bmwe21.net forums

Hello everyone,

I'm delighted to back on this forum having resumed e21 ownership - after a six-year hiatus - with this 1982 316 in henna red.





It seems totally stock apart from black leather front Recaros from a 635 CSi, plus I've added a period M-Sport steering wheel. I'm a stickler for the period look so I've no plans for serious modifications, apart from perhaps a stiffer suspension set-up and re-trim of the back seat to match the Recaros.



Best wishes and many thanks in advance for all your help!

Wow! Congrats and welcome back in E21 land! Car looks great, henna is an amazing color and those seats do the car justice indeed, very period correct. Interesting to see the lining on the side bolsters, our most recent E21 (Spanish import 323i) has the same in blue leather. Usually you see dual seam lining. Keep us posted as you move along!

Many thanks Jeroen, and I much appreciate that attention to detail!

Great, looks realy lovely, that henna 316! Have fun with it!

Car looks great. Welcome

Courtesy of e21Keith on this forum, the 316 is now shod with a set of 15" Alpina replicas. I'm delighted with the wheels, but inevitably the car appears even more "on stilts" in terms of ride height! The next step will be some slightly shorter springs, whilst hopefully retaining a period look.

Looks super cute but it can do with some lowering indeed

Thanks, Jeroen! I'm assuming that a 40mm reduction would not look overly modern and extreme?

Somewhere in the 30-40mm range would be fine indeed, H&R is pretty common but usually Eibach springs lower a tad less and are less harsh.

That's most helpful, thank you!

I can vouch that the car is even more impressive in the flesh, a truly beautiful and unmolested example. I have to admit to being slightly envious.

I agree the car looks a little high, although still in keeping with the car's original spec. I'm not actually a believer in lowering suspension and have never done it on any of the 137 cars I have owned...... except my e21. I fited Eibachs, subtly lower and firmer, they set the car at a ride height in keeping with the original style of the car, probably about the ride height of a period Alpina. In my view 30-40mm is not in keeping with the style of the car, but each to their own, we all want different things from our e21s.

Believe me Keith, we're on the same page! I don't want the car any lower than a period Alpina so Eibachs are obviously the way to go. This is really useful, ta.

Finally got the 316 fitted with Eibach springs and Bilstein B4s. Perhaps I could've gone for stiffer shocks but I'm delighted with the new ride height.

Very nice, indeed

Perfect imo, not too high, not too low!