For sale is an all-original, mint condition 1979 BMW 320i (E21). The exterior and interior are in near perfect shape and the car rests in park as if it was still on a showroom floor – boxy, yet perky, too. This BMW E21 is basically a time machine; the moment you open the door you’ll flash back to the look, smell (even the songs) that defined an era. This is THAT car and it’s as fun to drive at it is sensational to look at.
I was floored when I first saw this BMW and I feel the same way every time I get in. When it first arrived this spring, it needed a baseline overhaul. In June (2022), I had installed new brakes, pads, rotors, shocks (all around) along with new tie rods, wipers – you name it. All of the work was completed by one of the most decorated BMW specialty shops on the east coast (BMW Excluservice); when I pulled up, nearly every person in the shop came out to look at the time capsule sitting in the parking lot. Not hard to figure why because, in many ways, it was like it just rolled off the factory floor.
The car does need a new AC system/compressor and that will cost ~$2400 (to do it right. I have written estimate if you're interested). If I still have the car by spring, I'll get that work done and it will be reflected in the price (the exact bill for the AC repair).
The incredibly beautiful period color combination is a collector's dream. The 100% original paint has only normal nicks (treated). Original Sierra Beige paint gleams especially glossy and bright in the sun. The interior (caramel) leatherette upholstery is flawless and the seats are surprisingly comfortable. The carpet is original Berber in amazing condition (save for one coffee spill in the back). There have been some minor modifications: an Alpine Bluetooth deck and new Sony speakers. The tires have also been upsized to 15” alloy wheels with brand new Continental Contact touring tires. No other modifications beyond that. This car remains as it was when it was driven off the factory floor; it’s truly the most exquisite classic BMW I’ve ever seen in the U.S. – and I’ve been looking a lot.
This car has lived in a garage its entire life (Marin County, CA Salt Lake City, UT and Windemere, FLA). I had it trucked to Bethesda, Maryland where it now sits in a garage and is driven about 20 miles a week. Based on records, I understand this car has always been covered and garaged. The prior owner passed along records spanning nearly 3 decades from BMW of San Francisco and I have receipts for all of the work I’ve had done to it since taking ownership.
For my driving purposes (cruising to the country club and the DC Metro) it purrs along just fine, runs strong and smooth and does especially great on cool days on the open road. It’s not happy idling in traffic on a hot day (think 87 degrees and above). The temperature needle rises to about ¾ - but immediately drops back down as soon as she's back on the open road. The car starts, runs and drives true blue. It’s a 4 speed and won’t win you any races off the line, but it will get looks about every time you pull up to a light (you get used to it). I can’t guess how many times I’ve had people ask if they could take a picture of the car when I’m downtown (free country, snap away).
The kids are off in college and the family car shortage is no longer an issue. I’m looking to pay myself back for the initial car investment and the cost of the updates/repairs needed to make it a safe, functional and reliable vehicle. The right buyer will be as excited as I was to find this incredible sedan and knowledgeable enough to know there’s *probably* no equal on the planet (or, at least in the U.S.).
