When the E21 3-series was introduced, the 320i -being the only fuel injected version- was the only engine that could meet the strict U.S. emission standards. A 3-way catalyst was fitted with Lambda control and a oxygen sensor.
But there were more modifications required before the E21 was allowed in the U.S. The most important things:
- Lights: sealed beam headlights, larger front indicators, side indicators, side reflectors
- The federalized big bumpers
- Dash: mph speedometer, fuel gauge not showing litres but: full, ½, reserve.
When the European E21’s were facelifted in 1979, the U.S. 320i was renewed as well. BMW stopped production of the 2 litre M10 engine en they decided to sell the Euro 318i as the new 320i. The smaller displacement and U.S. restrictions made the new version considerably less powerful but the lightened facelift chassis made up for at least part of the loss.
320i
320iS 
click for larger photo
Due to a different climate, many air conditioned E21’s were sold in the U.S. Over here in Europe E21’s with A/C are rare! The comfortable and reliable optional ZF 3-speed auto box was popular as well. Strangely, power steering wasn’t!
I believe the 320i models sold in Australia and the U.K. were practically the same. Only thing is that they were converted to RHD which required relocation of the brake master cylinder.
In 1981 the sporty 320iS was introduced. The same 1.8 litre engine, but with the following extra’s for the ‘demanding driver’:
- Front air dam
- 5,5×13” special cross spoke light alloy rims
- Sports suspension with increased diameter front stabilizer bar and the addition of a rear stabilizer bar
- Limited slip differential (25%)
- Dual operation manual sunroof
- Recaro sports seats
- Leather sport steering wheel and leather gear shift knob
- Deluxe tool kit
- Fog lights
- AM/FM stereo cassette radio
US 320i standard specifications
| Engine |
320i 2.0 |
320i 1.8 |
320iS |
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| Production dates: | 11/77 – 08/79 | 09/79 – 12/82 | 08/80 – 12/82 | |||||
| Units produced | ? | Approx. 140.000 | Approx. 2.500 | |||||
| Type: | inline watercooled 4 | inline watercooled 4 | inline watercooled 4 | |||||
| Bore x Stroke mm | 89×80 | 89×71 | 89×71 | |||||
| Displacement cc | 1990 | 1766 | 1766 | |||||
| Valve Operation | SOHC | SOHC | SOHC | |||||
| Valves / cyl | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Compression Ratio | 8,1 : 1 | 8,8 : 1 | 8,8 : 1 | |||||
| Injection / Carburetor: | Bosch K-Jetronic | Bosch K-Jetronic | Bosch K-Jetronic | |||||
| Max Torque | 152Nm @ 4350 | 135Nm @ 4500 | 135Nm @ 4500 | |||||
| BHP (DIN) | 110 @ 5700 | 101 @ 5800 | 101 @ 5800 | |||||
| Max rev count (RPM) | 6400 | 6400 | 6400 | |||||
| Engine type code | M10 B20 | M10B18 | M10B18 | |||||
| Timing by: | chain | chain | chain | |||||
| CO % | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.1 | |||||
| Idle speed (RPM) | 850-950 | 850-950 | 850-950 | |||||
| Oil pressure |
0.5 to 1.2 bar at idle to over 4.0 bar running |
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| Fan belt size (mm) |
9.5 x 975 (auto 950) |
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| Alternator (Bosch) |
0120489718 (65A) |
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| with built in controller no. |
0192052004 |
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| Starter motor (Bosch) |
0001311100 |
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| Chassis and Drivetrain | ||||||||
| Transmission | 4 speed manual | 4 speed manual | 5 speed overdrive manual | |||||
| Front suspension | MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar | MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar | MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar | |||||
| Rear suspension | Semitrailing arms, coil springs | Semitrailing arms, coil springs | Semitrailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar | |||||
| Axle Ratio | 3.64 | 3.91 (M) 3.64 (A) | 3.91 | |||||
| General | ||||||||
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2563 | 2563 | 2563 | |||||
| Track front/rear (mm) | 1366/1376 | 1366/1376 | 1366/1376 | |||||
| Alignment (front toe in-mm) | 1.5 (+/- 0.5 mm) | 1.5 (+/- 0.5 mm) | 1.5 (+/- 0.5 mm) | |||||
| Alignment (rear toe in -mm) | 2.0 (+/- 0.8 mm) | 2.0 (+/- 0.8 mm) | 2.0 (+/- 0.8 mm) | |||||
| Brakes front/rear | Solid disc / Drum | Solid disc / Drum | Solid disc / Drum | |||||
| Wheels/Tires | steel 13″x5.5J / 185/70HR13 | steel 13″x5.5J / 185/70HR13 | steel 13″x5.5J / 185/70HR13 | |||||
| Maximum Speed (kph)* | ? | ? | ? | |||||
| Acceleration 0-80 kph* | ? | 8.1 | 8.1 | |||||
| Weight (kgs) | 1182 | 1104 | 1144 | |||||
| Battery (Ah) | 55 | 55 | 55 | |||||
| Fuel consumption (DIN litres/100 km) – with standard 5 – gearbox | ||||||||
| @ 90 km/h | ||||||||
| @ 120 km/h | ||||||||
| city | ||||||||
| NOTE For further information on options, gearbox types, fuse box lay out, paintwork and interior colours, valve clearances, etc. see the regular E21 specs pages on this website. | ||||||||
| All models: | ||||||||
| Fuel tank (ltrs) | 58 (52+6) | |||||||
| Cylinder head | Aluminum | |||||||
| Lubricant (motoroil) | SAE 10W40 SE | |||||||
| Change quantity 4 cyl. | 3.75 litres | |||||||
| Including oil filter add | 0.25 litre | |||||||
| Gearbox oil – manual | SAE 80 | |||||||
| Change quantity 4 sp. | 1 litre | |||||||
| Change quantity 5 sp. | 1.4 litres | |||||||
| Gearbox oil – auto | Dexron ATF | |||||||
| Change quantity – auto | 2 litres | |||||||
| Diff oil | SAE 90 Transmission | |||||||
| Change quantity diff | 0.95 litres | |||||||
| Power steering | Dexron ATF 77 | |||||||
| Change quantity | 1.2 litre | |||||||
| Coolant 4-cylinder | 7.2 litres | |||||||
| Brake / Clutch | ATE/Castrol/DOT 4 | |||||||
| Fuel | Unleaded RON 91 | |||||||
