As the successor to the compact 02 series, BMW presented the first generation of the 3 Series in 1975 under the factory code E21. The engines and chassis were taken over from the predecessor models, but the new series was intended to open up new customer groups for the Munich-based company by increasing comfort and premium demands. The concept worked, and the E21 soon became the bestseller of the Bayerische Motorenwerke: As the first model from BMW, which was built over a million times, the compact sedan also sold internationally successfully and finally helped the Munich-based company to achieve its breakthrough. Customers could choose between different four- and six-cylinder engines, whose versions also differed visually: Up to the 318i model, the engines were equipped with two, and from the 320 model with four round bills at the front of the vehicle. The design of the E21 comes from the pen of Paul Bracq, who shaped the legendary BMW design language of the 70s. Unlike its successor, the E21 was only available as a two-door sedan.

The vehicle offered for auction here is a BMW 320 of the E21 series. The compact sedan with the VIN WBAAH1108B7732952 rolled off the assembly line in 1981 and was registered for the first time in July of the same year. The exact number of vehicle owners cannot be determined due to the missing history. It is a vehicle from Switzerland, which was recently imported from Belgium. Matching numbers are given, an expert opinion is not available. The car comes with a vehicle key.

"Alpine white" is what BMW refers to the paint finish of the E21. According to information from the seller, the body was repainted in the area of the vehicle front, the passenger door and the sheet metal of the lower taillights. Here was obviously expertly worked, because on the enclosed vehicle pictures the improvements can not be recognized. The vehicle body shows age-related traces from the last 40 years, but presents itself overall in a solid condition. The car seems to be largely spared from the well-known rust problem of the E21 series: Only below the windscreen is a rust bubble, and smaller rust deposits are visible on the wheel arches.

The compact Bavarian rides on contemporary 13" BMW steel rims, which are in apparently good condition except for a few signs of use. The condition of the mounted Hankook tires is described by the seller as almost new. According to the seller, the brakes also perform their service properly, no defects are known in these areas. The car is reported to be accident-free in its current possession.

The interior of the E21 is decorated in blue, seats and side panels are covered with fabric. Here, the BMW shows signs of wear that date back to the last 40 years. In addition to a crack in the left storage compartment, the significant damage includes wear and tear on the driver's seat and age-related wear and tear on the rear seat. The fittings and the centre console inclined to the driver's side show minor signs of use, and a crack can be seen on the underside of the radio compartment. There are more cracks on the dashboard. The optional equipment of the car includes the electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, and a modern Pioneer audio system was also installed. If necessary, however, this can be retrofitted again, because the original Grundig unit is included.

Looking at the instrument panel of the compact Munich, the car has a mileage of 91739km. This is the read mileage, a vehicle history is not available. According to the seller, the instruments work defect-free.

As a model with the type designation 320, the successful BMW M20 in-line six-cylinder engine is installed under the bonnet of the car, which in this version with a displacement of 1989 cc produces a maximum output of 122 hp. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via the manual 5-speed manual transmission. The time of the last service is not known. According to the seller, the release bearing makes noise when idling, but the transmission and clutch work. Other defects in the area of engine and transmission are not known.

There are no visible rusts on the underbody of the car.