01 · Overview
Six cylinders for the people
In 1977, the 320/6 replaced the four-cylinder 320: same displacement, but the new M20 six-cylinder engine — with the smoothness that the class henceforth expected from BMW. The twin headlights made the difference visible as well.
The /6 in the name served to distinguish it from its predecessor and quickly disappeared from everyday use — what remains is an underrated youngtimer that opened the M20 chapter.
02 · History
Einordnung
- 1977 The M20 debuts in the 320/6 — the start of the small six-cylinder era.
- 1982 The E30 320i takes over with fuel injection.
03 · Body variants
Body variants
Sedan (two-door)
Also available as a Baur Topcabriolet.
04 · Engines
M20B20 (carburettor) plausibel
The carburettor M20 is considered robust but requires a properly adjusted Solex and disciplined timing belt maintenance.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 2.0 litres |
| Leistung | 122 PS (90 kW) — commonly cited figure |
Wikipedia EN, BMW 3 Series (E21) — PS figure sourced simply
05 · Engineering
The six-cylinder debut: M20 in the 3 Series
06 · Identifikation
Identifikation
The quick assessment for a first viewing — final clarity always comes from the individual car's documentation.
- Front
- Twin headlights — four-cylinder E21 models have single headlightsverified
- Motorraum
- M20 six-cylinder with Solex twin-choke carburettorverified
- Schriftzug
- '320' without the i — the carburettor version with six cylindersplausibel
07 · Buying guide
Buying advice in brief
As with the 323i: bodywork before mechanics. Check carburettor condition and timing belt.
08 · Sources