Market classic: the model that changed the fate of BMW (10 photos)
Few people know that BMW has been on the verge of bankruptcy several times, especially in the post-war period, when purchasing power was low and most people could not afford its luxurious models. 
Different automakers have different times. That ups and downs, without it nowhere. BMW had those times too The post-war years were especially difficult. But gradually the company "rose from her knees", and she managed to fully recover at the end seventies when new models debuted. 
One of the Series 3, which you can see in the attached photos, in particular, this is the first generation. The release lasted from 1975 to 1982 of the year under the E21 index and, according to many, became a turning point in German automotive industry. 
The 3 Series was offered with four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines, but in the American market the 320i became the top one. Although the Yankees were accustomed to larger engines, and BMW offered in Europe models 320/6 and 323i with a six-cylinder engine in line configuration, it did not meet US emission regulations. 
For this reason, the 320i could only be ordered with a 2.0-litre petrol an engine that developed 125 hp. and maximum torque of 172 Nm. It accelerated from standstill to 100 km / h in 10.5 seconds, and the maximum the speed was 180 km/h. 
These figures may seem mediocre today, but forty-odd years ago the numbers were relatively good. Admittedly, with a price at $9,735 ($39,799 today) the BMW definitely was not cheap. 
And here it should be mentioned that the automotive industry "overseas" in offered mostly bulky models in the late seventies, so BMW, which was faster than the slow Cadillac or Lincoln, of course, deserves praise. Note that the gearbox on this car four-speed manual, although there were modifications with five speed gearbox. 
One of these models was recently put up for auction. After ten days bidding the highest price was 10,250 US dollars. Owner refused to sell it at that price. 
