1983 BMW 320i Sport 320is E21

1983 BMW 3-Series 320is Description

1983 BMW 320i Sport Package E21

For sale is my 1983 BMW 320i with the Sport Package sometimes called a 320is. The Sport Package 320i included Recaro sport seats, limited slip differential, rear sway bar, larger front sway bar, front air dam, sunroof, fog lights and a few other features. In addition, this car has the Alpine White Appearance Package which included body colored BBS styled wheels and side mirrors. Some believe that the 320is models were built in low numbers (about 2500) but I have no confirmation on that. Either way, this is a highly attractive and desirable classic BMW.To set your expectations, please understand that this is a 35 year old car. All of the body panels appear to be original. All of the glass appears to be original. With the exception of the driver's door, the paint is original, too. All of the trim and interior is original as well. I don't see any evidence of any accident damage, the car looks straight and correct for it's age and mileage. The pictures make the car look very nice but know that the car does have many cosmetic flaws consistent with a car of its age.
Also understand that this car does not drive like a newer car. It's kinda loud, and not very fast. It has manual steering, manual windows, manual locks, no cruise control, etc. But if you love cars and love driving, you will find that it's great fun to drive.
This car spent the majority of its life in Florida and as a result, there is minimal rust. There are just three places of concern:1. The worst is the driver's door. What started out as a small bubble, quickly expanded. I ground back to bare metal and sprayed it with some primer just to stop the expansion.2. There's also a spot on the driver's side A-pillar. Most likely the windshield gasket leaked and allowed water to get into the pillar.3. And lastly, there's a small bubble on the sunroof that can probably be ground down and resprayed but it's not spreading so I haven't touched it.
I bought the car in January 2016 with a failed transmission at 256,000 miles. I replaced it with a used unit with unknown mileage. It seems solid, no leaks, no funny noises and it shifts just fine.
Last year, I replaced all of the suspension components. New KYB shock absorbers, new H&R lowering springs, new lower control arms, new bushings, ball joints, tierod ends. I also rebuilt the rear axle shafts with new grease and new boots. The PO also replaced the wheel bearings and the clutch was replaced at 221,000 miles.
I don't believe that the engine is original although I have no proof of it. This car's biggest flaw is that the engine leaks oil. It pretty much leaks from everywhere. Since I've owned it, I replaced the head gasket, valve cover gasket, upper timing cover gasket. But it still leaks oil. Most likely it's coming from the exhaust manifold studs and/or the oil pan. And maybe even the lower timing cover. The next owner should plan to address this.
The fuel injection was removed from this car a long time ago. It's currently running a brand-new Weber 32/36 progressive carb mounted on a old 2002 manifold. I also replaced the catalytic converter in order to get it through emission inspection. I have all of the original fuel injection components so if you're a Jetronic fan and have a lot of free time, you can try to reinstall the fuel injection if you want. I'll include all of those parts with the car.
The car has an ANSA muffler on it. I have an original style muffler that I'll include with the car as well. The ANSA sounds OK, not very loud at all. Maybe even too quiet.
The car also has 4 brand new Khumo tires on it.
Otherwise, everything works. The A/C works, all the controls work, the clock works, the sunroof works, even the little light in the ash tray works. It has a Kenwood head unit in it with factory speakers.
The car runs really well. It's a little moody when its cold but once warm, it runs just like it should. It'll rev right up in 1st gear, and drives perfectly normal. It doesn't have that E21 front shimmy that so many owners complain of. It stops, steers, corners and goes just like it should. It's really a fun car to drive.
I'll consider all reasonable offers and if you have any questions, please let me know.
1983 BMW 320is
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