The early generations of the BMW 3-Series - opens in new window or tab., especially the M cars, are eminently collectible. But as recent eBay auction results show, even entry-level models are highly sought-after. For example, check out the pristine first-generation BMW 320i recently for sale on eBay.
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Born Into a Legacy of Sports Sedan Greatness
The E21-chassis 3-Series supplanted the beloved 2002 in 1977. Because these cars replaced an icon, enthusiasts derided them as dull. But time has improved the picture.
1983 was the last year for the E21.
The car on eBay is a 1983 BMW 320i coupe, the last year of the E21 for the 3-Series before the E30 came along. This one is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.
OEM toolkit
The owner (the car’s third) describes this BMW 320i as entirely original and stock, with a few options, including a sunroof and factory air-conditioning. It has resided only in California and Washington, and the owner asserts there’s no rust. He brandishes more than $5,500 in recent preventative maintenance and restoration work. The car is being sold at a $12,300 Buy-It-Now price.
The 320i comes with complete records. Also, the deal includes three sets of keys, a complete original toolbox, a full-sized spare, factory carpets, and a trunk mat - opens in new window or tab.. Photos confirm no visible rust, including in the vulnerable spare tire well.
More Like the 2002
The E21 was initially sold only as a two-door sedan/coupe, though a few special Baur convertibles were made.
The design was a clear break from the 2002.
The 320iS is a valuable variant, available as of 1980. It added a standard five-speed manual, stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential out back, and niceties like Recaro seats - opens in new window or tab., a front air dam, cross-spoke alloys, and a leather-wrapped wheel.
The successor to the E21 was the E30, which was eventually available as a four-door sedan (1983), a convertible (1985), and a Touring wagon (1987). The latter is relatively rare in the US, though the drop-top was popular.
The interior looks good for a car with 140K miles on the clock.
The E21, represented by the car now for sale, had much in common with its 2002 predecessor. A Bosch L-Jetronic fuel-injected 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine powered the 320i. It was no barn burner in 1.8-liter form, producing 101 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, with 100 pound-feet of torque.
The BMW 320i weighed less than 2,500 pounds and was sprightly enough when stirred by a manual transmission. Zero to 60 mph took 11.7 seconds, and the 320i reached a maximum speed of 105 mph. Also, part of the picture was McPherson suspension up front and coil springs - opens in new window or tab. with semi-trailing arms in the back. Rear drums complemented the front disc brakes.
The BMW 320i's 1.8-liter engine produced only 101 horsepower.
The E21 BMW was quite successful globally, and they’re plentiful in the US, with rising values. eBay has a vast assortment of BMW parts - opens in new window or tab. for the model. Complete 1.8-liter engines are going for only $700.
Excellent examples of this car are still much cheaper than a comparable 2002, making this a bargain entry into the world of classic Bimmers.
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