Looking at getting an E21

[DannyEss]

Hi. New to the forum so thought i'd post a topic up. Not sure if it's the correct place so sorry if its not and could a mod move it if thats the case?

Anyway I'm on the hunt for an E21. But just have a few questions. I currently have a MK1 golf gti (my 4th one) so i'm no stranger to an old car, however ive never had anything other than a VW but looking to jump ship to their neighbour

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be many E21s for sale (unless i just don't know where else to look, I'm in england if that helps?)

Looking for a good condition one which doesnt require too much restoration or work really.

The main question/answer i'm looking at is how are the Autos to drive? Ive only ever drove one automatic car (a 55 plate astra) and it was horrible, mainly as im used to manual gears of my Golf. If i was to get an E21 than i'd be looking at the best bodywork/engine i can get so the gearbox is probably 3rd/4th down the line i guess of things i need. Just wondering how they compare to the manual side of them as i have read that converting to manual is hard (hard as in hard to find the manual box.)

Is it a deal breaker to have an auto?

Engine wise i don't mind what i get but i'd prefer not to have a carbed engine due to previous experience of them What MPG are you likely to get out of a 320i?

[arshad76]

Welcome Danny! E21's aren't that economical and an auto would make it that little bit more juicy. In terms of what they're like to drive - being a fairly relaxed driver they don't make much a difference to me, but for spirited road driving the manual is much better.

Buying an auto isn't that really a deal breaker. A couple of forum members have bought them and they're not too difficult to convert to manual. You might even be able to pick one up cheaper in the first place. Hope that helps.

[DannyEss]

obviously i wasnt expecting like 50mpg out of one but are we talking 20s? 30s mpg?

and i do like my nippy cars but wouldnt mind a nice little cruiser really.

How much would you be looking at to change to a manual then?

I don't do too many miles but been doing abit more due to seeing the gf etc.

[arshad76]

20-30's mpg, but all depends on how you drive and what type of driving you're doing obviously. Can't help you with the second question because I haven't done it and you don't say if you are going to do the job yourself or get someone else to do it.

[polov8]

Having had a string of mk1 golfs, mk1 Sciroccos etc, I understand where you're coming from. I'd say bodywork is the thing to worry about, and engine and transmission are swappable. I've not driven an Auto E21, but if it's anything like other 30+ year old autos I've driven, I'd guess they're ok if you're not in any hurry and don't mind taking a hit on economy.

The carbs are ok, more so if you get one with a weber. I have a 316 that came with a 1.8 carb motor and a 5 speed. It's no ball of fire, but it keeps up with traffic fine. Don't be put off by the lowly 4 pots!

[DannyEss]

it's just i had a Carbed mk1 (manual choke) and it was terrible. Obviously BMW are most probably diiferent to a mk1 in that way but if it's anything like that it was horrible.

Ideally i want the cleanest one i can afford really and if it means 'downgrading' the engine then so be it. just more worried about the carb messing up really. And ideally i'd prefer a manual (a garage would have to sort the swap if that was the case too)

[nas80]

Swapping the car to a manual is pretty easy you just need the pedal both masters and the gearbox and the prop basically..

1.8s are fine cruisers and can sit at 80mph all day, the stock carb is rubbish but you can fit a Weber on and it makes it way more nicer and gives you much better economy.

Defo buy the most rust free example you can.

[e21Keith]

I've done auto to manual conversions on e30s and e34s, the process for an e21 is much the same.

You'll need the 'box, prop, pedal box, speedo cable, flywheel, clutch, 'box mounts, clutch master, slave cylinder and pipes from a manual car, check the ratio of the diff as well as this may be different and I'm not sure about the starter motor. You will have to play with the wiring for the inhibit switch to bypass it, there will be no bracket for the fluid reservoir and you may find the tag for the hydraulic pipe missing from the bulkhead.

In terms of time to do this I'd estimate an extra 3 hours to convert from auto to manual above the time taken to swap a clutch, so you'd probably pay a garage 5-6 hours to do the job.

I've usually had to do the conversion because of a failed auto 'box anyway but the conversion is well worth doing as auto 'boxes weren't up to much in the late 70's/early 80's.

[Jeroen]

Agree, taking up quite some power and the 3-speed ZF box makes the car a noisy revver on the motorway as well. Planning a long trip, more economic or more spirited driving? Defo convert to manual.

Believe diff ratio and starter motor are the same regardless if auto or manual? And right there is an issue specific for RHD cars which is the separate clutch fluid tank. LHD cars just have that combined with the brake master.

[M15KYY]

a friend is selling my old 316 manual e21, it has a webber carb. i restored it and is as near mint as i could get it, interior need tlc seat etc see for yourself



his name is tom, if your interested ill pm you his number