Greetings... I'm a Bimmer Newbie. Just acquired an '82 320iS :alright It's in a sorry state of disrepair but I've decided it's in good enough shape to restore as a driver. 200K Km on the E21 and it purrs like a kitten and runs like a scalded cat :)

I have a question... The windshield has a vertical crack and a good sized divot on the driver's side so I want to replace it. Scouting one of the local "bone yards" I found a 318i with a good one and was wondering if it would fit. To me, the body styles look very similar. (the 318 is an 81) Can I swap this straight in or should I carry on my quest for a 320 windshield?

Thanks

J

As long as it is an E21 it will work, the numbers on the back only designate engine size and have nothing to do with body part fitment. If you are talking about an E30 318 it won't fit.

Hey 320Joe welome to bimmerforums. Do you have any pics of the e21? As BMWJNKY said as long as it is e21 chasis it will work.

Canadians are funny if they called 320's 318's in 81. But if it's an e21 it will fit.

That's Good to know! I can CAREFULLY remove the one from the '18 next visit... there was a 320 I was pillaging for electrical that had (emphasis on past tense) windshield that someone attempted to extract. It now has a lovely crack the entire width from corner to corner!

I'll drag out the didital and post a few pics. I want to do some before and after shots of it anyway.

BTW... speaking of electrical... this one has some issues with the signal lights. I'm thinking its the flasher. It will blink once or twice then quit. Any suggestions on a troubleshoot?

J

The trick to getting E21 windshields out is to first remove the chrome trim in the center of the windshield gasket, then sit in the drivers seat and with your feet slowly press the windshield out starting in the upper corner and working across the top. It helps if the car is in the sun when you do this so the seal will be softer so the windshield comes out easier.

Got the windshield from the 318... one stone chip.

SO... as it turns out my 82 is actually an 80 :confused ... turns out that it was mistagged at the auction. I found this out when I went to register it. (Had my plate from the Mustang on it for a week) When I gave them the 17 digit VIN the computer spit it back out and said "No such animal" Or words to that effect.

After some research and a decode on the VIN I find it was mfg'd in 06/80! So, at least I don't have to get an out of province inspection done on it. BUT my electrical has me pulling my hair :eyecrazy :mad... no signals, now it won't start... no lights... and the damn CLOCK stays on even with the key off!

Anybody have suggestions other than several sticks of TNT?


J

My clock always stayed on too. It's not a problem right now though, becuase the engine and battery are out of the bay, but I haven't found any other solutions.