1981 BMW 320i

2dr Coupe

4-cyl. 1766cc/101hp FI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$11,700*

-10.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10kJan 2025
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1975-1983 BMW 3-Series (E21) stats
Highest sale
$33,166
Lowest sale
$3,850
Most recent sale
$6,825
Sales
36
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Model overview

Model description

The first BMW 3 Series occupies an important place in the company’s history. The E21, as the chassis is known, had the difficult task of following up the legendary 2002, while moving the entry level BMW towards the more serious 5 series – a mix of sport and style that would become BMW’s bread and butter.

Released in 1975, the E21 had the look and class of the new BMW styling direction. The classic “shark nose” and boxy styling — both cues that were in tune with the new 5 series — provided a touch of class and a visual break from the 2002. The interior was a huge leap forward, featuring a molded dash and center console angled toward the driver, a feature that would be standard on the 3 Series until the 2012 models. The angled dash was one of many “drivers” features integrated into the 3 Series that made the cars popular with enthusiasts in particular, and helped establish BMW’s reputation as “the ultimate driving machine.”

In U.S. spec, the car used BMW’s 2.0-liter, fuel injected, 110-hp four-cylinder engine to drive the rear wheels. Wrapping a four-door body around this 2,380-lb package struck a sensible balance between performance and refinement. The 3 Series was tamer and more sorted than the 2002, but could outpace nearly all of its peers. Contemporary reviews were mixed; all agreed that the car handled cleanly and precisely, yet disagreed on the effect on the driving experience. CAR thought the car was emotionless and “clinical”, while Car & Driver praised the car for being “perfectly engineered and not boring.”

The “perfectly engineered” performance described by Car & Driver became a hallmark of every 3 Series to follow. The E21 was the first BMWs to have the class and prestige to fit in at the corporate parking lot, yet offer the performance to please the company’s loyal enthusiast buyers. The E21 also introduced “yuppies” to the brand, and helped build BMW into the brand that it is today.

The original BMW 3 Series was available with many engines, but contemporary U.S. emission laws meant that the only models available in the States were the injected 320i and, after 1980, the 320iS. The “S” denoted the sport version of the 320i, and that variant featured Recaro bucket seats, a limited slip differential, a beefier sport suspension, and a special front spoiler.

Today the car’s age allows carbureted European models to be legally imported, which opens the choice up to six-cylinder models. The most desirable Euro cars are tuned variants from Hartge and Alpina, both of which offer monster performance upgrades and slight body modifications.

The 1975 to 1983 BMW E21 3 Series is an affordable project car, largely so because of its placement in BMW history. The E21 is bookended by the much-loved 2002 and the popular E30, which takes the spotlight off of the original 3 Series. Subsequently, cars are more affordable and rare parts are in low demand. BMW also supports the E21 though BMW Mobile Tradition, meaning that any part you need can be sourced from the dealer. With proper care and maintenance, the E21 will continue to offer the classic BMW driving feel and classic lines well into the future.

Vehicle specifications

  • Wheel Base Shortest - Inches100.9
  • Wheel Base Longest - Inches100.9
  • Shipping WeightIndeterminate
  • Drive TypeRWD
  • Manufacturer NameBMW
  • Front Tire Size13R185
  • Manufacturer MSRP12895
  • Market SegmentationCompact Luxury Car
  • Manufacturer CodeC116
  • Front Tire Size Code9
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Common Questions

The value of a 1981 BMW 320i can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,700 for a 1981 BMW 320i in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1981 BMW 320i at auction over the last three years was $33,166. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1981 BMW 320i at auction over the last three years was $4,570. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 4 1981 BMW 320is sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1981 BMW 320i was $4,570 on September 21, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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