The 1975–1983 BMW 320i (E21 generation) was a seminal sports sedan that helped establish the 3 Series dynasty. Introduced as a fuel-injected model late in 1975, it is regarded by enthusiasts as a fun, pleasant car with respectable handling for its era. It's famous for being the first 3 Series generation. Infamous weak points include susceptibility to rust in areas like the floorpans and strut mounts, and potential complexity with the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection on some variants. Today, it is well-suited for classic car collectors, enthusiasts seeking a reliable vintage manual driver, and weekend enjoyment.
The BMW 320i has an average annual maintenance cost of $1,157 and a low reliability rating (2.5/5.0). Common reliability concerns include timing chain, turbocharger, and high oil consumption issues. Average full-coverage insurance is around $137 monthly.
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