The following chart gives some of the specifications of the various E21 models. When looking at this chart, you should keep a few things in mind:
All specs are from various published sources, fairly reliable, but definitely subject to errors. If you see an error, please let me know. Also let me know if you have info that can fill in some of the blanks. Please be aware that these specs are not cast in stone, as it were. BMW made many changes to the E21s over the life of the chassis, many in the areas I have listed specs for. The specs for each model shown are correct (I hope!) for some period in the model's production. If your car is earlier or later production than the one I found specs for, they may differ.
All specs are for unmodified, no options cars. Specifically:
- Any car with air conditioning or automatic transmission will be noticably heavier than listed.
- A euro-model will weigh more if it has been federalized. How much more will depend on the extent of the modifications. Bumper changes, door impact beams, and catalysts are fairly heavy parts and will make a noticable difference.
- Obviously the length of a euro-model is dependent on what bumper mods (if any) were done.
- Any car that has been lowered will (also obviously) not be as tall as listed. Typically by 1 to 1.25 inches.
- Note that some sources list later ('80 and newer) cars as being 100-200 pounds lighter than similar early cars, due to manufacturing changes (lighter glass, more aluminum and lighter sound insulation).
| Model | US 320i | US 320i | 315 | 316 | 318 | 318i | 320 | 320i | 320/6 | 323i |
| Year | 1977-79 | 1980-83 | 1981-85 | 1980-82 | 1977-79 | 1980-82 | 1977 | 1977 | 1978-82 | 1978-82 |
| Length in inches | 177.5 | 177.5 | 171.5 | 171.5 | 171.5 | 171.5 | 171.5 | 171.5 | 171.5 | 171.5 |
| Width in inches | 63.4 | 63.4 | 63.4 | 63.4 | 63.4 | 63.4 | 63.4 | 63.4 | 63.4 | 63.4 |
| Height in inches | 54.3 | 54.3 | 54.3 | 54.3 | 54.3 | 54.3 | 54.3 | 54.3 | 54.3 | 54.3 |
| Wheelbase in inches | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 |
| Curb Weight in pounds | 2605 | 2435 | 2227 | 2249 | 2244 | 2271 | 2250? | 2300? | 2403 | 2447 |
| Engine — Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Displacement in cc's | 1990 | 1766 | 1573 | 1573 | 1766 | 1766 | 1990 | 1990 | 1990 | 2316 |
| Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | K-Jet | K-Jet | 1 bbl carb | 2 bbl carb | 2 bbl carb | K-Jet | 2 bbl carb | K-Jet | 4 bbl carb | K-Jet |
| Power Output (bhp) | 110 | 101 | 75 | 90 | 98 | 105 | 109 | 129 | 122 | 143 |
| Torque (ft/lb) | 112 | 100 | 81 | 103 | 105 | 107 | ? | ? | 118 | 140 |