![\"M3,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1978-bmw-323-i-6600d1ac64943-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDesigned 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.<\/p>\n
What is it?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nThis 1978 BMW E21 323i<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n![\"M3,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1978-bmw-323-i-6600d1ac61ee4-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhy is it a project?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nWith 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.<\/p>\n
![\"M3,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1978-bmw-323-i-6600d1ac604cd-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat should you look for?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nRust<\/span><\/strong>
\nAlthough 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<\/a> coming in at a decidedly middle-aged 46. Unfortunately, with that \u201cmaturity\u201d comes a proclivity to perish.<\/p>\nWe 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.<\/p>\n
![\"M3,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1978-bmw-323-i-6600d1ac6c3b6-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nParts<\/span><\/strong>
\nBody 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.<\/p>\nEngine<\/span><\/strong>
\nThe car’s pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1978-bmw-323-i-6600d1ac6a1e8-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSuspension and brakes<\/span><\/strong>
\nIt’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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\nInterior<\/span><\/strong>
\nAs 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1978-bmw-323-i-6600d1ac63844-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat should you do with it?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n Rust<\/span><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Parts<\/span><\/strong> Engine<\/span><\/strong> Suspension and brakes<\/span><\/strong> Interior<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nWhy is it a project?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat should you look for?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nAlthough 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<\/a> coming in at a decidedly middle-aged 46. Unfortunately, with that \u201cmaturity\u201d comes a proclivity to perish.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nBody 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.<\/p>\n
\nThe car’s pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance 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.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nIt’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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n
\nAs 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.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat should you do with it?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n