Older 320i questions - BMW Forum

mrfc3s · 06-27-2006, 09:49 PM

well, i saw someone with an older BMW 320i, not sure what year but its not an E30 for sure... it had an Older looking 4banger, almost looked like a DOHC but im not sure... if its worth it, i might pick it up, but it had a decent amount of rust and the interior was shot... Anyone got any info on what i saw? kinda looks like a smaller 635Csi from the front... but almost like a 2002 from the rear (long black plastic middle peice)
Thanks
Tim

Starmavin · 06-27-2006, 10:33 PM

Was it CIS injection or carb? I'm guessing that it was 1977ish from what you said.

mrfc3s · 06-27-2006, 11:33 PM

Never heard of CIS Injection... but it did look like Some sort of an EFI system though...

so what do i have here?

mrfc3s · 06-27-2006, 11:50 PM

ok, I R stoopid...

its an E21... but if you have some stats/info about those cars, thatd be great.

ldsbeaker · 06-28-2006, 06:54 AM

Here's a stat straight from Bimmer (the magazine).
"The only BMW that rusts more than a 2002 is the 320i." Pg 82 Aug 2006
Unless you find a straight rust free 320i, in Cali, you will always be fighting the cancer.

mrfc3s · 06-28-2006, 10:21 AM

darn, even being an "i" is it worth like 200-300 bucks? and whats the deal with that engine?

the rust is not good, but ive seen worse though. It was painted an ugly Orange color that was Half-assed anyway. The hood looked like it was bondo'ed cause the paint had cracked and looked like it was a plastic paintjob... not worried about looks though... flat black or white paint can il fix that

mainly worried about performance. looked into the oil filler and the insides didnt seem all gunked up and brown like ive seen so many other cars. just looked like a fun little toy

Possiable Track Car? Where are some of the Main points that i should check for serious Rusting?

Ill try and post some pics and you can see what im talking about...

ldsbeaker · 06-28-2006, 10:50 AM

Dude, is that the one off of 70? Down my way? I've seen that one for 2 years. I thought about getting it, but never asked how much, My wife told me no, but I didn't work that hard. I think it's kinda cool looking. It would be fun.

triggrhaapi · 06-28-2006, 02:40 PM

it's CIS (constant injection system) and it's terrible. Later E21s had the M20 in them in the form of a 2.3L motor.

mrfc3s · 06-29-2006, 08:52 AM

nope not the one offa 70, its one in knightdale that i saw...
so are these cars under the "bmw tax"? ya know, the one where parts are $100 more than regular?

anyone else want dibs

Black Knight · 07-07-2006, 12:34 AM

well...it sounds like if you get this baby your gona have alot of work. i would be sure to look at how many miles are on it; around the 300,000 mark the valves start to go and they become prone to those problems. also before you buy it, run it and check for a rod-knock. dont make the same mistake i did and have to fork over loads of money on a new motor. The E21 is a fun car tho