German automaker, BMW, launched BMW 3 Series in 1975 as a compact executive, modern day car. Historically, 3 Series can be attributed with pulling BMW out of economic turmoil, even today 3 Series alone contributes for up to 30% of total sales made by car division of BMW. This successor to BMW New Class or BMW 2002 was introduce in market when world was facing sever oil crisis, so BMW cleverly positioned 3 Series as an economical yet luxurious compact car, this positioning and focus on the current scenario increased BMW’s sales twin fold in just over three years. Up till 2012 BMW has launched 6 generations of 3 Series. First generation was produced from 1975 till 1983, it is also referred as E21.
From the very beginning BMW distinguished BMW 320 models from rest of the line up, 320 had dual head lamps while 316 and 318 had single lamps. 320 models boasted a bigger 2.0 litre engine. Since then, BMW 320 engines remained a symbol for power and performance along with much touted M Class. In British Touring Car Championship and European Touring Car Championship, BMW 320d and 320 si both have won numerous races and championships since 1998. Prior to 1998, mostly M Class entered racing competitions.
Though at one point BMW 320 engine was the most powerful engine that BMW offered, in first generation, in subsequent generations BMW started offering engines in 2.5, 2.7 and 3.0 litre engine capacities, M Class usually comes equipped with 3.0 litre turbo charged engine. Despite this fact, teams in BTCC and ETCC opt for 320 because of weight restrictions and its better power to weight ratio. Also BTCC regulations ask for strict cost and power controls to provide an even competition, for this reason engine capacity is usually restricted to 2.0 litre.
For motoring enthusiasts BMW periodically launches M Class cars which are classified as competitive saloons, M stands for Motorsport division of BMW. Currently BMW M3, BMW M5 and BMW M6 are included in M lineup with M3 representing 3 Series, M5 representing 5 Series and M6 representing a purpose built sports coupe. 7 Series have no M variant, however much smaller models like 1 Series and Z4 have. The original M1 or first generation M car was launched in 1978 and is often termed as the first practical super car. There’s no denying in the fact that BMW 320 engines offer similar zing and have same legacy as BMW’s M Class.
About the Author
Friedrich Wilhelm
