OK 320i gurus, please enlighten me as to which year 320i is most desireable.
I know rust is a major issue but all things the same is there any year during the 320 production cycle that that stands out as BEST of the 320i's?

this topic is completly a matter of opponion. differnt people have differnt reasons for liking one year more than another. like most cars the ones produced later in the production run are usually the best candidates. the later 320s (80-83) came with 5 speed trannys. they also didnt have the egr system that 79-below had. but when it all comes down to it there is no REAL best year, but if i were to choose it would be that later 320s. but what can i say im biased.

I have an 83, mine has a sun roof (some earlier models dont) it also has an A/C. which if its not working right, it sucks to have in the middle. IMO I like the older center consols, they don't have the A/C blower, and there is more open room. But again, as he said its based on opinion. and that is mine. They each have goods and bads if you compare.

well if your not going to mess with the motor the 77-79 have the 2.0 liter M10 that make about 10 more hp than the 1.8 liter M10s of the later models. and the 77 I here has vented front disks where as 78+ do not. but if a stock motor isn't in your plans, then any year is game I guess....I havn't driven my POS E21 yet but on April 1st I'll go register it and I'll be able to legally drive without having to smog it....(can't drive from oct 1-march 31st if it isn't smogged) After I've driven it I'll have a better opinion of the car.

There are pros and cons to each. I like the '80-'82 because they have the best 5 speed, the '83 is not quite as strong. The '77-'79 cars come with a 4 speed and the 2.0L, the '80-83 have the 1.8L. The '77 has vented brakes like the 323i. The '77-79 4 speed cars have a 3.64 rear gear, the late 5 speed cars have a 3.91 rear gear. IS cars have a LSD, larger front sway bar and rear sway bar (also stock on ALL '77s). I also believe the early cars used slightly heavier body metal.

So as you can see what you really want is a hybrid like mine.... '82 320is but the engine is a mix of 1.8L block with 2.0L crank/pistons/cylinder head and a '84 e30 318i intake manifold (for the programable efi). The best of all worlds. I also prefer the non-sunroof models.

ken

I like the 79 only because it has the 2.0L, the console is super classy and unique, and I like the mirrors on the doors much more kinda like the 02.

The tricky thing though with the 79 is that there were 2 productions models made, the early model (to 9/79), and the late model (10/79) so careful which parts you get...

Personally I like the 81-83 model. The engines arent that big of deal as most modify it anyway, but having the updated mirrors, console, interior etc is kind of nice. Some prefer the vintage look, but not me.

Well the 77 does have the vented brakes which is a plus, 77-78 M10 has a double timing chain was as 79+ only has a single. the 70's E21 has the 2.0L 4 speed 110HP. The 80's have a 1.8L 101hp 5 speed. I personal like the 77-78 for the reason that the M10 has the double timing chain (and my is a 78 :D ). but in all they are all great.

Up until my 323i, best E21 I ever had was a 79. It had the more powerful 2.0L, but the 4 speed was a bit lacking. Before I eventually sold that car, I had made the following modifications:

Recaros and steering wheel from an 82 320is
BBS wheels from an 82 320is
Vented brakes from a 77 320i
5 speed from an 81 320i
3.90LSD from an 82 320is
Rear swaybar from a 77 320i

So, a bit of a FrankenE21, but it was a nice car.

Al

from tearing apart a '78 and an '82 I also noticed a good difference in sound deadening material. A lot more was used in the '82 compaired to the '78.

*JUST A THOUGHT*

You could build an e21 that fits your personal liking.. Such as Find a true 320i"s" and install the vented brakes on it and modify it any way you want....?

you just need to decide what engine and tranny you want Remember though the "s" only came in 81-83, And some very late model 1980's were equiped with the "s" option like my car.

That's exactly what I have... These cars are OK stock but with some thought and intelegent modifications they can become truly remarkable. Everyones perfect car is not perfect for someone else-as this thread has shown.

ken

Great input...
Thanks.
:cool