The BMW 3 Series (E21) was the first generation of the 3 Series, produced from June 1975 to December 1983. Over 1.3 million cars were produced, including various models like the 316, 320i, and the flagship 323i.

BMW is a prestigious German automaker founded in 1916, celebrated for its blend of performance, luxury, and precision engineering across models like the 3 Series, X5, and M4.

Price Range: $45,000 (3 Series) to $160,000+ (M8 Competition, XM)

Salary to Buy: $130,000–180,000/year income recommended with financing

Net Worth to Buy: $450,000+ recommended for cash purchase

Understanding your financial capacity ensures you can enjoy the BMW experience—where driving dynamics meet sophistication—without compromising long-term financial health.

Can you afford a BMW 3 Series E21 in 2025?

Available Models

316

318

320

320i

320/6

323i

316 Baur Convertible

318 Baur Convertible

320 Baur Convertible

320/6 Baur Convertible

323i Baur Convertible

318i

315