1978 BMW E21 323i – Project Profile

BMW may have decided to officially make the first M3 in ’86 using its excellent E30 3 Series as a base but rewind to 1977 and it’s patently obvious to anyone who’s been to Specsavers that the Munich masters were already toying with the idea of performance versions of the humble compact executive with the introduction of the E21 323i.

In our eyes, the BMW E21 323i was very much the precursor to the M3 and the evolution is clear to see. With its punchy six-cylinder engine, beefed up suspension and uprated brakes it was the blueprint for the M3 proper, a car that would show up almost a decade later, and the older we get, the more we’re beginning to appreciate these innovative ’70s coupés.

Designed by Paul Bracq, the first E21s hit the streets in ’75, initially with a range of carburetted four-cylinder petrol engines to choose from, be it a 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0-litre. Replacing the popular 2002 that came before it the freshly developed E21 utilised a monocoque body along with a new suspension system courtesy of McPherson struts up front and an independent setup with trailing arms out back. The old steering box was binned in favour of a more modern rack and pinion system and with all of these updates combined the E21 was a rather capable and usable car, all of which translates nowadays to an excellent daily classic.

What is it? 

This 1978 BMW E21 323i has been unearthed as part of a barn find collection and recently recommissioned. As such it’s now in perfectly drive-able condition for the first time in almost a decade. As part of the refresh many parts have been replaced, refreshed or repaired including a full fuel system flush and clean so it’s now up to the new owner to add some spit and polish.

Why is it a project? 

With just over 107K on the clock the interior is in pretty decent nick but the bodywork does carry some corrosion in places, most noticeably on the door skins, but the car is reported to be structurally and mechanically sound. This 323i then presents as a wonderful opportunity to secure an early performance 3 Series as a rolling project to tart up as you go, whilst still being able to drive and enjoy it for what it is: a flagship ’70s Beemer.

What should you look for? 

Rust
Although well put together, a hallmark that BMW is renowned for, E21s can give any car a run for its money when it comes to disintegrating into clouds of orange dust. Even the last of the line models are over 40 years old now with this particular example coming in at a decidedly middle-aged 46. Unfortunately, with that “maturity” comes a proclivity to perish.

We already know the doors need work but there are other problem areas that should be scrutinised, including (but not limited to) the sills, wheel arches and inner wings, front chassis legs, boot floor and pretty much anywhere where glass meets metal. Have a look at the jacking points, too, especially at the rear. Actually thinking about it, just inspect the whole thing.

Parts
Body panels and trim can be expensive and decent replacements for some parts are becoming incredibly thin on the ground; we’re looking at you clamshell bonnet. Carry out a full stock check before flashing the cash and make sure the list of needs isn’t insurmountable. You won’t want to be cutting about in a rusty 323i for longer than you really have to.

Engine
The car’s pièce de résistance is that sweet, sweet, 141bhp six-cylinder but regular servicing, including cambelt changes, is imperative so have a look through any history for evidence of fastidious maintenance. The aluminium cylinder head is prone to overheating and even cracking so check that oil and coolant aren’t mixing. This particular car does has the more desirable five-speed manual gearbox though which should have put less overall stress on the engine… in theory.

Suspension and brakes
It’s pretty much business as usual as far as the suspension goes so carry out the normal checks for tired or worn bushes and ball joints – this car has been sitting for a while so rubber may have perished (this goes for all rubber). Too much time laid up may have affected the brakes as well so make sure the calipers move freely. The ad doesn’t actually specify which parts have been renewed so get the full run down from the seller as a lot of this stuff may have been replaced already.

Interior
As mentioned earlier, the interior does look to be in decent shape overall. Yes the seats are a little worn and the dash top has cracked (a common issue) but generally speaking the cabin is in good condition considering the age and mileage. It also comes with a rather fetching after market three spoke steering wheel (as well as the original). Again, check if anything is damaged, faulty or missing as interior parts can be difficult to source.

What should you do with it? 

With its timeless styling (don’t get us started on the (d)evolution of BMW grills) and wonderful M20 six-cylinder – an engine so good BMW would continue to use it in three more generations of 3 Series cars until ’93– the E21 323i is an attractive proposition as far as classic ownership goes. This one needs some attention to the bodywork but following any rust repairs, an engine bay fettle and a full respray there hopefully isn’t too much else to worry about. Even if the engine decides to throw its toys out of the pram a replacement motor from a later E30 is a cheap and fairly simple swap, it just depends on your propensity for originality.