Vehicle Description
This 1981 BMW 320i is a terrific find. It's a first-generation
3-Series, which is really starting to heat up on the classic car
market, and this example loves to maximize its European style and
driver-focused appeal.
We like the first-generation 3-Series because it was a bridge in
the BMW lineup. It was the car that gave us some more substance
without straying far from the style or experience that made us fall
in love with the 2002. You especially see that in this example with
its custom details. The deleted front bumper makes this look more
like an early 2002, and it has a cool blackout style that continues
on the grille and hood wrap. The rest of the car is done in an
attractive mocha brown with a nice touch of metallic. The finish
has a nice golden glow that goes with the gold badging and upgraded
15-inch alloys. Yellow fog lights, clear corner lights, and a
tucked rear bumper continue this car's custom presentation. The
overall look is a crisp and clean driver with a better hint of
European style.
BMW's motto of The Ultimate Driving Machine is rooted in places
like the interior. This has been customized to be a no-nonsense
affair that never distracts you from the road. The clean carpeting
highlights the car's weight-saving diet, including the rear seat
delete. The front seats have been upgraded to terrific-looking
Recaro units that have been engineered for an upgraded driver
experience. There's also an upgraded sports steering wheel and a
full set of VDO gauges with a large speedo and tach. Being lighter
and more focused doesn't mean missing out on style. That's why the
diamond pattern on the seats is continued on the doors, and the
modified dash has been flocked for a soft and smooth appeal.
Part of why this gives us the great classic BMW feeling is because
of what's under the hood. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder is the same
M10 family as cars like the 2002. This was part of the final
evolution that includes Bosch electronic fuel injection. There are
even some nice supporting pieces, like the electric fan, a new O2
sensor, new NGK spark plugs, and a tool to adjust the Bosch FI
system. And the moment you hit the road, this reminds you why this
was arguably the best era for BMWs. That's where the four-speed
manual really lets you get the most out of the motor. And the fully
independent suspension has been given some terrific investments
within the last 1k miles. This includes rebuilt rear half shafts,
about $550 in a front-end rebuild, and new shocks all the way
around. Add in power brakes, front discs, lowering springs, and
grippy sport tires, this BMW makes you feel one with the road.
This is the first-gen 3-Series that has been upgraded to be a
better European and the kind of car that lives up to The Ultimate
Driving Machine. Call today!!!
