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BMW E21 320A

Mileage: 18,058 Top Speed: 115 Year: 1978 0 - 60: 10 MOT Expiry: 21 Feb 11 BHP: 122 Tax Expiry: 31 Jan 11 Transmission: 3 Speed Auto Exterior Colour: Schwarz Black Engine Capacity: 1990cc Interior Colour: Black Cloth Engine Configuration: I6

BMW E21 320A | £Sold

Mileage: 18,058

Model 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 Herbert 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.

To draw clear visual distinction within the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights. At its release the 320 model utilised the M10 4 cylinder engine then as part of the ongoing evolution from 1978 it was replaced by the new six cylinder  2L M20 engine and a Solex 4-barrel downdraft carburetor, known now as the 320/6.

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.

The suspension incorporated rack and pinion steering, McPherson strut suspension at the front and semi-trailing arm type independent suspension at the rear. The standard gearbox was a getrag 4 speed manual with an option for a 5 speed manual or the ZF 3 HP-22 three speed automatic.

Equipment

ZF 3 HP-22 Three speed automatic gearbox 

Exterior

This 320A has spent a very limited time on the road having only covered 18,000 miles in its lifetime and as such the structural condition of the car is perfect. The gloss black paint work is in excellent condition as is all the chrome work.

Interior

The car has an unmarked original interior that is like new. There are no signs of any wear on any of the usual places, the seats are immaculate as is the steering wheel and dash board. There is an aftermarket stereo and CD player fitted.

Engine & Transmission

The engine is super smooth and pulls well. It was a bit tappety when it arrived with us so we had Mark at MJF in Dorking adjust them and check over the car. After inspection it appears the cambelt has been done and we gave it a full service replacing the engine oil, oil and air filter and plugs.

 

The Auto gearbox is a pleasure to work, it slides into and through its gears smoothly and with no complaints.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The previous owner recently replaced the wheels with genuine BMW items and new centre caps which are all still in immaculate condition. The 320/6 runs disc brakes on the front and drums on the rear, all of which are in good condition and pull the car to a stop in a controlled manner and straight line. There is plenty of tread on the tyres which look recently replaced.

History File

Supplied new by John Gavin a Retail sales executive for BMW distributors London Ltd on Park lane to a Mrs M Strauss this little BMW has all all of its original service book, manuals and BMW 24 hour emergency mebership details from 79. There are MOT certificates dating from 1988 - 2001 carried out at Handman & Collis LTD in Marble Arch, a short walk from Mrs Strauss residence in W1. There are then 3 further MOT certificates as the car has been on and off the road under the Sorn certificate.