Any e21 opinions here? Might pick one up...

[txtorquemade]

Any one here have ideas on e21s?

Ive liked them forever just always ended up buying e30's or newer.. (e46s).

Ive run across a pretty decent one Im thinking of picking up. Any opinions or what to look out for except rust, shock towers..etc.

I think have M10 engines, 1.8L if Im right? Am I right??

What do I need to look for? Interested in a Daily Driver, not track or showcar, but might track it eventually.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1568594485.html

[Lance Racing]

They did a number of subtle revisions in 1980, which I always prefered.

I think he's a little high on his mileage quotes.

The matching colored grills was a popular thing to do in the 80's.

Seems like a solid car. The Recaro seats in the E21 sport models were very comfortable. Better than the E30 sport seat.

He implies that only the S models had 5-speed and sunroofs. All 1980-83 had those features.

My quick recollection of the S model was: Recaro sport seats, Sport steering wheel, cross spoke basket weave 14" wheels, big front air dam, limited slip rear diff, slightly larger sway bars.

[Bimmerista]

He's come down to a much more reasonable price on that car. It seems to be well-sorted out. How does the interior look?

[structured]

If I got one I would want a much more "unmolested" example. Like this:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/1593457530.html

[txtorquemade]

They did a number of subtle revisions in 1980, which I always prefered.

I think he's a little high on his mileage quotes.

The matching colored grills was a popular thing to do in the 80's.
He just did that awhile ago.

Seems like a solid car. The Recaro seats in the E21 sport models were very comfortable. Better than the E30 sport seat.

He implies that only the S models had 5-speed and sunroofs. All 1980-83 had those features.

My quick recollection of the S model was: Recaro sport seats, Sport steering wheel, cross spoke basket weave 14" wheels, big front air dam, limited slip rear diff, slightly larger sway bars.

It has all that. Also I think they are supposed to come with a rear sway bar the non-S model didnt have.

The interior looks really nice. Seats are clean, no rips or worn areas. Pretty fit. AC works and carpet isnt even too bad.
Good info, thanks.

[bmwE30/541]

i had one as a dd and was not for me just no get up and go all 90hp just doesn't do it lol I still have mine just as a dd there a pain in the ass. On top of that the gas millage isent all to hot either so therefore they look badass but not to much else.

[bmwE30/541]

his little 35mpg on freeway is bullshit at least for me mine wasn't nearly that good!!

[txtorquemade]

i had one as a dd and was not for me just no get up and go all 90hp just doesn't do it lol I still have mine just as a dd there a pain in the ass. On top of that the gas millage isent all to hot either so therefore they look badass but not to much else.

Well.. I dont care a LOT about gas mileage. I dont drive much more than 35 miles a day for work. With the R and R one on his, does it look like it would be reliable?

He has the AC working, front end has been rehab'd, etc.

Do e21's lend themselves to engine swaps? Maybe a M20 or s14. I know the M10s are quite anemic.

[txtorquemade]

He's come down to a much more reasonable price on that car. It seems to be well-sorted out. How does the interior look?

Why do I want to bang this chick so bad???? I must be sick!!

[Bimmerista]

Why do I want to bang this chick so bad???? I must be sick!!

Not to worry man. Every person has their fetish of choice.

[bmwE30/541]

I dont know of any e21 that have been swapped let alone really anything into the e21s, but then again it was my first car and i never did much research on the car. I think it would be some what reliable i mean even if something does go wrong there super easy to work on everything is easy to get to with such a little four banger. Fun car 2,500 hundred bucks isn't a bad price but like "structured" said i would rather buy one less molested. Either way it would be a fun car not to bad dd if you have some patience waiting about 45seconds getting up to 30mph haha i'd try in find some1 to take a ride with or drive to see if it's the car for you.

[txtorquemade]

I drove the car about a year or so ago. Owner was asking something like 4575.00 for it then and I passed. Now.. 2500.00. Looks more attractive.

No... it dosent pull like my 330 e46, or a e30 iS for that matter but its not exactly a turtle. As I recall it felt quick and nimble. I drive mostly in traffic so... Im not looking to cruise 90mph all the time.

Any other insights anyone. Especially RE: this particular 320S

Thanks

[Pull_Addict]

heres a fun fact... early e21s had 2.0s

e21s ftw.

[ethree]

Do e21's lend themselves to engine swaps? Maybe a M20 or s14. I know the M10s are quite anemic.

E21's with m10's lend themselves to turbocharging!

If you want a m20 you need the subframe from a 323 other than finding that it should be fairly straightforward.

[VacMan]

E21 subforum on bimmerforums is fairly lively. Lots of good guys there. Several non-stock powerplants as well, including an M50 and a few turbo setups. I enjoy the E21, but I tried DD'ing it for a while and couldn't handle the lack of creature comforts.

E21's with m10's lend themselves to turbocharging!

If you want a m20 you need the subframe from a 323 other than finding that it should be fairly straightforward.

I have a 323 subframe I'd be willing to part with. I'll probably never swap my E21.