Like a dog paddling in a pond, BMW’s three-series was steady on top, with a lot going on underneath. The sporty sedan theme perfected by the 2002 persisted, but the car’s entire demeanor was refined. The styling remained boxy, still featuring the Hofmeister kink, kidney grilles, and a tall greenhouse, but the lines were softened and the nose gained a slightly sharky profile. Engine choices proliferated, with 1.6-, 1.8-, and 2.0-liter four-cylinder options, all carburetted , and for the US, a 2.0-liter fuel-injected version. Bigger brakes quelled the occasional complaint directed at the 2002. A similar suspension and the old four-speed Getrag supported the driving experience. The interior changed dramatically, with a dash angled toward the driver, better sound insulation, and efficient climate controls. The three-series was ably equipped to inherit the crown from the 2002, and more than 1.3 million were sold in the car’s first generation. Here on eBay is a 1981 320i, with bidding at $6100, reserve not met. This one-owner car is represented by a dealer in Sarasota, Florida.
While the 320i had many advantages over the 2002, horsepower was not one of them. In fact, the ’81 was downgraded to a 1.8-liter engine in response to emissions restrictions, degrading the zero to sixty time by about a second. Still, the interplay between the good-enough bits, the better brakes, and the new five-speed Getrag made for an agreeable driving experience. This car has travelled fewer than 100k miles since coming out of the factory, and is said to start, drive, shift, and stop well.
Inside, slight wear shows up on some surfaces, but nothing egregious. The manual-wind sunroof works, the glass is good, and the trunk contains the original tool kit and spare. The original Blaupunkt is still installed, and a radio blanking plate was found in the glovebox. Manuals, original documentation, and unused inspection stickers accompany the car. The seller notes that the factory Behr air conditioning system is with the car, but those units are not known for reliability.
The Polaris Silver paint has been metered and is likely original. The car’s history is well known, supported by documentation as well as testimony from the consignor. Missing are underside photos – like any car, these can rust, severely affecting the value. If it’s good underneath, the car should sell in the low four figures, maybe the mid-teens. Has a three-series BMW been on your bucket list?
Good article 👍 Thanks Michelle.
I had one of these. I was lucky to find an Alpina in the bone yard. So the limited slip, Bilsteins and sway bars ended up in my car. The engine was tired when purchased and procuring a newer engine was almost impossible at the time. I installed a 2.8 Cologne V6 and a T5 5speed. It made the car a very nice cruiser and did great smokey donuts! After a few years wanted more power so I installed a 5.0 from a Fox Body Mustang that was really fun! But was hard on the rear diff. The only problem I had was also a chronic issue with these cars from day one. Steering wheel vibration/ocelation. BMW came up with different suspension bushings, and several other fixes. But for some reason, many of these always had the issue to some degree. I always thought that it was a lack of positive caster. And there was virtually no way to modify it. (Strut towers left you no room to ad Caster there and the design of the front suspension didn’t help either )
Solid cars, if you can find one that’s not rusty. But in my opinion a,city car, not an open road car.
Ended at $13,300.
Reserve Not Met.
33 bids.