Advice on E21 Purchase

[bmwsam]

Hey guys,

Stumbled across an E21 that's been in a storage unit since 1997. It's a 1980, one owner Cali car with 88k miles. Has the sport package. Looks to be in pretty good shape (clear coat is still shinny), other than a few rust spots under the drains by the back windows. Interior has your typical dash crack and the seats could use a reupholster.

So 2 questions for the E21 gurus:

1. Based on the info above, what's a "good deal" on this car?
2. If I do buy it, do I leave "as is" or spend the money fixing up the minor issues? I plan on reselling it to someone who loves this body style (I'm more of an E30 and E36 guy).

Thanks!

Sam

[uwbuurman]

Hi Sam, we do have a buyersguide, I recommend using that. Wether to buy it or not depends on the engine. A 316 is not half as desirable as a 323i. Look under the rear seat, if there's rust, do the same at the jackpoints in front.

A Car that had been tucked away vfor nearly two decades has to have some big maintenance before it is roadworthy, so count that in.

[arshad76]

Hello Sam,

Mainly agree with uvwbuurman. I'd say it would be worth spending on a 316 as most of them tend to be in better shape than 323i's which have tended to lead a harder life. However, if it's going to be a fixer upper, you could spend a pretty penny getting it sorted and even then it won't be perfect - so important to start with a good base car irrespective of the spec. Plus things like new dashboards are hard to come by secondhand.

Good luck anyway