1982 BMW 320iS (E21) with Cold A/C

1982 BMW 3-Series Description

This is a rare Black on Black 320i (E21) with the "Sport Package". It's generally referred to as a 320iS though the title identifies it as a 320i. The option package adds a rear sway bar and strengthens the front sway bar for better handling. A limited-slip differential, sunroof, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, Recaro seats, and a front air dam are added as well. A larger tool kit is included and the rear of the trunk lid is left clean with no model insignia. I upgraded the original 13" alloy wheels to 14" Gold BBS Basketweave wheels.

When I went looking for this car 35 years ago it was hard to find, it's almost impossible now. I bought it from the original owner and she's been my daily driver all these years. While that means that the miles have added up it also means that I have done what's necessary to keep her reliable. She's never been in an accident and has NO RUST due to spending her life in the Atlanta area. The engine uses very little oil and I've replaced gaskets and seals through the years so that these days she leaks maybe one drop of oil per week on the garage floor. This car has never been through an automated car wash, only hand washed, polished, and waxed by me.

Other than having the best BMW shop in the area at the time (Munich West) install the best available Air Conditioner (Clardy) shortly after I bought her, I have performed all of the required maintenance myself. The A/C still provides cold air, albeit with modified controls due to the lack of parts availability. The only serious engine work required was the replacement of a cylinder head that cracked when the water pump failed and the engine overheated. I had a local machine shop re-seat the valves and replace all seals on a used head I acquired. I installed it back in '02 when she had 184,000 on her. I've documented all of the work completed with date and mileage which I will provide to prospective buyers.

This is a 37 year old car and certainly is not perfect but she has classic styling and the 8 year old paint job shines nicely. Recent maintenance includes tightening the shifter linkage, and replacing the catalytic converter, radiator, starter, windshield, MacPherson struts, and repacking the CV joints. I installed some very nice seat covers over the aging Recaro seats and replaced the original clutch after 30 years and 271,000 miles of service. I put in a CD player that also plays MP3's from a thumb drive.

The dash has a few small cracks, the hazard light switch doesn't work, the front air dam has a crack that's been repaired but is still visible, and there are a few minor dings on the hood and trunk due to some hail a few years back. But overall she looks great and she's a fun car to drive.

On Apr-18-19 at 16:11:41 PDT, seller added the following information:

Note: I noticed that the Vehicle History has a couple of errors for this car. First, I am the Second Owner, not the first. I bought it on 1/13/84 from the original owner with 23,700 miles on it, not on 4/22/88 as it states. The Title was issued to me at the time of purchase with my Credit Union listed as a Lien holder. They released their lien on 9/2/86 when the loan was paid off and the title has been in my safe since then. I am not aware of any Duplicate title being issued for any reason to any one. I hope this eases any concerns any one has as to the validity of my ownership of this fine automobile.