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

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Created in 1975

Reading time 14min

Written by:

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

24

BMW 318 (1975) – ganz schön grün

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BMW 318 (1975) – Stahlfelgen als Serienausstattung

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BMW 318 (1975) – Höchstmass an Sicherheit, Komfort und Fahrvergnügen

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BMW 316/318/320 (1975) – Modelle lassen sich durch die Scheinwerfer unterscheiden

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BMW 318 (1975) – der Neue aus München

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BMW 318 (1975) – im Olympiastadion

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BMW 318 (1975) – erkennbar an den einfachen Scheinwerfern

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BMW 316-320 (1975) – Cockpit

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BMW 316-320 (1975) – gekennzeichnet durch Zweckmässigkeit

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BMW 316-320 (1975) – zum Fahrer geneigter Instrumententräger

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BMW 316-320 (1975) – Automatikgurte gibt es auf Wunsch auch bei den Rücksitzen

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BMW 318 (1975) – Innenraum

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BMW 318 (1975) – Blick in den Motorraum der Vergaser-Versionen

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BMW 316-320 (1975) – Typenbezeichnung: Modellreihe; Hubraum; "i" für Einspritzung

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BMW 320 (1975) – Durchsichtszeichnung, natürlich ist der 318 bauähnlich bis auf Details und Motor

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BMW 320 (1975) – Abmessungen, gelten auch für BMW 316, 318 und 323i

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BMW 318 (1975) – Belüftungszonen

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BMW 318 (1975) – Durchsichtszeichnung Vierzylindermotor

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BMW 316-320 (1975) – Vorderachsgeometrie

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BMW 316-320 (1975) – Hinterachsgeometrie

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BMW 318 (1975) – Leistungs- und Drehmoment-Diagramm

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BMW 318 (1975) – selbsttragende Karosserie mit optimierter Struktur

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BMW 316 (1978) - Einsteig in die BMW-Baureihe E21 mit vier Zylindern

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BMW 323i (1979) - Auf den Blickwinkel kommt's an

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BMW 323i (1979) - grandiose Wintertauglichkeit wurde den Dreiern damals allerdings nicht nachgesagt

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BMW 320 (1979) - auch im Winter machte die Baureihe E21 eine leidlich gute Figur

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BMW 320 (1975) - den Zweiliter gab es in der Baureihe E21 auch ohne Einspritzung

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BMW 320 (1978) - der dreitürige Dreier, noch mit Vergaser

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BMW 320 (1978) - auch der Zweiliter hatte ab 1977 einen Sechszylindermotor

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BMW 320 (1975) - Frontansicht der Baureihe E21

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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:

Welcome to Zwischengas!

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