BMW E21

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Sun 1 Dec 2002 17:08
BMW E21 - Andy Stanhope
I keep passing an original shark nosed 3 series BMW on the way to work and had forgotten what a nice looking car they are.

I actually quite fancy buying one now so does anyone have advise onto the pitfalls of this certain model? The 316 with the 1.8 litre engine is the one I fancy. There doesn't really seem to be much info of the E21 model on the net so I could do with some sensible advise!

Thanks,
Andy.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 1 Dec 2002 18:41
BMW E21 - madf
rust
rust
rust
rear suspension
rear suspension
carb problems - wear out Get a Weber
Rust
Spares or lack of.



madf
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Dec 2003 18:56
BMW E21 - Pugugly {P}
.....and a really fun rear end. Depends on your definition of fun!!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 2 Dec 2002 09:29
BMW E21 - Dizzy {P}
Andy, there's a fair bit of information on the E21 on John Burn's BMW website www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/bmw.html. John has listed the following known problems:

The four cylinder engines suffer from valve tick if badly adjusted.

Hand brakes can seize on if left for a long time.

It's quite easy for the carburettor models to develop flat spots if tuned badly

Ensure cam belts on the M20 engines are changed every 50,000 miles.

Early M20 engines can suffer snapped head bolts. Be sure you have the newer style bolt with a Torx head.

Overheating may be a sign of a broken cooling fan clutch.

Watch for rust around the inner rear wheel arches and inside the front wings (fenders).

A wobbly front end or vibration when braking end could be worn bushings, E21s are known for this.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 2 Dec 2002 10:19
BMW E21 - Wally Zebon
Check out this american web site

www.roadfly.org

It has tonnes of info on almost any BMW you can think of.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Dec 2003 16:54
BMW E21 - Philip Smith
Have owned a 1982 example now for 3 years - if you need to know anything specific, please contact me.

However, it is for sale !

316 (1800cc), 2 door, 2 previous keepers, 46500 gen. miles, SH, MOT, original, unmodified, immaculate (no rust, etc)

Can E-mail photos if required.

York
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Dec 2003 17:22
BMW E21 - madf
"A wobbly front end or vibration when braking end could be worn bushings, E21s are known for this"

How true! Drove one like that: curable at vast expense......Design weakness..

madf


Reply | Report as offensive | Link

From economical vans to those that have the largest payloads, we have a shortlist for everyone - click to find out which will suit your needs.

Undecided on which van to buy? Our Top 10 shortlists can help...