1982 BMW 323i Baur TC1 Turbo

In a post I wrote for The Truth About Cars this past week, I covered a few E30 models that offer affordable and interesting visual and performance alternatives to the E30 M3. One of those models was the Baur TC2, the model which gave BMW a soft-top before BMW made its own in 1985. Of course, the E30 wasn’t Baur’s first foray into convertible 3-series models, though, as they had started with the E21 model. Baur only produced a little less than half the amount of E21s – 4,595 according to Petrolicious – as they did E30 models at over 11,000, but as importation of early 1980s cars was easier, it seems more common to see the E21 Baur than the E30 Baur. Though fitted as standard with no performance upgrades, this unique 1982 example remedies that with a turbocharged M20:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1982 BMW 323i Baur TC1 Turbo on eBay

Year: 1982
Model: 323i Baur TC1
Engine: 2.7 liter turbocharged inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 97,719 mi
Price: $20,000 Buy It Now

“If you are looking for a classic, rar, fast, and a one-of-a-kind Bimmer, look no further! Over here I have for sale my 1982 BMW 323i BAUR with 98,000 original miles.

This car has been built with all high performance quality parts. There have been no cut corners involved in restoring this classic. All the upgraded and replaced parts on this vehicle were installed brand new! The car has been meticulously maintained and pampered throughout its life. It has been adult driven and always garage kept

The motor was recently built from head to toe by Castro Motorsport, a local highly reputable BMW performance shop. There are only 2,500 miles on the motor after the fresh rebuild, and it runs like clock-work with absolutely ZERO issues. Registration was recently renewed and the car has been smoged.

Engine Specs:
M20 2.7 ETA Bottom End with Ireland Engineering Crank Scraper
Port and Polished Head with a 274 Cam
Polished OE Rockers

Work that has been done to the car:
Garrett GT30/76R V-Banded Dual Ball Bearing Turbo
New Custom Aftercooler
Custom Intercooler Piping
Custom Heat Exchanger
New Electric Water Pump
New Turbo feed lines and Fittings
New Custom Oil cooler Lines and Fittings
Custom Turbo Down Pipe
New Tail Wastegate
New Tial Blow Off Valve
Full Custom Stainless Steel Exhaust
New custom Radiator
Tuning From Churches
New radiator hose
New Performance Spark Plug Wires
Electric Fan
New Fuel Pump
New Drive Belts
New Big Break Kit
New Performance Diff Mounts
New Poly Training Arm Bushings
New Front Strut Bearing Mount
Lower Suspension Brace
New Subframe Bushing inserts
New rear strut Mounts
New Sway Bar Bushing
New Front Control Arms
New Custom Coolant Expansion Tank
New Performance Clutch
Full Set of Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
New ARP Head Bold Set
New MLS Head Gasket
New Tie Rods
AFR Gauges
New Rear Poly Sway Bar Links
And More.

Exterior
Original 316 Grilles and Headlights
Original BBS Front Bumper
Original Alpina Wheels
Original Alpina Trunk Spoiler

Interior
Alpina Steering Wheel
Alpina Cluster
Sport Seats

The combination of the BBS spoiler, European bits and Alpina wheels and spoiler really only heighten what was already a pretty exciting find. The 323is are neat little cars, and while performance isn’t shocking, they’re pretty quick compared to their contemporaries – remember, this was a period when the fast Audi B2 had 100 horsepower, so 143 in the 323i was more than adequate. Turbocharging the M20 probably provides more power than the chassis should have, but dismissing the power plant for a moment, the rest of the package is pretty awesome. E21 models haven’t really stretched their collectable legs yet, but a resto-mod example with period details like this one has is a great way to have some classic BMW style, fun top down motoring, and a unique expression of 3-series love.

-Carter