Thinking about an e21...

[motorprestige]

I have been seeing a LOT of really cheap e21's on sale lately, like in the neighborhood of 500$ and in really good shape. They are all the usual 320i as its really hard to find a cheap 320is but still, throw in a limited slip, suspension, and some euro bumpers and you have yourself a really cool little commuter/canyon carver. The reason i am considering this is because i don't want to rack up all the miles in the world on my e30 and, it would be really cool to own the first generation of the 3 series. As far as i know the reliability of an e21 is written in stone, and i have test driven one on a bilstein/eibach setup with some 14'' azenis and it was an absolute blast. They arent as sluggish as people say, better than driving a mundane and bland japanese econobox with no soul, and the sound of the m10 grows on you *flamesuit on* I am just looking for some comments you guys may have about them, regarding past experiences and whatnot. Debate, Hate, and commentate.












And dont forget the heritage...

[rede30]

some people love then, i know after my brother had a shitty e21 then a nice e30 he now wants a e21 again. I dont ever see myself getting one, they are just to in the middle. I would much rather get some undesired year 2002 for cheap or a cheap e34. They are pretty cool cars though, they give you that OG feel that e30's dont.

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

all those pics you posted... I think those E21's have as much money in them as a regular E30 dd... so from financial situation you're not gonna be that much away from owning E30. I also think that E21's requre WAY MORE maintenance then E30.. but they should be easier then E30 to work on, also I don't think that there are that many places where you could get Aft. Mark. Part, but it would be awesome to have some old e21 bucket on good susp w/ turbo M10... pretty old skool

[Jand3rson]

E21's are kinda cool looking, that's about it. The interior is very dull and dated, add to the fact that they handle like SHIT, even with gobs of money thrown under the car. Aside from that, you'll be hard pressed to find one in good shape, most are on their way to being rustbuckets or worse, or have their fair share of dents and dings. There's also hardly an aftermarket for them, just about any kind of body styling is going to be harder to find than a needle in a haystack, and most of it will either be Alpina, BBS, Zender or OEM BMW, all of which aren't easy to find. Especially in the US. Pretty much the only E21 worth throwing down the cash on would be a euro 323i, unless you're planning an engine transplant. I've seen a few with S14's, and a couple with stroked M20's. All very quick, but still just not kicking, IMO. There's just not much to them, and even more to a point, not much FOR them.

If you're hellbent on modding one, then by all means, go for it. After seeing examples like the ones you posted, along with countless others (PBMW showcases badass ones all the time), I've often been tempted to pick one up. But keep in mind, you'll be going from an old BMW to an even older one, with even more hiccups, knocks, rattles, dings and god knows how many other little issues on top of what your E30 may have had.

[motorprestige]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2155179880763141241&q=e21

It would be strictly for commuting, and shinannigans like this^^^


I know all of those have quite a few dollars in them, but i would leave it at suspension and lsd. I don't really need the euro bumps, though it would make it a LOT easier on the eyes. I say i want it for a commuter only, but i would end up dumping a lot into it. I mean c'mon, it's the OG3, you gotta make it cool. Turbo m10 *shocking erection* ;)

Yes yes, i have considered all of wich you talk about, but the particular one i am looking at has less miles than most e30's, and has nooo rust/dings. I know they are dated, but in a few years they wont have to pass smog, and that alone makes them very tempting. I have already owned a 2002, so i know what you guys mean by wanting something a little more obscure, but i think the e21 has a LOT of unrecognised potential. Eurospeed, the one I had driven handled quite well, it was not as well mannered as an e30, but that is something i had expected from the start seeing as it is egineered with lower technology all around. Maybe i am just saying, It would be a fun beater:)...


Hey i am now an e30 addict

[asubimmer]

nice vid

[Jand3rson]

Hey, like I said, if you're really wanting to buy one, do it. Don't let me talk you out of it. Just offering up my opinion, nothing more. :up:

[motorprestige]

They also have the "less to go wrong appeal". Not to say that my e30 hasnt been reliable (wich it has) but the part of my brain responsible for generating common sense tells me it would be a very low stress car to own.

[motorprestige]

Hey, like I said, if you're really wanting to buy one, do it. Don't let me talk you out of it. Just offering up my opinion, nothing more. :up:

Your oppinion is appreciated, seeing as you are a seemingly knowing and intelligent guy. Not to mention one of the most mature people on the forum.

[Jand3rson]

Your oppinion is appreciated, seeing as you are a seemingly knowing and intelligent guy. Not to mention one of the most mature people on the forum.

Ok, I'm all for giving credit where credit's due, but let's not go overboard here... :D

[motorprestige]

Ok, I'm all for giving credit where credit's due, but let's not go overboard here... :D

And modest too? ;)

[ColdAccord]

wrong coast, but this is in pretty decent shape and is only a few hundred dollars

[BS87]

and has nooo rust/dings.

Its an E21. It has rust. You just can't see it.

[bmwm3n528]

Wrong place to ask about e21s. If you're interested in checking out one, check out this forum, www.bmw320i.com and his other website, www.e21parts.net

[motorprestige]

Thanks much but, I was interested in the oppinions of the people that frequent this board.