< Go back

Uncover the timeless appeal of the early‑1970s BMW E21 3 Series. Designed to blend on‑the‑road comfort with the understated sophistication of a luxury sedan, the E21 remains a favorite among classic car collectors. Whether you’re exploring the BMW E21 3 Series [Pre‑83] price or curious about the value of a 1979 model, this guide will give you the insights you need—from spec details to depreciation trends and market positioning.

Key Specifications

• Model Range: 1972‑1983 BMW 3‑Series (E21)
• Engine: 1,491 cc inline‑4 (I4) or 1,446 cc I4 in some early models
• Displacement: 1.5 L (approx.)
• Power Output: 55‑75 hp (depending on fuel type and year)
• Torque: 86‑95 lb‑ft
• Transmission: 4‑speed manual (standard); 3‑speed automatic available for select models
• Drive Type: Front‑wheel drive (FWD)
• Fuel Type: Regular gasoline; later models may use 93 octane for sport variants
• Wheelbase: 2,340 mm (92 in)
• Overall Length: 4,405 mm (173 in)
• Overall Width: 1,655 mm (65.1 in)
• Overall Height: 1,465 mm (57.7 in)
• Weight: 1,240‑1,310 kg (2,735‑2,889 lb)
• Fuel Economy: 6.0 L/100 km (37 mpg) city, 5.2 L/100 km (43 mpg) highway (estimated)
• Braking: 4‑wheel drum brakes (front & rear)

Depreciation Insight

When evaluating a BMW E21 3 Series [Pre‑83] depreciation trajectory

---

Last 20 car trackeds

Last tracked date	Status	Price	Price rank	Link
5 years ago	used	£14,990.00		Unlock all links
5 years ago	used	£14,990.00		Unlock all links
5 years ago	used	£14,990.00		Unlock all links
5 years ago	used	£14,990.00		Unlock all links
5 years ago	used	£14,990.00		Unlock all links
5 years ago	used	£14,990.00		Unlock all links