This extensive factory service manual is specifically designed for your BMW 3 Series E21, covering model years 1976 through 1983. It encompasses a wealth of information, providing you with a comprehensive guide for maintaining and repairing your vehicle. The manual provides detailed instructions on a wide range of topics, including general data and maintenance procedures, engine specifications and repair, transmission system components and troubleshooting, suspension system adjustments and rebuilds, steering and brake system diagnostics and repair, bodywork repair and refinishing, body equipment installation and removal, electrical system analysis and troubleshooting, and equipment and accessory installation and removal. Furthermore, the manual includes an invaluable section dedicated to wiring diagrams, aiding you in understanding and troubleshooting the complex electrical systems in your BMW 3 Series.

The BMW 3 Series E21, produced from 1975 to 1983, marked the beginning of a legendary lineage for the German automaker. This compact executive car, known affectionately as the "New Six" within BMW, represented a significant departure from its predecessors. The E21, designed by Paul Bracq, offered a more modern and athletic aesthetic, with sharp lines, a low-slung profile, and a distinctive "shark nose" front end. The car was initially available with a range of four-cylinder petrol engines, including the 1.6-liter M10, later joined by more powerful options like the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter variants. This innovative design, coupled with its rear-wheel drive setup and a focus on driver engagement, laid the foundation for the 3 Series' enduring popularity.

The E21, despite its compact size, was praised for its spacious interior and its comfortable ride. It also introduced a number of innovative features for the time, including a McPherson strut front suspension, an independent rear suspension, and a sophisticated braking system. The car's performance, particularly in the higher-powered models, garnered acclaim, establishing the 3 Series as a genuine sports car contender. Notable variants like the 320i and 323i, equipped with larger and more powerful engines, offered impressive acceleration and handling, cementing the E21's reputation as a driver's car. While production ended in 1983, the E21's legacy lives on, influencing the design and performance of subsequent 3 Series generations and establishing the model line as a benchmark in the compact luxury car segment.