1981 BMW E21 323i

Equipment

Henna Red paintwork, Anthracite cloth upholstery with Recaro stripes, 15-inch BBS RM alloy wheels (15x8 front, 15x9.5 rear), 2.5-litre M20B25 engine, 5-speed manual Getrag transmission, Recaro front sports seats, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, Power-assisted steering, Gaz coilovers, Limited-slip differential, BBS front spoiler, Front strut brace, Sunroof, Boot-mounted battery, Push start button, Kenwood stereo with USB and Bluetooth, BMW toolkit, Floor mats, Fire extinguisher, Spare key.

Exterior

Looking sharp in Henna Red this original 323i sports dished BBS RM wheels with a complementing BBS front spoiler. Although not entirely flawless the paintwork presents to a great standard overall making this a very useable example that’s sure to draw many admiring glances. On closer inspection the brightwork has no corrosion or pitting, the bumper inserts and rubbing strips are free from scuffs, and the black plastic grilles are undamaged. The windows are original all round and quite remarkably the registration number can still be found etched into the glass, including the windscreen. Equipped with adjustable coilover suspension the car not only handles really well but also sits with a more assertive stance.

Interior

Inside, the E21 features a few nice upgrades over standard. The original Recaro sports seats have been retrimmed with eye-catching striped centre panels, and a smaller three-spoke leather steering wheel replaces the original four-spoke item. Power steering has also been installed making arduous low speed maneuvers a thing of the past. As with the exterior of the car, the interior is well presented with just the right level of patina in our opinion. There are no rattly or loose trims to note but as is common in E21s there are a few small cracks on the top of the dash. Additional features include a manually operated sunroof and a Kenwood head unit with USB and Bluetooth.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Under the bonnet you’ll find a larger M20B25 straight six. Fitted under previous ownership some years back, the 2.5-litre engine has since been rebuilt with new big end bearings, rocker arms, all belts, a new camshaft, etc. With about 170hp sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential, this really is one to be driven and enjoyed. The last service was carried out in July 2024 and included a full inspection and general shakedown to address any niggles.

History File

This cracking E21 was first registered in January 1981. Starting life as a Henna Red 323i auto the car now boasts a more powerful 2.5-litre engine, 5-speed Getrag gearbox, limited-slip diff, and genuine BBS RM alloy wheels. The accompanying history file includes the original BMW document wallet and handbooks, a raft of invoices dating back to the early 90s, old tax discs, a spare key, and the V5 registration document showing 8 former keepers. The car was most recently serviced in July last year and will come freshly MOT’d for the new keeper’s peace of mind.