BMW 3 Series (E21)

In July 1975, the first BMW 3 Series was presented as the successor to the 02 Series. This was the first time that a driver-centred cockpit had been grouped round the person on the driver’s seat in an arc. Two six-cylinder versions defined new benchmarks in this class at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in 1977. The combination of sporty chassis, manoeuvrability and the powerful, smooth-running six-cylinder engines was a unique selling proposition setting them apart from the competition. In May 1981, the one millionth BMW 3 Series from the first generation rolled off the assembly line. This broke all records at the time.