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1981 BMW 320is

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For years, the BMW E21 3 series sort of languished by the wayside. If there ever was an annals of unloved BMWs (admittedly a short list) you could have included this very car. However, with the popularity of this car’s replacement, the E30 3 series, taking off, those wanting to go their own way might be intrigued by the first 3 series. It’s not the fastest or most glamourous of Bimmers, but it represents a period of transition for the marque that would set up the company to go from strength to strength in the years to come. This mint 320is for sale in Spokane, Washington has just over 40,000 miles on the clock. Silver over black isn’t the most exciting of colors but it does little to date the look of this early 3er.

Click for details: 1981 BMW 320is on eBay

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Year: 1981
Model: 320is
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 40,457 mi
Price: No reserve auction

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Please allow me to preface this with a couple of items. 1) This car will not be sold to a first time or young driver. 2) It will only be sold to an enthusiast who understands that this BMW is a museum quality car and as such should be driven sparingly to car shows and events but not as daily transportation; the car is simply far too good for that……. here we go.

You’re looking at a one owner 40,4XX mile BMW 320IS. The car is finished in Polar Silver with Black leather. The entire car is completely Original inclusive of its perfect paint. There is not a single ding, dent or scratch in the car; not one! The car has its original Factory Recarro sport seats that show NO WEAR. The dash is perfect and has no cracks, NONE! The car still has its original Blaupunkt radio that works. Carpeting, headliner, door panels, etc are as new ! The cars spare (5th BBS Alloy) has never been on the ground and the tire well paint is better than the paint on most new cars. The tool kit is complete and perfect. All tools, books, keys, jack, records, shop manual, original plates, etc, come with the car. There was a log kept with EVERYTHING ever done to the car and includes all receipts, there are even spare factory oil filters. The car runs flawlessly and has no leaks of any kind. There is NO RUST in the car anywhere.

I firmly believe that unless the BMW factory has a better car, this 320IS is most likely the best preserved, lowest mileage and original car of its kind anywhere.

With all due respect, I will not put any credence in ANY book value out there as there is no comparable car available.

It would be best if this car were to end up in the hands of a collector of fine motorcars.

This BMW is beyond must see….. please feel free emailing me with any questions. I will make arrangements to show the car on an appointment basis.

Many more high quality, detailed photos are available on photo bucket, feel free emailing me for the link since I can’t paste it here 🙁

Inspections are welcomed, in fact, encouraged. There is not another 320IS in this condition, with this few miles anywhere…..I am pretty darn sure ! 🙂 I reserve the right to sell the car outside of ebay as the car is locally listed.

$_4

It’s not impossible to find very mint E21s, but it certainly is getting a bit tougher as of late. From what we’ve seen, values for these cars are on the rise, if only slightly, mainly due to the E30 frenzy shining favorably on it. This car might be lacking in terms of engines, options and body styles versus the E30, but there’s something to be said for owning the first of what became an iconic compact executive machine.

-Paul

7 Comments

  1. Howard S
    Howard S February 28, 2015

    Love the car but the VIN number is not valid, so there is not much to say.

  2. Scott Saylor
    Scott Saylor February 28, 2015

    Still nice. Still slow. Younger & older brothers are much more exciting.

  3. Bushwick Bob
    Bushwick Bob February 28, 2015

    What an absolutely hilarious ad.

    “$19,000.”

    “It would be best if this car were to end up in the hands of a collector of fine motorcars.”

    ” 1) This car will not be sold to a first time or young driver. 2) It will only be sold to an enthusiast who understands that this BMW is a museum quality car and as such should be driven sparingly to car shows and events but not as daily transportation”

    I’d expect to pay for this kind of stuff at the Comedy Cellar tonight.

    Dude with the $19K bid has 1 feedback, btw. Might be a high schooler who needs a daily to get around town.

  4. royce
    royce March 1, 2015

    Mr. Bushwick,

    Always one in the crowd, right? It appears to be a lovely little car but those like you, choose instead to bask in your own throw-up. The internet can live quite nicely without your kind sir. This sight is for those who have a love for German cars. I, for one, would prefer it if you would simply relegate yourself to the more intelligent sites; Facebook perhaps.

  5. Craig
    Craig March 1, 2015

    It’s a cute little car in enviable condition but I have to agree that the price is too extravagant for what it is. The ad copy is also uppity and off-putting. If he wants to sell to an “enthusiast,” well that’s his prerogative. But I would have thought most “enthusiasts” take the view that German cars are built to driven rather than admired as museum pieces. I certainly do. BMWs are supposed to be the “ultimate driving machine” after all.

    I suspect this ad will be up for a long time and if it does sell it won’t be for anything like $19k.

  6. MDriver
    MDriver March 1, 2015

    these are the NEXT best E21’s the 323 being the hot one to have….
    that said while it is commendable that this car has more than survived…it seems to have thrived…
    no rust that can be seen in the usual spots….an interior void of cracks, tears, and worn bolster…
    even with ALL that….it will take a very special buyer at that price point!

  7. Bushwick Bob
    Bushwick Bob March 2, 2015

    Royce: you missed two things – the copy and the price.

    Craig: yep.

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