bmwe21.net forums

Hi all,

My name is Sel, a bit of an old(er) fart from the UK and I'm living it up in Turkey right now.

I've been a huge BMW fan for years, had various beemers from E30 325is to E92 M3s, this will be my very first E21 (excited noises).
I am in the process of purchasing a 1982 316 4 speed but I just needed to ask a few questions to those in the know....

So if I'm correct this is the 90hp version engine. How is it to drive? Does it pull well for what it is? Is there anything I need to check out whilst I have the bonnet up?

Also, regarding the 4 speed gearbox, is there any limitations with it being a 4 speed?

As this will be a project car at some point I will buy all the bits for a conversion then hit it hard so it's off the road for the least possible time. Which engine/gearbox combo would be the best for the easiest conversion? I'm not that bothered about massive power, maybe something in the 150-200 BHP range would be nice, as I have a few other cars with (way) more power to go screaming around in.

Link below for the car I'll be going to see.
https://www.sahibinden.com/ilan/vasita- ... 5975/detay

Hi, Welcome!! Car looks allright, but can't say that that colour is right, looks like Kastanien but isnt. Front valance has a dent and the lower part should be black, like the sills.

If the carb is tuned wel and has recent gaskets or an overhaul then a 1.8 90bhp 316 is lively enough for what it is. Better is to source an 318i, the injection makes it more fun. But the 316 gets you around the block pretty ok.

4 speed box, well it limits you in topspeed, but it compensates for in noise. 5 speed is on the motorway much better drivable, less revs, less noise.

Let us know how the testdrive went!

Oh, and we have the e21 buying guide on this forum

Hey uwbuurman, thanks for the welcome!

I've asked the seller for some more photos, especially the engine bay area and boot area, as I want to see if there's any rust around these areas. It's an 8 hour drive so I want to make sure that it's going to be worth driving to. The seller says the engine has had an overhaul but obviously test driving it will put that to rest.

So Shall I look for the 318i engine from an E30?

Thank you for the link for the buying guide, I'll check it out.

Nah, from '79 onwards is the e21 type 2, with the plastic mirrors, in that series there is also an 318i available. But 316 is also fun...

Welcome here Sel!

Jeroen wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2020 10:39 pmWelcome here Sel!

Thank you mate!

uwbuurman wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2020 9:56 pm
Nah, from '79 onwards is the e21 type 2, with the plastic mirrors, in that series there is also an 318i available. But 316 is also fun...

Ok, cool. If I buy the car then I'll look into engine and drivetrain swaps for the future.

Keep us posted!

Well,

went on my holiday, came back to a message in my inbox to say that the car had been sold. Oh well.

On a lighter note though I found another E21 I'm going to have a look at on Sunday. It's a 1982 315.
https://www.letgo.com/tr-tr/i/1982-bmw- ... 21fd152f2b

Bodywork looks pretty nice from the photos and it's only a few miles from my house so at least it won't be a trek to go and see.

linky no worky I'm afraid

Try this mate.


https://www.letgo.com/tr-tr/i/1982-bmw- ... 21fd152f2b

Looks like there are regional restrictions, I get a DNS error