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Free BMW 3 Series (E21) VIN Decoder

Decode your BMW 3 Series (E21) VIN number free for full specifications, engine, power, transmission and body, plus recalls and safety ratings. Covers 12 variants (1975+). No registration.

1975+ 12 variants Petrol
BMW 3 Series (E21)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons

BMW 3 Series (E21) specs by variant

Engine, power, transmission and emissions for each 3 Series (E21) variant in our database.

VariantYearsFuelEnginePowerGearboxDriveCO₂
323i 3AT RWD (143 HP) 1975 Petrol 2.3 L 141 bhp AUTOMATIC 3sp RWD —
323i 4MT RWD (143 HP) 1975 Petrol 2.3 L 141 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD —
320i 3AT RWD (125 HP) 1975 Petrol 2.0 L 123 bhp AUTOMATIC 3sp RWD —
320i 4MT RWD (125 HP) 1975 Petrol 2.0 L 123 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD —
320 3AT RWD (122 HP) 1975 Petrol 2.0 L 121 bhp AUTOMATIC 3sp RWD —
320 4MT RWD (122 HP) 1975 Petrol 2.0 L 121 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD —
318i 3AT RWD (105 HP) 1975 Petrol 1.8 L 104 bhp AUTOMATIC 3sp RWD —
318i 4MT RWD (105 HP) 1975 Petrol 1.8 L 104 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD —
318 3AT RWD (98 HP) 1975 Petrol 1.8 L 97 bhp AUTOMATIC 3sp RWD —
318 4MT RWD (98 HP) 1975 Petrol 1.8 L 97 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD —
316 4MT RWD (90 HP) 1975 Petrol 1.6 L 89 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD —
315 4MT RWD (75 HP) 1975 Petrol 1.6 L 74 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD —

Specifications are indicative, from open data (cardata.wiki). Decode your VIN above to confirm the exact build.

Why decode a BMW 3 Series (E21) VIN?

The VIN confirms the exact engine, gearbox and trim, exposes outstanding recalls, and verifies the car matches its paperwork, so you can be sure a used 3 Series (E21) is what the advert claims before you buy.

Other 3 Series generations and versions

The same nameplate across body styles and chassis generations.

3 Series (E36)3 Series (E46)3 Series (E90)3 Series (F30)3 Series Cabriolet3 Series Cabriolet (E36)3 Series Cabriolet (E46)3 Series Cabriolet (E93)3 Series Compact (E36/5)3 Series Compact (E46/5)3 Series Convertible (E30)3 Series Convertible (E93)3 Series Coupe (E30)3 Series Coupe (E36)3 Series Coupe (E46)3 Series Coupe (E92)

Other BMW models

Decode another BMW, or see all BMW models.

1 Series1 Series (F20)1 Series 3 doors (E81)1 Series 3 doors (F21) LCI1 Series 3-door (F21)1 Series 5 doors (E87)1 Series 5 doors (F20) LCI1 Series 5-door (E87) LCI1 Series 5-door (F20) LCI1 Series Convertible (E88)1 Series Coupe (E82)1 Series Coupe (E82) LCI1 Series M Coupe (E82)1 Series Sedan (F52)150016002 Series2 Series Active Tourer2 Series Active Tourer (F45)2 Series Convertible2 Series Convertible (F23) LCI2 Series Coupe (G42)2 Series Gran Tourer (F45)2 Series Gran Tourer (F46)

BMW 3 Series (E21) VIN FAQ

What does a BMW 3 Series (E21) VIN tell you?+
A BMW 3 Series (E21) VIN decodes to the exact variant, engine, transmission, body type, model year and factory options. Our free decoder also checks recalls and available safety ratings.
Where is the VIN on a BMW 3 Series (E21)?+
Look at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the driver's door-jamb sticker, and on the vehicle registration document (V5C / title).
What years was the BMW 3 Series (E21) made?+
Our database covers the BMW 3 Series (E21) for model years 1975+, across 12 variants.
Is the BMW 3 Series (E21) VIN check free?+
Yes, decoding specifications, recalls and safety ratings is completely free and needs no registration. A paid full-history report (mileage, theft, accidents) is optional.

Decode your BMW 3 Series (E21) VIN

Enter the 17-character VIN for instant specifications, recalls and safety data. Free, no registration.

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Full history

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  • ✓ Real mileage / odometer verification
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