driver with Formula V racing and touring cars, primarily BMWs.
• Because cars modified by European performance companies like Hartge and Alpina were so much faster, looked far sportier than the American version, they were accessible mainly to the wealthy and a few small companies who could afford to navigate through the endless safety and emission rules and regulations imposed by the U.S.
• In the late 70’s - early 80’s, Hartge made available two E21 models: the Hartge H3 323i and the H3S 335i.
• The first E21 was the Hartge H3 323i: many of these were built for a customer’s specific application using modified parts Hartge offered in their sales brochures and catalogs. Build options included bodywork, a modified 2.3L 180 hp (134 kW), choice in 5-speed transmissions: the "economic" which was the standard H pattern 5-speed with first gear up and the fifth up; and the “dogleg sport” with its first gear over and down. Hartge offered a choice of gear ratios in the rear differential to enhance performance on the open road, mountain driving, to the race track.
• The second E21 model was the monster Hartge H3S 335i. For this Hartge modified a 6-cylinder 3.5 L transplanted out of a BMW 635CSi. This produced 205 hp (153 kW) which was a reduction in power compared to 218 CVs of E23 and E24 made necessary in order to meet anti-pollution laws in force, which set limits to emissions of CO in relation to weight ratio power. Since the 3500 cc engine coupled to the body of the E21 Series 3 was smaller and lighter than the 6 Series and 7, it exceeded these limits and was necessary to cut 13 hp (10 kW) in order to obtain approval. In 1982, thanks to head, valves, camshaft and exhaust manifolds, specific power reached a peak of 240 hp (179 kW) for a maximum speed of 240 km/h (149 mph) and launched it from 0–100 km in 6 seconds.
• The H3S had two options for the transmission, both manual 5-speeds. The first was out of a BMW 735 with a conventional first gear up shift pattern and relationships between gears longer. The second was a derivation of the 635CSi’s dogleg sport with its first gear down pattern and short shift between gears for faster acceleration.
• Both models were offered ample opportunities for customization with various accessories, including additional instrumentation, front and rear seats, leather, fabric, or special alzacristalli upholstery, electric mirrors, Hartge decals and emblems, suspension, exhaust, engine, wheels, brakes, and other options available in the Hartge catalogs. Although BMW ended production of the E21 model in 1982, Hartge continued to offer parts in their brochures for the E21 through the 1989 model catalog.
• Alpina offered the B6 2.8. Introduced at the IAA in 1978, it was produced from March 1978 until January 1983. Only 533 units were built. The B6 2.8 transplanted the 2.8 L M30 engine from the 528i model into the 323i. Alpina fitted forged Mahle pistons, modified the combustion chambers, and used a Zenith-Pierburg-DL fuel injection system. These modifications raised engine output from 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS) to approximately 200 bhp (149 kW; 203 PS).
• A cabriolet conversion was offered by Karosserie Baur GmbH, based on regular E21 models. The cabriolet conversion was composed of a targa roof and an independent rear soft-top. Production of the Baur TopCabriolet began in 1978, and were sold via the BMW dealership network. All TopCabriolets included the BMW warranty. A total of 4,595 vehicles were manufactured before production ended in 1981.