This year marks the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series. While many people credit the 2002 as being the model that really put BMW on the map, I argue – and will continue to do so – that it was the introduction of the 320i in the U.S. that led BMW to becoming the powerhouse brand it is today.
Unlike the 2002, which was a model for those who understood performance and sports cars, the 320i was the car that became one of the measuring sticks for success in the Yuppie generation of the 1980s. It was the first “status symbol” BMW model and the company sold more than 1.3 million E21 3 Series cars worldwide. Ever since then, the 3 Series has remained one of the most important cars for the company and one of its biggest sellers.
It is easier to find a first-generation M3 in excellent condition than it is to find an E21 320i in great shape, which is the reason I chose this 1982 BMW 320i as my Pick of the Day.
The seller describes this 320i as an accident-free, two-owner car. They state that they are the second owner and that it has been garage-kept it for the past 16 years. They add that the original owner took perfect care of it for 24 years.
In addition to complete maintenance documentation from the past 16 years, this car comes with lots of period-correct accessories, including a BMW factory toolkit with all tools in place and a BMW factory flashlight in the glove box.
To make things even better, the seller states that this car still wears its original Alpine White paint, which looks to be in excellent condition.
The factory-original interior is also said to be in mint condition and includes original BMW floor mats and the original BMW radio. I do not see any dash cracks in the photos provided.
The car has been tastefully modified with a performance exhaust, a custom-fabricated K&N intake (the original air intake comes with the car), Alpina replica 15-inch wheels with perfomance tires (the original wheels and tires also come with the purchase of the car), new Bilstein shocks and struts, new H&R performance springs, a MOMO performance steering wheel (yes, the original steering wheel is included with the car), upgraded front and rear sway bars (ditto), very rare period accessory Zender front and rear spoilers, a front bra, and functional OEM fog lights.
Truly excellent original examples of the E21 320i are hard to find. If you want a great car at a great price to celebrate the birth of the 3 Series, this 1982 BMW 320i is just the ticket. At a price of $22,995, it is right on par with the market for an “Ultimate Driving Machine” this nice and original.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com