1975 BMW 3230i

In 1975 BMW introduced the 320i, which was the first of a long line of models known as the 3 Series. The car had an updated version of the strong overhead cam engine used in the 2002, but now with Bosch fuel injection. The MacPherson strut front suspension, semi-trailing arm rear suspension and front disc brakes were also improved 2002 components. The new 3 Series featured more interior room, a stiffer chassis, and improved ergonomics, all in a stylish body shell. In the front were quad round headlamps and a blackout 'kidney' and side grilles. In the back were horizontal wraparound tail lamps.

When introduced in 1975, it was not yet officially available in the United States. The carbureted version of the 320 sedan never reached the United States market, but the fuel-injected 320i did for the 1977 model year. The carbureted 1990cc engine offered 109 horsepower while the fuel-injected version was rated at 125 horsepower. When the 320i did reach the U.S., its power was down to 110 bhp. The versions sent to California had 105 bhp.

In the U.S., sales of BMW automobiles took off in the late 1970s with the introduction of these two-door sports sedans. The 320i was BMW's first large volume car in America. While the 2002 put BMW on the map in the sports sedan segment, the 320i helped make BMW a nationally recognized name.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2017