E21 323i Fair Market Value

[UNHCLL]

We have a euro e21 323i.
I needs work. A good chunk of work. We have brand new e21 Recaro's for it, along with a whole parts car that would supply any other bits needed.

Now my question is this:
Does anyone know anything about e21's?
What is a Fair Market Value for a good condition 323i?
Are they "rare" in the USA?

My dad wants to sell it outright and just get rid of it. He doesnt have time to work on it. I kind of want to undertake it as a project, then sell it once I've redone it. Are these fun cars to drive? I've driven regular e21 320i's but never a 323i.

Cirrus Blue I think, with euro bumpers, etc, etc.

Are there any good e21 message boards? I wont go to Roadfly, I cant stand the format.

TIA,
Chris

[NCm42]

The e21 on bf.c is pretty good. www.320i.com is ok. There is also another one that is much better but i cant remeber the name of it. The guys over at bf.c will be able to tell you.

[UNHCLL]

320i.com only deals with the M10-4cylinder.

323i's have 6-cylinders.

I'll check BFC

[318daily]

Off topic, but that's such a killer looking M3 in your sig.

[UNHCLL]

Off topic, but that's such a killer looking M3 in your sig.

Which one?
You'll have to be a bit more specific. 8)

[rs4pro3]

the Yahoo E21 group is a nice place for info. The 323i are pretty rare and are the most seeked E21 model.

[Jon325i]

Those E21 323i cars are pretty rare here in the States. I don't know if they were actually imported for dealer sales or if they are all grey market cars. Personally, I've only seen three around where I live....one of which is an original Alpina car that is located in the Bay Area. I've had the chance to ride in this Alpina E21 323i and its a pretty quick car. I would have to say its on par with a 325i/is with a JC chip and 4.10LSD if not a tad faster.

These E21s are lighter than E30s...but I don't know by how much. The 323i motor is an early variant of the M20 so there could be some interchangability with parts from newer engines to extract a bit more power from them.

If the car doesn't have any major body/structural damage and its mostly intact I would say get it. Because you hardly see these cars around, it would be a chance for you to drive something more unique. I really don't know much about the market value of the E21 cars so I can't help you there. The fact that its a 'rare' car can be a double-edged sword. It could command more because its hard to come by.....but also since there aren't many around it would be difficult to compare it with others in order to establish its value.

Jon

[UNHCLL]

I'm not going to sell my E30.
We already own the car.
I cant justify/afford a 2nd car.
If I redo it, it will be more for my own learning etc.

I'll have to talk to him when I go home next time.

A full time job, an e30 project, an e21 project, and boat projects might be a tad to much.
We'll see.

Thanks for all the links & replies!

[bimmerlover]

If you haven't been to http://www.e21bmw.net/graymarket/index.php go now!
It has some great info. I also go to www.bmwe21.net. They have a forum.. however it is small and not very active. The E21 yahoo group is the best.

I just bought my E21 323i a couple of months ago. I paid $1500 for it, and I think I got a very good deal. It's in pretty average condition.
I loooooooove driving it. Parts are harder to get though. If you want more info or pictures of my 323, let me know.


Rachel

[rscheiring]

Re: E21 323i Fair Market Value

We have brand new e21 Recaro's for it

Whatchoo talkin 'bout, Willis? You mean reupholstered? Those alone are worth some good $.

Did you ask Mike Miller (techtalk@roundel.org)? I've always found him very responsive and full of insight.

[rscheiring]

I'm sure you've seen this car around Concours, Boston Bimmer and such...

[UNHCLL]

I'm sure you've seen this car around Concours, Boston Bimmer and such...

I cant stand that car. Props to the owner for all the work, but its just not my taste. I saw it at a concours at the __________ Automotive Museum in MA last spring. A wind blew a pop up tent onto the car and came this || close to scratching the entire paint job.


The e21 Recaro's are essentially brand new. Original cloth, and they are immaculate.

I *think* Mike Miller has a 2002. We have a "Mike Millers" 2002 in the shop that has been undergoing restoration for 3+ years IIRC. Maybe the same guy?

[rscheiring]

Hmmm, maybe, but my guess Mike would do his own work. He's the cat from Roundel Tech Talk. He knows an awful lot about an awful lot. Drop him an email - whats the worst that can happen? You'll need to quote your bmw cca # at the bottom of the email.

[E30godz]

tooo much red

[UNHCLL]

tooo much red

I will say, pictures do NOT do that car justice whatsoever.