This comprehensive workshop service repair manual provides detailed instructions and information for maintaining and repairing your BMW 3 Series E21, covering model years 1975 through 1984. The manual covers a wide range of topics, including general maintenance, troubleshooting, engine service and repair, transmission service and repair, brake system, wiring diagrams, electrical system, suspension, periodic lubrication, steering, cooling system, fuel injection, fuel system, emission system, heater/air conditioner, engine control system, chassis/body, restraint system, interior, differential/drive, and axle.
The manual is filled with hundreds of pages of detailed instructions, illustrations, and photos to guide you through each repair procedure step-by-step. It includes notes, cautions, and warnings to highlight critical information and ensure safe and successful repairs. The manual also features a numbered table of contents, making it easy to find the information you need quickly.
The BMW 3 Series E21, produced from 1975 to 1983, was the first generation of the iconic BMW 3 Series compact executive car. This model marked a significant shift for BMW, moving away from the larger, more luxurious sedans like the 2002, which it replaced. The E21 was smaller, lighter, and more agile, offering a focused driving experience that quickly became synonymous with the 3 Series. Featuring a unibody design with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, this compact sedan offered a range of four-cylinder engines, including the legendary M10, which powered the iconic 320i. The E21's sharp styling, with its distinctive sharknose grille and squared-off taillights, was ahead of its time and captured the spirit of the burgeoning performance car market. It was offered in various trim levels, from the base 315 to the sporty 323i, catering to both everyday drivers and enthusiasts.
Despite its smaller size, the E21 was still remarkably practical, offering ample interior space for four occupants and a sizeable trunk. The suspension, featuring a MacPherson strut setup in the front and a semi-trailing arm system in the rear, provided a comfortable ride while delivering excellent handling. The E21 3 Series quickly gained international acclaim for its driving dynamics and performance, establishing the 3 Series as a benchmark in its class. It was a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts and was even successful on the racetrack, with the 323i racing in several touring car championships. The E21 represented a turning point for BMW, solidifying its position as a manufacturer of world-class driving machines and setting the stage for the enduring success of the 3 Series throughout the decades.