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SHADOW 4 STAR CLASSICS
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BMW E21 323i
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BMW E21 323i | £5,495
Mileage: 86,700Model History
The BMW E21 was the original BMW 3-Series automobile, produced from 1975 to 1983 this was BMW's first attempt at a compact executive car and a natural successor to the popular 2002.
In an attack on Mercedes led by Gunther Quandt, a new 51% shareholder, the E21 3 series made up the front line next to the new 5, 6 and 7 series and as such began the uniform look amongst the model range, the front of the cars dominated by the trademark kidney grill protruding clearly from the radiator cover.
The pick of the bunch for the driving enthusiast was the 323i featuring good build quality, a powerful straight six engine (143bhp and 145lb ft) and rear wheel drive. This combination positioned it perfectly for the young budding executive looking for the right image with enough driver involvement until they could afford a 911!
The smooth 6 cylinder engine was credited to Paul Rosche, a BMW engineer from 1957 to 1999 who had already produced the mighty 6 cylinder engine of the M1 and 2 litre M10 engine in the 2002 turbo. He picked the largest engine possible that would fit in the engine bay with the first cylinder hidden under the dashboard.
The suspension incorporated rack and pinion steering, McPherson strut suspension at the front and semi-trailing arm type independent suspension at the rear. The 323i featuring disc brakes on all wheels. Early cars were sold with a 4 speed manual; later ones with a Getrag 5 speed manual as standard however this was offered as an option on early cars. Other options included a close ratio dogleg box, power steering and a 25% lock limited slip diff.
Equipment
Exterior
The last owner has had the car fully re-sprayed in the original Polaris silver, included in the history are some pre re-spray photographs showing the car to be in very good condition with only a couple of blemishes. It's got some great exterior factory options that were very expensive at the time including the Alpina half front spoiler, boot spoiler and BBS Mahle alloy wheels. The chassis rails in the engine bay, a week point for corrosion are in good condition and have fought off the elements well over the last 30 years.
Interior
The Recaro interior is in immaculate condition with no signs of wear or any tears on the seat bolsters. It has a very rare Italvolanti steering wheel and has had electric windows fitted in 1987. The original Blaupunk stereo is still there with a graphic equalizer and separate radio tuner. This is the highest spec E21 we have seen with a huge list of optional extras.
Engine & Transmission
The engine has been fully serviced and the cam belt and tensioner where replaced last year. The car has the optional LSD, the clutch has been replaced and the gearbox and diff oil levels have been checked and are at the right level. The highly respected BMW specialist MJF Engineering in Dorking has independently checked the car giving it a full bill of health and taking him back down memory lane as he used to do the pre delivery checks on the E21s back in the day.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
The car has period 13" BBS Mahle alloys in good condition with 3 Goodyear and 1 Michelin tyre. Last year the car had new brake disks and pads all round and has done less that 1000 miles since.
History File
Supplied new by BMW Chiswick the car was first registered on the 18/5/1979. There are 4 owners showing on the V5. It has a fully stamped BMW service record with all receipts up till 76,000 miles which is also backed up by all the old MOT certificates. The car was then dry stored for 9 years before being re-commissioned in the spring of last year. It was treated to a full re-spray and a fully documented comprehensive service. It also had new brakes disk and pads all round, new clutch, alternator, cam belt and tensioner, and every fluid flushed out and replaced.