Thinking about an E21

DUBL02 · 05-13-2011, 02:51 PM

Hey guys, been thinking about buying an E21 since giving up on the search for a decent '02. Would this be a good alternative for a daily driver regarding parts availability etc.? I'm looking to spend in the region of $2500 for a get in and drive car. I've seen one for sale in Toronto for $3000, anyone know this car? It's on Kijiji, blue with gold rims and 250k on the clock. Any input would be appreciated, thanks
Martin.

E36is · 05-13-2011, 05:20 PM

$3000 for a 250k e21? about $3000 for a 145k e12 (1981) pm me.

DUBL02 · 05-24-2011, 12:31 PM

Wow, very surprised and disappointed that nobody has offered any advice. Are E21's frowned upon or something?

defaultName · 05-25-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUBL02

Are E21's frowned upon or something?

Not frowned upon, mostly just forgotten.

I say this only because I love E21's and have considered buying one in the past.

The reason I didn't is because I wasn't looking for a restoration project, and if I was I would rather buy a 2002. For a daily driver, it's hard enough keeping an E30 on the road let alone a car that is almost 10 years older.

It's hard to justify buying an E21 because it's not quite a classic and a bit too old to daily drive and I think that's why most people choose either a 2002 or an E30.

DUBL02 · 05-25-2011, 12:12 PM

Yes i know what you mean. I am actually considering an E30 too.

Bullet Ride · 05-24-2011, 12:35 PM

I've been thinking about an E21 for a couple years now. A pretty clean 320is sold for a steal ($1000) a couple weeks ago. I would have bought it in a second if I saw the ad in time.

DUBL02 · 05-24-2011, 02:38 PM

Yes, that was a good deal. Was it on Kijiji? That's a nice E30 you have there. Do you know what the parts availability is like for the E21's?

Bullet Ride · 05-24-2011, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUBL02

Yes, that was a good deal. Was it on Kijiji? That's a nice E30 you have there. Do you know what the parts availability is like for the E21's?

http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=18956
Not sure about parts availability, but they had the M10 and M20 motors in them and you can still buy parts for those pretty easily. Body parts will probably be harder to come by though.

DUBL02 · 05-24-2011, 11:22 PM

I feel sick now, the car was in Dundas which is about 15 mins from me darn it.

///Maluco · 05-26-2011, 10:05 AM

E21's can be great driver's if you can find one that doesn't have rust issues.

You can still find parts but it may be a struggle at times.
If you find one in great shape, you're better off grabbing a parts car and stocking your garage shelves for future use. It will come in handy as you don't know what's available via BMW until you need something.
If it's anything like the E12, there will be a lot of NLA's when sourcing through BMW Canada/NA/AG.
Your alternative is being patient on forums searching for parts. At times, you can be very successful and find parts at a fraction of the cost compared to a dealership. eBay is the other alternative for NOS parts, especially from Europe.

There are several great examples that show up at Tedfest every year. There may be two special ones driving up from the US this year!

I love E21's and whether it's a complete original or tastefully modified to Euro trim with upgraded drive train and/or suspension, they'll always be a real eye catcher on the roads. You’ll always find people giving you the thumbs up.

joey79 · 05-26-2011, 02:32 PM

E21s are great, just make sure it isn't rusty. Parts are pretty easy to find. $3000 for a regular 320i is a bit high unless its extremely clean. I've had two e21s so far. I picked up a rusty 320i with 190k kms for $700, which I've since sold. Then I found a non-rusty euro 323i with dogleg transmission, 135k miles. This one's a keeper.

DUBL02 · 05-28-2011, 05:34 PM

Yes the 323 is a keeper for sure. I am going to see the 320 tomorrow. The guy says it's rust free so we'll see.

misschigga · 06-01-2011, 07:33 PM

I'm considering an E21 for a while, we just don't have room for another car! I'm already storing the e30 in a family's garage over the winter. I dont think they will allow me to bring a second car! If an awesome deal comes up i still might bite and park it on the front lawn LOL

DUBL02 · 06-02-2011, 09:40 AM

I'll buy the E30 so you can make room for the E21, how about it?

misschigga · 06-02-2011, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUBL02

I'll buy the E30 so you can make room for the E21, how about it?

Not for sale! I'm too addicted