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1982 BMW 316 1.8L (E21)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£5,565

  • Mileage~54,509
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine1.8L
  • LocationLeek

SOLD

1982 BMW 316 1.8L (E21)

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Probably one of the most iconic model range to have left the BMW factory, the E21 represented the start of the 3 series.

The E21 was built on the success of the "2002" and manufactured with styling from the larger 5 series. Ergonomics for the driver were exceptional for the time, with its cleverly thought out switchgear and clearly laid out instruments. The car's styling was timeless, and even 47 years later, the E21 looks so great. Unfortunately, many E21s haven't survived due to the tendency to rot in harsh weather, however, many cherished examples like this one are beginning to see the light of day. The E21 has a cult following for its boxy good looks and lively performance, making them extremely fun to get behind the wheel.

This example is coming to market after a staggering ~20 years of ownership. It has clearly been taken care of and kept in dry storage, coming out on only dry days. Finished in the desirable "Sapphire Blue Metallic" paintwork over blue cloth seats, this being a later 316 comes with the larger 1.8L engine from factory.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Duncan the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

This car has been my father-in-law's prized possession for over 20 years, we think it really shows.

Duncan is the son-in-law dealing with the sale of his late father-in-law's BMW E21, two years after his passing. The family have decided it is time to let the beloved BMW go to a new enthusiast owner who will continue to cherish this classic BMW.

In preparation for sale, the car has recently been given a once-over, ensuring it is running and stopping as it should, and a new MOT actioned too. The MOT garage were amazed at the condition of the underside, and supplied some additional photos which are at the end of the "Mechanics" gallery. Please feel free to ask Duncan any questions about the car in the comments below.

Duncan
Vehicle Owner

Duncan saved £0,900* when they
sold their BMW with us.

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Exterior

The E21 is one of the great BMWs from the Sharknose era - a design used throughout the range, now an iconic classic.

Wheels and Tyres

Optional extra multi-spoke alloy wheels are fitted to the 316. These are generally in good condition with just a couple of minor kerb marks on the near side front wheel.

The tyres are matching and have a good amount of tread remaining, and nothing flagged in the recent MOT. Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

At 40 years old, it has to be said that this 3 Series is in excellent condition for its age. The panel gaps are matching, and looking down the sides, there are no dings or dents. The only point to note is a small area on the front edge of the bonnet has unfortunately chipped the paint off. The underside of the car is remarkably solid, so much so the MOT garage took pictures to share with Duncan, these are included in the "Mechanics" gallery below.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in the beautiful "Sapphire Blue Metallic", given the mileage, history and condition, the car looks to be wearing its original coat of paint, although this hasn't been verified. There is the odd little mark here and there, but only as you would expect for the age, and in reality, it could be described as excellent when you consider it's 40 years old and covered ~54,500 miles.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint, and if you think it is original coat too.

Glass and Trim

The windows are all in good condition with no apparent scratches to be seen. The trim around the windows and roof is also in excellent condition; the headlights and front indicators are in good order.

The rear light lenses have some splits on each side, and there’s a hole in the offside light, which has been repaired. The window trims are in good condition with no apparent signs of shrinkage.

Interior

Blue material was the chosen colour for the E21 - this being a well cared for example, it has stood the test of time.

Seats and Carpets

The seats in the BMW are in excellent condition with no excessive wear, let alone signs of 40 year old seats. The door cards are also in excellent condition, as is the rear seat and headlining, which has no sagging.

Blue was also the chosen colour for the carpets too, which are in excellent order, having had a set of mats fitted to protect them. Inside, the boot is very clean and tidy. The original tool kit is present, and 95% there. The only thing we did notice was the wooden floor was split, but nothing a piece of MDF couldn’t fix.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

A true time warp takes place when stepping into the BMW. The dash is just as it would have been in 1982, with no marks or damage. The instruments have a reading of ~54,509 miles and are reported to work as they should.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original steering wheel is in excellent order, with very few signs of any wear. The automatic gear lever is in the same condition and sits within the original undamaged surround.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Mechanics

The 1.8.L M10 engine offers approximately 90BHP to the rear wheels for this German classic.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up straight away with no untoward noises. Duncan has recently had a light recommissioning to the car actioned along with the MOT to ensure everything was in order.

This 316 is fitted with a three-speed automatic gearbox that smoothly changes gear as you work through the gearbox, and no noise comes from the transmission. This being a later 316, received a larger 1.8L engine vs the original 1.6L that the model naming is defined from.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride is nice and smooth out in the car, without any knocks or bangs coming from either corner of the vehicle.

Duncan has had the brakes serviced as one was binding a little. This has ensured everything is in order, and the car is reported to come to a stop as it should.

The Drive

A great car to be in, which takes you back to the days of no modern wizardry; instead, you can enjoy the car for what it is and the pleasure you get from driving it. Not to mention the amount of welcoming nods of approval you get when driving around in the classic E21.

Electrics and Other

Duncan reports that all of the electrics are working as they should to his knowledge, and there is very little wear to any switchgear. The original Panasonic radio cassette and the factory Blaupunkt speakers are in place, although this has not been tested with a cassette.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~20 year ownership, just ~6,450 miles have been covered in that time, and this car presents in astonishing condition as a result.

This car comes to market after Duncans father-in-law passed away 2 years ago. In his ownership, the car was clearly a cherished item, never taken out in the rain, regularly MOTd and only ~6,450 miles covered. The most recent work actioned by Duncan was a light recommission for sale that of note included some service work to the brakes, carried out on 16th September 2022. This was done at the same time as the MOT, which is now valid until the 15th September 2023, and it passed with no advisories.

The original handbook and a large selection of old MOT certificates back up the mileage history. The car is reported to have been regularly serviced by a mechanic friend over the years; even though it hasn't been used for more than a few hundred miles each year, the owner ensured it was well maintained.

A true time warp gem coming to the market, one which is now quite a difficult car to find in such original condition. It will be an excellent purchase for any BMW enthusiast or for someone wanting to add one of the early "Sharknose" models to their collection.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
16.09.2022 MOT 54,495
22.08.2019 MOT 54,446
21.08.2018 MOT 54,411
22.08.2017 MOT 54,314
23.08.2016 MOT 54,100
21.08.2015 MOT 53,937
21.08.2014 MOT 53,715
04.07.2013 Service 53,493
22.08.2013 MOT 53,480
22.08.2012 MOT 53,285
23.08.2011 MOT 53,130
24.08.2010 MOT 52,925
18.08.2009 MOT 52,781
18.08.2008 MOT 52,665
17.08.2007 MOT 52,489
16.08.2006 MOT 52,305
17.08.2005 MOT 52,082
14.08.2004 MOT 51,788
19.08.2003 MOT 51,238
16.08.2002 MOT 50,805
17.08.2001 MOT 49,974
18.09.2000 MOT 49,440
05.08.1999 MOT 48,059
Key Details
  • Model316 1.8L (E21)
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date05.01.1982
  • CC1,766
  • Mileage~54,509
  • ColourSapphire Blue Metallic
  • Interior ColourBlue
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #WBAAG2207C5995888
  • Engine #5995888
  • MOTExp. 15.09.2023
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers8
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~20 Years
  • Key FeatureLow mileage and original condition
  • Auction ID527530







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
Kulraj Salh
Admin

Update – The seller Duncan has removed the reserve on the auction, this car is now selling with No Reserve. It will be sold to the highest bid. Good luck if you’re involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Brmn
Member
Brmn

Hi, in a previous comment you stated “there is no concealing of any rust” but in image no.11 and image no.111,112 & 113 you can see the rust by the chrome covers

chromelondon
Member
chromelondon

hello again. Any idea why the wheelarches have those chrome covers? Not concealing rust or bubbling are they?. Pretty sure they arent factory

chromelondon
Member
chromelondon

Hi there, so the mileage is backed up by MOTs rather than a service record, service invoices or a stamped service book? Is this right? You only have sundry parts bills and an owners manual?
Mike

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Vehicle Location

Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands

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