1976 316 e21 project

[e21_lyf]

Hi,

Just got an e21. 1976, 316 model. Manual, half leather interior.

Engine is seized which is bizarre considering the top end is pretty rust free, even the cam lobes are rust free. Anyway, whipped the plugs out and squirted some oil in there incase. Least engines are easy to change!

Anyway, just thinking what wheels to go for here . Would like some 15" / 16" rims. Maybe E49 / mahle, as not heading in the direction of the polished rim BBS / gold lattice look.

[gerrit323]

Nice e21 .. looks like a good base .. bbs rims with polished rings would look very nice .. are you sure about the year '86 ?? E21 production ended in '82 .. the last cars build were '84 315's

[e21_lyf]

Sorry! Meant 1976! well spotted.

[uwbuurman]

Great barnfind, since it is one of the early ones. The very first ones came in 1975, so this is only a few months newer. I believe it even has the inwards curved exhaust end pipe.

So if you are to change the engine, you can pick up a newer 1.8, used in the facelift 316 of stick to the original 1.6, which I would prefer as an original freak.

[e21_lyf]

From what I briefly read online a few weeks ago, the M42 engine change seems like a good plan. Seen a few online but mileage is too high for me to consider. The cars on 76,200 miles so would only think v. similar mileage or less for a swap.

How likely am I to find the dogleg manual when I look this weekend? Luckily moving it into my garage with an inspection pit, so can get a good look at the chassis and gearbox/diff codes. From initial glances the chassis looks good! Bottom of fwd sills is rotten, but looks a breeze to template with paper/card and cut and weld some steel in there.

[Jeroen]

Not too bad, especially is the main issue is the engine and you're planning to replace it haha. Doglegs are rare for any engine type, really don't know if like a M10 box fits the M42 tbh. Later boxes are easier to find but the lack the speedo drive which may be an issue. Also see the FAQ or the gearbox section on the regular website. Anyway, welcome here, enjoy and keep us posted!

[e21_lyf]

anyone know what the deal is with specific et requirements for the e21? Also, I'm struggling to decide what diameter rims to get I'm concerned that 15" will look a little small!

[uwbuurman]

Nah, 15" is just perfect, as 16" is to hard, with 15" you keep the classic look, but the drivability improved. But thats just my two cents.

[Jeroen]

Fully agree, it's 13" that looks too small imo. Anything above 15" affects handling and comfort in a negative way but that's my biased view

[Duracel79]

Our E21's require a relatively low ET. Most common 7"x15" is ET12 or ET13

HTH

Ben

[croma_man]

I drive 16" but to make it driveable, many many changes had to be made, so better to go on the safe side and pick something 7Jx15 ET12/13

[joe14]

I'm interested in the M42 swap, you can use the existing M10 gearbox in order to benefit form the speedo drive by swapping the bell housing over to the one from a newer M42 box.
See the link below, anyone any thoughts/experience on this?
viewtopic.php?f=61&t=19851

[e21_lyf]

Ok so, turns out the engine is seized as rings are rusted solid to the bores. Thinking m52b28 now, so whipped the donkey out.

[uwbuurman]

To bad....

[Mihajlo]

did you think about M62 or 1UZ or even 2JZ

you will have to refabricate everything anyway.