323i
The first 3 Series discovers its straight-six signature.
1977 European 323i introduction · Factory source
Every figure, in one place.
Performance
- Power
- 143 PS · 141 hp · 105 kW
- Torque
- 190 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 190 km/h
- Power-to-weight
- 7.76 kg/PS
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine
- M20 · Inline-six
- Displacement
- 2,315 cm³
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- Gearbox
- 4-speed manual (5-speed optional)
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Body and dimensions
- Production
- 1977–1982
- Body
- Sedans
- Length
- 4,355 mm
- Width
- 1,610 mm
- Height
- 1,380 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,563 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,110 kg
- Fuel tank
- 58 L
Where this car ranks across all 93 cars in the catalogue.
Why you’d want one
- The early everyday straight-six BMW story.
Know before you buy
- Rust in sills, floors and arches is the main concern
- Parts are scarce; originality affects value
- Specialist servicing and valve adjustment required
Commonly reported ownership points, not a guarantee of faults. Always get an independent inspection.
The first 3 Series finds six cylinders.
The 323i brings the M20 straight-six to the original 3 Series. It is a useful starting point for following the long six-cylinder connection through later 330i, 335i and M340i models.
The early everyday straight-six BMW story.
Age-related body and mechanical condition need equal attention.
The E21 belongs to the first 3 Series generation.
M20 · Inline-six
The first-generation 323i brings a 2.3-litre straight-six to the original 3 Series. BMW’s historical summary gives 143 PS and describes its role in establishing the model line’s six-cylinder character.
M20 museum engine. Family reference; the photographed revision is not identified as the 323i’s 2.3-litre engine.
M20 · Petrol
The first-generation 323i brings a 2.3-litre straight-six to the original 3 Series. BMW’s historical summary gives 143 PS and describes its role in establishing the model line’s six-cylinder character.
Naturally aspirated power
Air enters without a turbocharger. Cylinder capacity, valve timing and engine speed shape the engine’s torque delivery.
Rear-wheel drive
A longitudinally mounted six-cylinder drives the rear wheels in this two-door sedan. The linked factory history confirms the selected power rating; a torque figure is not published here.
1977 European 323i introduction
These figures describe the selected specification and engine output. PS is metric horsepower. Equipment, power ratings and homologation can differ between markets and model years. Open the BMW source to inspect the original factory information.
The full specification.
Related cars
Photo credits
- BMW 323i E21 in BMW-Museum in Munich, Bayern.JPG — Jiří Sedláček · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original