BMW E21 is the platform designation for the first BMW 3 Series which was sold in the U.S. from 1977 thru 1983. This series was the immediate successor to the BMW 2002. In the U.S., sales of BMW automobiles took off in the late 1970s with the introduction of these two-door sports sedans. The 320i was BMWs first large volume car in America. While the 2002 put BMW on the map in the sports sedan segment, the 320i helped make BMW a nationally recognized name. The cockpit design of the 320i marked the introduction of a new design concept, with the center console angled towards the driver. This feature became part of BMWs interior design philosophy for many years. A sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded. The 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine was fitted with Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection, delivering 110 hp on premium grade gasoline. The suspension incorporated rack and pinion steering, McPherson strut suspension at the front and semi-trailing arm type independent suspension at the rear.