E21 323i automatic gearbox question

griggsy1969 · Post by **griggsy1969** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 11:17 pm

Hi all,
I'm new to this forum and am considering buying an '82 model 323i cabrio. I have a question that hopefully someone can help me with. The car I am considering is an automatic. Is there an overdrive on this or it it just a straight 3 speed? I can;t seem to find any info regarding this? Also, how does the auto perform in the city behind the M20?

Thanks

e21-Mark · Post by **e21-Mark** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 11:31 pm

Yep, 3 speed but not too bad at all, especially as a city driver. m3gaz runs an auto 323 as his daily, and has for years, with no problems at all. No slouch either. You can always convert to manual if you hate it.

griggsy1969 · Post by **griggsy1969** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 12:16 am

Thanks Mark,
I currently tossing up between the 32i E21 and a 318i E30 cabrio, but really do like the E21. Probably the best looking beemer ever made IMHO. If I get the 323 then I would keep the auto. I'm way to lazy to change to manual.

e21flyer · Post by **e21flyer** » Sun Dec 26, 2010 3:43 pm

I had an auto for a few years and loved it...
I would drink my mug of tea whilst cruising to work in the morning, Great stuff.
Sometimes the auto drop down wasn't as responsive as I would've liked. Bit it was very reliable.

I have a 5 speed Manual now...
Which is much better when driving the car in an sporty manner through country roads etc...
I wouldn't go back to an auto in a sporty car such as a 323i.
The auto box better suits cruisers such as an old 7 series or Jag SJ6 etc...

raseeda green · Post by **raseeda green** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:46 am

e21-Mark wrote:Yep, 3 speed but not too bad at all, especially as a city driver. m3gaz runs an auto 323 as his daily, and has for years, with no problems at all. No slouch either. You can always convert to manual if you hate it.

Go manual
3 speed isn't enough for a car like this I'm needs to change
to manual

raseeda green · Post by **raseeda green** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:49 am

e21-Mark wrote:Yep, 3 speed but not too bad at all, especially as a city driver. m3gaz runs an auto 323 as his daily, and has for years, with no problems at all. No slouch either. You can always convert to manual if you hate it.

Go manual
3 speed isn't enough for a car like this. I needs to change
to manual. Is any one able to help? I can pay

e21-Mark · Post by **e21-Mark** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:03 am

I can suggest someone but he's in Essex.

m3gaz · Post by **m3gaz** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:55 pm

I am now thinking about changing to a manual 'box

but have driven mine as auto

for 11 years.
As Mark said,a 323i is no slouch with an auto

.The box is strong and with a fluid change (the correct fluid MUST be used) and some new filters it will take you to the moon and back.Just make sure you buy the best car,not neccesarily the first car,you see.And if you need someone to have a look with you,just ask.There will be someone close to you who will tag along,i'm sure.
Good luck

lemonayd · Post by **lemonayd** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:51 pm

Hi guys ive had my 323i auto for three years & to be honest the cars box has never missed a beat, but i was always toying with the idea of converting it to a manual. cruising in town perfect but on the motorway i just felt i needed the extra gear. Anyway i sent the car to Mick at Pristine just before xmas and had her converted to a 5spd manual with short shift, havent driven it yet due to the festive season & bad weather, hopefully will be picking it up at the weekend. will let u know how it drives......

.....ayds

raseeda green · Post by **raseeda green** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:05 pm

that just great news, it would be good just to take the motorway and see how it goes. I will try to see pristine mick the summer and ask for his help. Cheers.

raseeda green · Post by **raseeda green** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:40 pm

lemonayd wrote:Hi guys ive had my 323i auto for three years & to be honest the cars box has never missed a beat, but i was always toying with the idea of converting it to a manual. cruising in town perfect but on the motorway i just felt i needed the extra gear. Anyway i sent the car to Mick at Pristine just before xmas and had her converted to a 5spd manual with short shift, havent driven it yet due to the festive season & bad weather, hopefully will be picking it up at the weekend. will let u know how it drives......

.....ayds

that will interesting ,let us know how it does im sure it better, irie

lemonayd · Post by **lemonayd** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 2:09 pm

Picked up the car from Micks on saturday morning, low milage box, new clutch, short shift & all all other bits n bobs new , WELL its like a different car forgot how much fun i used to have driving these back in the day. The s/s make a lot of difference , a few doughnuts here n there & a number sideways exits then back to normal driving

all good
On the motorway at 70mph 3000 revs, 60mph 2500 revs so a lot quieter so about 500 revs change between auto n manual havent had a chance to check mpg at the moment very happy

...

.......ayds

e21-Mark · Post by **e21-Mark** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 6:34 pm

Sounds like you've been having fun!?!

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