bmwe21.net forums

Hi there,

I'm new to the forums and I am currently looking at what looks to be a pretty decent example of a 1982 316 - I've loved these cars from a distance for a while and my circumstances have recently changed so that I can walk to work and my good lady has a modern car so reliability concerns are at a minimum. I've spent some time looking through the extremely helpful 'The Ultimate E21 buyers guide & common issues' forum and i'm now excited about going to go see the car.

One final concern I have is that whilst i'm prepared and enthusiastic about the challenges of owning a classic, I really don't want to buy something that i'm reluctant to drive because of fuel prices etc and i'll still hopefully be putting 5-7k a year on the E21. As such I was hoping an owner could give me some real world mpg figures for a UK spec 316 M10.

Cheers in advance,
Andy

Put a Weber on it, if it doesn't already have one fitted, and you'll see an average of around 35mpg or thereabouts.

Cheers Mark, good advice. What mpg could be expected without a weber?

Welcome here. If you've located a potential buy don't hesitate to share it here, someone maight actually know the car and we can do some good nitpicking on the available info.

Who are we to say an E21 is a great choice even when it comes to reliability there are lots of modern days cars that cannot compete.

Not sure I did my maths correctly but I'd say 28 mpg should be easy for a stock manual 316... well of course depends on how many times you right foot gets the cramps

A bit less.

If the old Solex or whatever is in gwo you'll average 28 - 30 maybe? They're rubbish though imo and more trouble than they're worth. The Weber is simpler and more efficient.

Depends IMO. The 320's 4A1 carb is a real PITA once it starts to play up, but most 1B2 carbs from the facelifted 316 are quite ok. If it ain't broken don't fix it.

It's just that when you buy a car of a certain age you need to catch up with some maintenance like hoses and carb base gasket, carb adjustments. Do that right after you buy the car and you'll be enjoying the car from the start. Neglect and you might have some minor troubles from day 1 perhaps which might ruin your fun. Start off with some extra TLC.

That's great, thanks for both your replies, much appreciated. Certainly something i'd be looking to do, is it a relatively simple DIY task or worth having done at a specialist? My amateur mechanic skills aren't up to much which is part of the reason i'm looking at E21's, i'd like them to improve.

This is the car Jeroen, would certainly appreciate any feedback from the minimal amount of info available in the advert. I had an ordeal with a MK1 Golf GTi a couple of years ago that should have put me off classic ownership for life so I don't want to buy another dog.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/3522361.htm

A bit more info from the limited contact i've had with the owner too

"spent £700 plus getting back on the road and it drives beautifully. All welding has been done, brakes overhauled (new master cylinder and calipers refurbed). Tyres are near enough new and have plenty of tread."

"The structure is sound. As mentioned welding took place for the MOT and when we had the car on the ramp my mechanic commented on how clean/solid it is. There are a few tiny potential bubbles on the arch, but I paid for an oven baked respray a few years back, so they can't be major."

"Little to no history with the car - Misplaced through house moves."

Defo doesn't look too bad and worn seats are standard issues. THe car has some nice options that make it even more fun like the original 13" alloys, a sunroof (a must for me) and tinted glass. If you use the motorway a lot a 5 speed box will be a big advantage, the 4 cil E21 5 speeds are pretty rare as they were no standard equipment.

If cold start is ok, engine runs smooth and no temp problems all you have to worry about is rust I guess. Spend a lot of time searching for the common rust spots as indicated in the buyers guide and consider asking it its ok to pull out the rear seat and lift the front mat for a check.

Cheers Jeroen, really helpful and reassuring too. I have noticed how common an issue worn seats are and it's something I could live with until I found some good replacements.

Have noted down your tips for viewing and he seems to be open to any inspection so I should be able to get the rear seat out.

What are your thoughts on the price?

This car isn't too far from me. I've not seen it in the metal but if you're a distance away and would like it checked out before committing to a lengthy journey just ask.

Seems fairly priced if the ad is honest & accurate. I still think e21's are a bargain at the moment. A proper shark-front BMW for less than some people spend on servicing & tyres! Cheap to insure and character in spades.

Simple mechanics make it an ideal DIY proposition too. I'm pretty useless but being so basic its easy to get basic tools and have a tinker. You'd certainly be able to fit a Weber yourself.

Ah cheers Mark, i'm up in Leicestershire so it is a bit of a trek. My current plan was to go down on Sunday and give it a very thorough checking over and test drive with the view to taking it away then. How close are you to the car? I really wouldn't want to inconvenience you in any way, and i'm not sure as to the seller's availability before Sunday.

Love the looks and character of the E21's and can't say the insurance hasn't played a part too - £100 a year for fully comp is hard to ignore.

Where in Surrey is he?

He's in Woking.

Regarding the weber carb upgrade, are there any resources for this process on the M10 engine anywhere on the site or elsewhere? I can't seem to find anything but it may well just be me being shortsighted.

Also, are these carbs readily available new? Or do I need to source one from another car?

Apologies for the newbie questions, I appreciate all of the help and advice.

25 miles.

If you want to cover my fuel & a sandwhich I'm happy to go take a gander?

You get the Webers come up on eBay quite regularly or you can buy new from places like Webcon.

My only issue would be that the car has stood for 4 years.Pipes and hoses perish,tyres craze on the walls,brakes tend to get a bit,shall we say,stubborn.
All these things add up.So what could seem like a good buy ........
Having said that it looks like a straight and tidy example.Turbines,sunroof and wind deflector manual box all good items to have.Just make sure all the important stuff as been addressed.
Sorry to put a downer on it but once bitten twice shy and all that.If Mark looks at it for you you'll get an honest view.He as been known to find a nice E21 now and then!
Do not hesitate to enter the world of the E21.Its surprisingly reasonable as far as classic ownership goes.So good luck and see you at Sharknose.
Gaz