hello from a newbie

[philiper]

Hi everybody

I currently don't have an E21 but it has always been a car I admired growing up. Currently have a F30 which I really enjoy but always liked 2002tii and then E21's.

not much currently on the market but I am just browsing at the moment unless I see something that can't turn down.

I will read through the buyers guide provided here, but is there anything else I need to keep in mind? prefer a manual but they do seem to be rare, more autos for sale.

anyway, who knows maybe one day I get to own one of these classic cars.



cheers

[e21-Mark]

Where are you based?

Biggest thing to watch out for is rust. Mechanicals are relatively cheap to repair/replace. Repairing rusty bodywork is expensive and even some outwardly nice cars, have hidden rust issues. Treat yourself to a magnet to search for filler in arches, window surrounds etc.

[philiper]

thanks for quick reply, I am in Norfolk.

if I find one that I like the look and in the right price bracket, will remember the magnet

[Jeroen]

Welcome here! We try to keep all the things to keep in mind together in the Buyer's Guide, but if you have anything to add, or additional Q's, just post it here!

Enjoy and we hope you do find an E21 that's too good to turn down! BTW there should be enough manuals around but usually they had a more rough (eh sporty) life. Conversion to manual is always an option though.

[philiper]

thanks Jeroen

[e21-Mark]

If you want to give a ballpark number re budget, I'm sure people will post links to any suitable cars they see.

[philiper]

Mark,

not sure, as far as I have seen the number is varied on the market, seen cars from 1500s to 10k!

not sure which one is more realistic?! don't want to spend too much as got 2 cars at the moment, this is more of a heart ruling head decision

something like this would be nice (for the right sort of money)

http://www.bmwclassics.co.uk/E21_320i/

[e21-Mark]

Realistically, you'll be looking at £2 - 3k for a running, driving car. It'll most likely be an m10 engined 316, although the occasional 320/6 do come along. 323i are starting to be more sought after and expensive now. 316 are still good cars and obviously look the same as a 6 pot. You can either tune the m10 or do an engine conversion?


Here you go - http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C478686

[nas80]

hi and welcome. good luck finding them. I didn't know about e21's until I was stood in front of one and then I snapped the mans arm off to buy it.
There was a nice looking 316 on ebay for 3k not sure if its still there? - My advice is that if you see a nice one and its an auto don't worry as you can do a manual conversion as its pretty easy once you have all the parts.

[philiper]

thanks, I saw the white one but not tempting! need a nicer colour and spec

[e21-Mark]

Simon's is a nice example. You'd struggle to build it for this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E21-/3011 ... 461d31ab58

[uwbuurman]

Welcome!! Best you look for a decent body with a bad enige, than the other way around. Its fairly simple to change a engine, bus a rotten body sets you back tons of money... Depening onn your budget, of course you can purchase a minter, but that'll have a pricetag.

[e21-Mark]

Denis just listed my old black 316 in ''for sale'' section. Worth every penny.

[nas80]

I had that car on my drive and i inspected it a year or so ago. got it MOT and the tester said that it is a very good solid one - best thing is that any of the worn out bits have been replaced and it looks great. defo worth a look,

[philiper]

Denis just listed my old black 316 in ''for sale'' section. Worth every penny.

that does look good, am I correct to think the earlier versions had single headlight clusters?

this looked nice but is sold

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread ... 1-BMW-323i