Not Driven Since ’98: 1980 BMW 320i

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As some of you know, I own an E21-series BMW, a gray-market car I found on a farm and shared with this page a few years ago. I still owe you an update on the 1980 320/6, from the successful engine rebuild to refreshed cosmetics. This 1980 model is a U.S.-market car, complete with an automatic and the classic California “sunset” license plates. While the slushbox is a major disappointment, the rest of the car is a joy. Find it here on eBay with a $9,500 Buy-It-Now and the option to submit a best offer. 

Said to belong the seller’s mother-in-law, it hasn’t seen regular use since 1998 when she stopped driving. Mileage is a tick over 30,000 and it shows, from the unmarked paint to the U.S. metal bumpers that retain outstanding luster. Even the typically tarnished chrome strips in the front and rear window seals still looks new, and the seller notes that various weatherstripping and gaskets are still soft to the touch. U.S. models were also saddled with additional reflectors in the rear quarters, which further detracted from the E21’s clean lines.

The interior is time-warp condition, with unmarked carpets, seats, and door panels. The dashes in these cars typically suffer from cracking, but not here. The console retains the original Blaupunkt cassette stereo, and there’s literally nothing out of place in the cabin – other than the blasted automatic transmission. It’s not entirely surprising considering the long-time owner, but it will hold this car back from finding an enthusiast owner. Unlike the later E30 cars, transmission swaps are not nearly as common. The seller does admit one common fault for cars of this age, which is that the horsehair stuffing has deteriorated.

The trunk and engine bay are equally clean, with the latter receiving a fair amount of mechanical refreshes in the last few months. Note the clean shock towers, unmarked trunk carpet, and complete original tool kit. The seller lists out several repair jobs done, including new fuel injectors, brake master cylinder, and fuel pump, along with rebuilt brake calipers and a warm-up regulator. While the lack of three pedals will still disappoint many, there’s little doubt this 320i would do well in any sort of car show with a preservation class award.

Comments

  1. Bakyrdhero

    Somebody donated one of these to our high school automotive program in the mid nineties. Same color too. These were seemingly throw away cars at one point. This one looks brand new.

    Like 5
  2. Racingpro56

    And gone…

    Like 0
  3. Pat lamb

    They left the plates uncovered …

    Like 4
    • John

      Never did understand why people cover plates…. Do they drive down the road with them covered too?

      Like 2
      • Danh

        To maintain privacy…….🙄

        Like 2
  4. leiniedude leiniedudeMember

    Someone is going to stuff a 5 speed in there and have a great, pretty much new car.

    Like 4
  5. J-

    Gone before i got it Again and again and … call it
    BARN -SOLDS!! !!!

    Like 2
    • PRA4SNW

      If you join, you get to see the listings right away. They appear to every one else a couple of days later.

      Like 0
  6. Danh

    Ugh…that was a heartbreaker seeing the automatic shifter. Instant deal killer for me but still a nice find!

    Like 1
  7. local_sheriff

    I’m impressed how well a car can be preserved for near 40 years with some care, dry climate and a garage… This is as close one can get to a new e21

    Like 3

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