1983 BMW E21 320is

Introduced in 1975 as the successor to the beloved 2002, the E21 was the first generation of the BMW 3 Series and set the template for the compact sports sedan that would carry the marque for decades. Developed under design director Paul Bracq, it featured a driver-focused cockpit with the center console angled toward the driver. The US-market 320is paired the 1.8-liter M10 inline-four with a sport package and a close-ratio 5-speed manual. This 1983 example is finished in white over a black interior and has benefited from extensive mechanical work over the past several years. Showing approximately 170k miles on the odometer, this 320is is now being offered for auction in California. Styled under Paul Bracq's design direction, the E21 wore clean, wedge-influenced bodywork marked by the BMW kidney grille flanked by twin round headlights on higher-trim models, a power-dome hood, and the signature Hofmeister kink at the base of the C-pillar. This example was repainted around 2011 and is finished in white. The seller notes that the paint is now peeling in areas around the windows and sunroof and that there is one rust spot at the driver's side of the front windshield, with no other rust known, and adds that the tires are old and due for replacement. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report. The interior is trimmed in black and described by the seller as original. The seller notes a cracked dashboard, a tear in the driver's seat bolster, a separation in the passenger seat, and one tear in the headliner, describing the interior as otherwise in good condition. The rotary heater dials are noted as not functioning properly, though the blower fan works and the heater and defroster can be operated adequately, and the air-conditioning system has been removed, with the removed parts included in the sale. Power comes from a 1.8-liter M10 inline-four rated at 101 HP and 100 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a close-ratio 5-speed Getrag manual transmission. The seller reports an extensive list of mechanical work performed since 2020, including a 2024 head-gasket replacement with a pressure-tested and resurfaced cylinder head, new valve seals, a water pump, and a starter; a 2024 clutch, flywheel, and throw-out bearing replacement along with driveline components; a 2025 timing chain and tensioner assembly; front and rear shocks with suspension bushings; and fuel injectors, fuel pumps, and multiple brake overhauls. The seller notes that all gauges work, though the fuel gauge is sometimes slow to read correctly and the brake warning light illuminates intermittently. This sale will include a clean title, owner's manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, and the removed air-conditioning components. The seller would like you to know: "The E21 has always been one of my favorite BMWs. I've liked these cars since I was a teenager, which is ultimately why I bought this one in 2009. My original plan was to address the mechanical issues first and gradually tackle the cosmetics, and over the years I've done much of the mechanical work I wanted to accomplish. What has changed is that I simply don't have enough opportunity to drive the car. I work from home, have accumulated too many cars, and have other projects competing for my time. Rather than let this E21 continue to sit, I'd rather see it go to someone who appreciates these cars and wants to take it to the next level. There is certainly cosmetic work left to do, but the foundation is there. Good luck to the bidders, and I hope the next owner enjoys this E21 as much as I have."

Specification

From the listing

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