Ok I have had this 81 320I like 3 days i have seen some have 4 speeds is that right mine has a 5 speed is that right
sorry if this has been gone over before i looked and did not see a spec
the days are getting longer spring is almost here

Its something like 80-83 or 81-83 I believe was 5 speed on the 320i. The older ones have the 4 speed, and the later ones have the 5 speed. Mine is a 5 speed (83).

my 83 has a 5 spd. but my 5th gear is gone :-(, so maybe that only makes me a 4 spd.

Go here: http://www.bimmer-mag.com/back_issues.html.

Follow the link to order the October 2006 back issue with the E21 Buyer's Guide. Best $8 you will spend to help you get acquainted with your new pride and joy.

There is a section in this article that specifically addresses which transmissions came with which model years.

80-83 are 5sp

Thanks to jrcook320 for posting this link in the FAQ section:

http://bmw320i.com/library/PDFfiles/e21_spotters_guide.pdf

It's a good source to get acquainted with your e21 (and its free! :) ) (...I'm totally cheap :( ).

wow, the chassis shed a few pounds over the years.... hmmm... the 83 has a lightweight gearbox huh.....:confused

Dont suppose you could consider our 5 speeds slushboxes in the lazy way they tend to gate. Maybe thats just mine, but, thats what ive found. Good boxes though, good close ratio setup for the low power of the M10.

Lightweight you say? Did they have a 5 speed option for the 70's versions?

Franzino

Did they have a 5 speed option for the 70's versions?

Franzino

Don't believe so. But i know you can swap the trans easily. Just have to have the right tools/equipment.

And there is a close ratio gear box for the E21 as well.

wow, the chassis shed a few pounds over the years.... hmmm... the 83 has a lightweight gearbox huh.....:confused


Yeah, not so sure I care for some of the ways they shed weight. "Lightweight transmissions" don't sound very durable, but I haven't heard that they have been problematic. And the lightweight glass and body panels kind of makes me wonder. BTW did anyone notice that the 77-79's have a forged crankshaft, while the 80-83's are cast? :confused

Anyway, it's not like these are new models, their track record is well established. Keep them from rusting, and the rest is downhill!:D