An E21 For Bracq Friday: 1983 BMW 320i

This next car is a celebration of Bracq Friday — a festival of the best stuff from French born automotive legend Paul Bracq. International sales of BMW’s first 3-series started in the 1975 model year and by the time they switched factory operations to build the E30 version in 1983, over a million examples of the E21 had left the shipping dock. The E21 was years ahead in ride quality compared to luxury cars built by American companies and performance was better than anything from Japan. It was the car of choice for young, urban, go-getters around the world. Find this 1983 BMW 320i bidding for $4,350 in Zephyr Cove, NV via eBay.

From the seller:

1983 BMW 320i “e21”
California BMW since 1983
Graphite Metallic paint
Getrag 5 speed Manual
13 inch BBS mesh wheels
Solid and Rust-free e21 BMW
NO RESERVE

Up for a NO RESERVE auction is a beautiful 1983 BMW 320i 5 speed manual finished in its original Graphit Metallic. BMW vehicles are known for being drivers vehicles, with attention to details combining performance with comfort maintaining an optimum driving experience. BMW essentially created the compact luxury car market in 1977, and have dominated it to this day with the BMW 3 series. The e21 BMW 320i is the first ever BMW 3 series and the car that really put BMW on the map with its successes on the racetrack and dealership sales. In 1983 BMW rocked the Formula 1 world with its first ever manufactures championship in a Nelson Piquet driven BMW. This was not just a historical event for BMW but F1 because it was also the first time a turbo powered 4 cylinder car won the championship kicking off the “Turbo era” in Formula 1 racing.
The design characteristics of the e21 BMW are iconic and unmistakably BMW with its outward slanted “shark nose” and skinny kidney grilles, clean lines and highly visible windows with a Hofmeister kink C pillar. These iconic BMW design elements are appreciated amongst collectors and foundational for the brand. It is also the only 3 series with these classic design features that are synonymous with BMW. This car finished in Graphite Metallic paired with the authentic West German 13 inch BBS mesh wheels is a fine example of a proper classic BMW look.

Cosmetically this bimmer looks fantastic. The original Graphite Metallic has been resprayed once in its life with a high quality 2 stage process using factory paint. It is a timeless color that is not often seen on a 320i. The body is solid and free of any rust. Underneath is exceptionally sanitary and clean free of any rust corrosion. Many of the factory markings are still visible. The original 13 inch BBS wheels are in good shape wrapped in new 185/55/13 performance tires. The car has all the original Bocsh H4 lights The bumpers are in great shape, the front has been tucked. The glass is in great shape and original.

Sep inside and the soothing smell of a classic BMW interior hits your nose. Followed by the solid thud of quality German made door. The Tan upholstery is in great shape vibrant, with no rips or tears The door panels are in great shape with no damage or excessive wear. The carpet is in good shape with little wear, The dash is in good shape there are a few small cracks. All of the gauges are functional. The heater blows hot and the air conditioning works but does not blow cold. The headliner is in great shape. The period correct upgraded Pioneer cassette stereo with the Blaupunkt speakers sounds good.

Mechanically is in good shape and runs and drives. This M10 inline 4 cylinder is a strong capable little engine and runs strong. The Getrag 5 speed manual close ratio transmission shifts smooth in all 5 gears as well as reverse. The suspension is in good shape and the car rides like an 83 BMW. The car brakes good with no noises.

See a better way to drive Bracq? tips@dailyturismo.com