The BMW 3 Series: A Legacy of Excellence
The BMW 3 Series has earned a reputation as the ultimate all-around car, appealing to men who crave a saloon that does it all. And it's no surprise why this reputation was cemented with the latest F30 model, which impressed our test team enough to secure a coveted 5-star Auto Car Road Test. But what about the roots of this iconic series? Where did this legendary car come from?
The e21 3 Series: A Different Beast
In 1975, the e21 III Series made its debut, marking the beginning of the BMW 3 Series lineage. This three-door model was quite different from its modern counterparts, with an emphasis on performance and handling rather than luxury and comfort. One notable aspect of this early 3 Series is that it lacked diesel engines, as fuel efficiency wasn't a major concern back then. The e21 III was also the first car to wear the 3 Series name, but it still had a lot to prove.
The e21 III: A Legacy Reborn
This particular e21 III model replaced the legendary 2002 T and is actually the four-cylinder, two-liter version of the same car. This model has been meticulously refurbished by BMW Park Lane Classic and is considered one of the cleanest examples around. With only 7,000 miles on it, this car exudes an air of perfection. The attention to detail and precision that went into its restoration are truly impressive.
A Retro Rides with a Modern Twist
While this e21 III model was designed to be fun, driving it today still feels archaic compared to the new F30. It rides like many 70s and 80s cars, with that unmistakable floaty sensation, but it's also very loose and heavy. Everything about this car feels old-school fabulous, a testament to its age and character. This 3 Series didn't just have to be fun; it had to be high-quality, too.
Quality and Performance in the 70s
In 1979, when this particular e21 III was manufactured, the Austin Allegro and Morris Marina were among the top five best-selling cars of that year. Despite its humble beginnings, the 3 Series managed to justify its premium price tag, showcasing BMW's commitment to quality and performance. This e21 III is an excellent example of how far cars have come in just a few decades.
The New F30: A Rounded Product
In contrast to its retro predecessor, the new F30 is an exemplary all-around car that checks every box for a 21st-century vehicle. It's economical, fun, desirable, and easy to live with – we described it as brilliant, unsurpassed, and all but flawless in our road test. This model has truly taken the BMW 3 Series to new heights.
A Worthy Ancestor
The e-21 is undoubtedly a worthy ancestor of the modern F30, showcasing the progress made by BMW over the years. The new 3 Series may lack some of the charm of its older counterpart, but it's still an incredible all-around proposition that excels in every aspect. Whether you're interested in performance, comfort, or just plain old fun behind the wheel, the F30 has got you covered.
A Legacy Continues
The BMW 3 Series didn't reach its current status without a strong foundation, and the e-21 III is an excellent representation of that legacy. Its unique blend of heritage and modernity makes it a fascinating car to own and drive. Whether you're looking for a retro classic or a cutting-edge all-around saloon, the BMW 3 Series has something to offer everyone.
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthe bmw 3 series has got a reputation for itself as the ultimate everything to all men saloon none more so than this new f-30 model which in 320d guys managed to coveted 5 star auto car road test but actually this car's roots begin with this the e21 3 series which first arrived in 1975 the e21 iii series was actually a very different thing from the new three series for a start it was three-door only and of course in 1975 you certainly wouldn't have had a diesel engine economy just wasn't much of a concern it may have been the first model to wear the three series name but this car still had a lot to live up to it replaced the 2002 t which is a fairly legendary car this is actually the 320 which is the four-cylinder 2-liter car this actual car has been really immaculately refurbished by bmw park lane classic and i don't think you will find a cleaner example in the land it's extraordinary it's only got 7 000 miles on it they've done an amazing job now whilst of course it was designed to be fun i would still say this feels pretty archaic next to the new 3 series i love the way it rides it's got that real kind of floaty sensation that you get in a lot of 70s and 80s cars but it's very loose and it's very heavy and everything about it feels quite old fabulous but old the three series didn't just have to be fun back in the 70s it had to be really high quality you can see that they've managed that consider that in 1979 when this particular car was manufactured the austin allegro and the morris marina were in the top five best-selling cars and you can see how the three series managed to justify its high hundred pound price tag i think this is one of the best examples we will see of just how far cars have progressed in the last few decades the new f30 is quite an amazing thing it really is such a rounded product and i think more so even than the e21 was back in its day whether you think the styling is quite such a progression we'll let you make your own mind up on that the new 3 series may lack some of the charm of the old car but it really is the most incredible all-rounded proposition and it does everything you could want of a 21st century car it's economical it's fun it's desirable it's easy to live with we described it in our road test as brilliant unsurpassed all but flawless and i think that pretty much does it all the three series didn't get to where it is today without a worthy ancestor topping its evolutionary line and the e-21 is certainly that youthe bmw 3 series has got a reputation for itself as the ultimate everything to all men saloon none more so than this new f-30 model which in 320d guys managed to coveted 5 star auto car road test but actually this car's roots begin with this the e21 3 series which first arrived in 1975 the e21 iii series was actually a very different thing from the new three series for a start it was three-door only and of course in 1975 you certainly wouldn't have had a diesel engine economy just wasn't much of a concern it may have been the first model to wear the three series name but this car still had a lot to live up to it replaced the 2002 t which is a fairly legendary car this is actually the 320 which is the four-cylinder 2-liter car this actual car has been really immaculately refurbished by bmw park lane classic and i don't think you will find a cleaner example in the land it's extraordinary it's only got 7 000 miles on it they've done an amazing job now whilst of course it was designed to be fun i would still say this feels pretty archaic next to the new 3 series i love the way it rides it's got that real kind of floaty sensation that you get in a lot of 70s and 80s cars but it's very loose and it's very heavy and everything about it feels quite old fabulous but old the three series didn't just have to be fun back in the 70s it had to be really high quality you can see that they've managed that consider that in 1979 when this particular car was manufactured the austin allegro and the morris marina were in the top five best-selling cars and you can see how the three series managed to justify its high hundred pound price tag i think this is one of the best examples we will see of just how far cars have progressed in the last few decades the new f30 is quite an amazing thing it really is such a rounded product and i think more so even than the e21 was back in its day whether you think the styling is quite such a progression we'll let you make your own mind up on that the new 3 series may lack some of the charm of the old car but it really is the most incredible all-rounded proposition and it does everything you could want of a 21st century car it's economical it's fun it's desirable it's easy to live with we described it in our road test as brilliant unsurpassed all but flawless and i think that pretty much does it all the three series didn't get to where it is today without a worthy ancestor topping its evolutionary line and the e-21 is certainly that you\n"
