The BMW 3 Series is everywhere these days. From diesel convertibles to carbon fibre-roofed M3s, it is a hugely popular status symbol that at one point was said to be outselling the Ford Mondeo. All-in-all the accomplished 3 we see in the showrooms these days make the little E21 of the seventies seem rather quaint. But this is where it all started for the baby Beemer, having been introduced to replace the 2002. To look at it is strangely reminiscent of the 1 Series coupe, which just goes to show how the 3 has bloated out over the years.
The E21 is a neatly designed, rear-drive saloon that initially came with either a 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0-litre motor and an optional five-speed manual on the smaller engined cars (four gears was standard). It was partly responsible for pioneering the compact executive market, something that is massively lucrative today. One thing that the E21 had on its side was a low weight of just 1,010kgs – less than a new Ford Fiesta. This meant even the lowliest 1.6-litre was brisk, not to mention the ‘halo’ 125bhp 320i, and the car had the classic BMW handling characteristics.
As with a lot of the sheds that pop up here, these used to be pretty common on UK roads but almost overnight seemed to have all but disappeared. In fact between 1975 and 1983 BMW managed to shift more than a million E21s. To find a decent one these days can be tricky, so I was amazed to find this decent-looking late-model 316 on eBay for £795. It’s got the 320i/323i quad headlamps (the 316s had just the two) for a bit more cred outside the wine bar but apart from that it seems pretty original.
Depending on your taste a set of period alloys would finish it off nicely and despite the badge it’s a 1.8-litre, which had around 90bhp. There’s a year’s MOT and even a bit of tax, ‘tons of history’ and just 77,000 miles. What’s wrong with it? Well, it would appear not much. It needs balancing, the bonnet release doesn’t work and there’s a slight rattle from the clutch bearing. Apart from that there’s no rot and it appears to be running fine. So, a classic rear-drive early eighties BMW for less than £800, which if looked after can only go up in value. Almost seems a bit cruel to call it a shed…
Ad Says: 'In the words of an auctioneer friend of mine "where do you find em".Well i found this one in the local rag a couple of months ago and it been stored for some time but properly,not in some underground damp trap.Let me tell you what i know about it.According to the receipt in the car old Brian bought this car at 2 years old for £5495 having traded in a Rover SD1 and a Mini to get it...so we can assume he was sensible!!
'There is tons of history up until 2001 when it showed 62000 miles or just over 3000 mles a year.At this point Brian stopped driving and it was used then stored by a relative who then it moved it on to a friend... who stored it... then it came to me.After fitting a new back box,wheel cylinders and handbrake cable(50 quids worth..practical or what) it was tested by my ex BMW dealer mechanic and failed on wiper blades which were duly replaced by BOSCH ones.During the test he became dizzy as he walked around and around the car trying to find rust or a dent as i did when i tried.Thats not say its blemish free but it really is outstanding and if you fancy one of these i just dont see you finding a better one.If it was a 320 or a 323 i would be in lottery winning mode.
'Basically the car is ready to jump in and use although you would need to sort out the tax at some point as its disabled class(poor old Brian)..this is simply a letter/form to our friends at swansea as i recall. Recommend the front wheels being balanced ..not awful but just being honest.Bonnet release handle broke (thanks partner) but pair of pliers does the trick.There is a slight rattle from the clutch bearing when ticking over in neutral but it works perfectly. £795.'