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.