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Proof of performance - BMW 318 in the (historic) test

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Created in 1975

Text:

Engelbert Männer

Photos:

BMW AG

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Archiv BMW AG

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Archiv

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BMW AG

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Archiv BMW AG

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Archiv

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BMW 318 (1975) - pretty green

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BMW 318 (1975) - Steel rims as standard equipment

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BMW 318 (1975) - Maximum safety, comfort and driving pleasure

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BMW 316/318/320 (1975) - models can be distinguished by the headlights

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BMW 318 (1975) - the new one from Munich

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BMW 318 (1975) - in the Olympic Stadium

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BMW 318 (1975) - recognizable by the simple headlights

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BMW 316-320 (1975) - Cockpit

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BMW 316-320 (1975) - characterized by practicality

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BMW 316-320 (1975) - instrument panel inclined towards the driver

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BMW 316-320 (1975) - Automatic seat belts are also available for the rear seats on request

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BMW 318 (1975) - Interior

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BMW 318 (1975) - View into the engine compartment of the carburetor versions

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BMW 316-320 (1975) - Type designation: model series; engine capacity; "i" for injection

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BMW 320 (1975) - view-through drawing, of course the 318 is similar except for details and engine

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BMW 320 (1975) - Dimensions, also apply to BMW 316, 318 and 323i

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BMW 318 (1975) - Ventilation zones

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BMW 318 (1975) - Transparent drawing of four-cylinder engine

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BMW 316-320 (1975) - Front axle geometry

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BMW 316-320 (1975) - Rear axle geometry

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BMW 318 (1975) - Power and torque diagram

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BMW 318 (1975) - self-supporting body with optimized structure

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BMW 316 (1978) - Entry into the BMW E21 series with four cylinders

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BMW 323i (1979) - It's the angle that counts

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BMW 323i (1979) - at that time, however, the three-wheelers were not said to have great winter capabilities

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BMW 320 (1979) - the E21 series also cut a reasonably good figure in winter

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BMW 320 (1975) - the two-liter was also available in the E21 series without fuel injection

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BMW 320 (1978) - the three-door triple, still with carburetor

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BMW 320 (1978) - the two-liter also had a six-cylinder engine from 1977 onwards

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BMW 320 (1975) - Front view of the E21 series

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Summary

Not only was a completely new body created for BMW's two-door range in 1975, but there were also changes to practically every detail compared to the 02 predecessor model. Overall, the new 3 Series model range with four models was proof of what can be achieved from a concept through precision work. This historical test report provides further information.

This article contains the following chapters

Functional bodywork
Considered details
Provisions for the future
Plus points
Minus points
Overall verdict
Engine/running behavior
Engine/performance
Power transmission
Chassis
Suspension
Technical data & measured values

Estimated reading time: 14min

Preview (beginning of the article)

BMW now makes a logical cut in the two-door range. With the old body built since spring 1966, only the BMW 1502 remained in the range beyond 1976, alongside the new 3 Series model series from July 1975. It fulfilled seemingly contradictory requirements: Adaptation to the '76 standard fuel and yet higher engine performance, significantly more comfortable suspension combined with typical BMW handling. All in all, proof of what can be achieved from a concept through precision work. It took five years of development to create not only a completely new body. There were also changes to practically every detail. The new two-door series consists of four models:

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