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Thinking about an e21

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    #1

    Thinking about an e21

    I found an e21 320i on craigslist. Checked it out last night. It obviously needs some work. I'd like some opinions before I pull the trigger on this project.

    The good:
    $500 for a car with a clean title.
    All the major parts are there.

    The bad:
    SHITTY respray
    The M10 turns over, but doesn't run. Seller says it's the fuel distributor.
    Missing/broken little parts: glove box handle, side marker lights are cracked, passenger door frame gasket, seats look like two wolverines were going at it after sniffing a bunch of coke.

    Rust: surface rust on the driver side rocker panel, one rust hole in the trunk, didn't find anything underneath the car, some bubbling just above the driver's door handle

    If the motor ends up being shit, how hard is it to swap the motor and trans from a '91 318is into this car? I have everything from my old 318 that was wrecked awhile ago.

    I know the small parts will end up nickel and diming this thing into too much money, but I'd like to save this thing from the idiot that's selling it.

    Thanks guys!
    Tags: None
    #2
    what year is it?
    m42 swap is about as difficult as a 24v swap on an e30 from what ive heard.

    e21's are really easy to work on an fun little cars.
    very slow, but fun.

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      #3
      Forgot that, it's a 1980.

      Comment

        #4
        Buy it.

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSJT5NRsQJU&list=UUVRl6XElex-K6cX21v-mCfg&index=1&feature=plcp

        Comment

          #5
          hm,
          mine also seems to have a kjet fuel distributor issue..
          some people think its really easy and comparable to CIS and others say the fuel delivery system is a PITA.

          but yeah if its a 320i it should have mechanical injection not carbed,
          and they tend to have issues.

          Comment

            #6
            switch to carbs. My dad's a mechanic and he's fixed his fair share of CIS systems. He was glad I got a E30 instead of a E21 lol.
            - '87 Zinno 325is (the daily driver project)[sold]
            - '03 M3, Imolarot, 6 speed
            - '11 DGM STI 5-door (the weekend fun machine)

            Comment

              #7
              Not very difficult to switch to the E30 DME if you go m42/m20.

              Comment

                #8
                I hate the fuel system on my E21, if you get it I would definitely switch it to carbs. An M42 swap would be even better if you can manage that.

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Cliche Guevara View Post
                  I hate the fuel system on my E21, if you get it I would definitely switch it to carbs. An M42 swap would be even better if you can manage that.
                  oh yeah. I recall reading here on R3v that carbs are better than FI anyway. better fuel economy and hp!
                  If it's got tits or tires, it's gonna cost ya!

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Stanley Rockafella View Post
                    oh yeah. I recall reading here on R3v that carbs are better than FI anyway. better fuel economy and hp!
                    Not necessarily, just better than the mechanical fuel injection found on an E21.

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                      #11
                      Carbs would be fun, but I'd probably end up swapping in the m42 before going carbs unless I found a great deal on an intake and set of carbs/all the parts necessary to switch from mechanical injection. I don't know much about carbs on a BMW, any old school guys want to comment on them?

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Originally posted by Stanley Rockafella View Post
                        oh yeah. I recall reading here on R3v that carbs are better than FI anyway. better fuel economy and hp!

                        NO! But still beats mechanical FI though.

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Kugelfischer mechanical
                          is far better than crabs. Than carbs and CIS, too. Maybe even better that L-jet...

                          t
                          now, sometimes I just mess with people. It's more entertaining that way. george graves

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