Introduced in July 1975 as the successor to the 2002, the E21 had more interior space, a better ride, improved fuel economy, and better occupant safety.
   The E21 originally comprised four models (316, 318, 320, and 320i), carried over from the 2002. The US only allowed the import of the 320i, due to the ability of the fuel injection to comply with tough, new emissions laws.
The E21 remained in production until 1983 (1985 for some models), replaced by the E30.