1981 BMW 3 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 1981 BMW 3 Series
Write a reviewUser rating:
by John M
Mar 20, 2012
There really isn't anything I disliked. I actually love the car. I just cannot keep it. A little TLC and this will be a great commuter or starter car. The best feature about this car is the money saved on fuel with rising fuel prices.Mar 20, 2012
by Konrad P
Sep 27, 2010
Performance:Awesome performance from the 6 cilinder engines,2.7 stroker sawp is a blast incredibly fast with around 200 punds of torque with only 1ton weigth.
Build quality: BMW...great build quality everything works and has 30+ years!.
Appearance: Amazing agressive BMW characteristic design.
Ownership Cost: Parts are hard to get for European models and expensive but last a LONG time.
Func Factor: :D :D :D :D I guess that describes it! Even 316's are fun to drive but get a 320/6 or 323i or even better a 2.7 stroker or Alpina/Hartge and you will learn what fun is all about!Sep 27, 2010
by Hannah D
Jun 29, 2010
The first car I ever bought, and one I will always regret selling. I will get another E21 as soon as I can because they're sexy, classic beemers.
Sharks nose makes it stand out, it's small but fast and likes to drift!Jun 29, 2010
User rating:
by John M
Mar 20, 2012
There really isn't anything I disliked. I actually love the car. I just cannot keep it. A little TLC and this will be a great commuter or starter car. The best feature about this car is the money saved on fuel with rising fuel prices.Mar 20, 2012
by Konrad P
Sep 27, 2010
Performance:Awesome performance from the 6 cilinder engines,2.7 stroker sawp is a blast incredibly fast with around 200 punds of torque with only 1ton weigth.
Build quality: BMW...great build quality everything works and has 30+ years!.
Appearance: Amazing agressive BMW characteristic design.
Ownership Cost: Parts are hard to get for European models and expensive but last a LONG time.
Func Factor: :D :D :D :D I guess that describes it! Even 316's are fun to drive but get a 320/6 or 323i or even better a 2.7 stroker or Alpina/Hartge and you will learn what fun is all about!Sep 27, 2010
by Hannah D
Jun 29, 2010
The first car I ever bought, and one I will always regret selling. I will get another E21 as soon as I can because they're sexy, classic beemers.
Sharks nose makes it stand out, it's small but fast and likes to drift!Jun 29, 2010
by Anthony R
Jun 12, 2010
this pic. isnt the real one
mine is metalic red with a normal kit and bended axis with 19" golden rims and it is a ALPINA with white decales bosh parts and a roll cage + the old school 6spd transmition Jun 12, 2010
by Gonzalo S
Apr 12, 2010
Car Comparisons: BMW have not comparations with others car makesApr 12, 2010
by Harry B
Apr 11, 2010
Another drivable classic. This car has a 2.0 M20 6 cylinder engine, Weber 38/38 carb and a 5 speed transmission.
Not an all-out performance car, but a great car for ctuising down a country road with the top down and a cool breeze messing up your hair.Apr 11, 2010
by Konrad P
Jul 03, 2009
1050 kg with a 2700cc BMW 325e modified engine :) FUN
The Solex 4A1 carburator is a pain in the ass if it has been tampered with, but delivers enough fuel to the 6cyl 2.7 and makes a heavenly sound when the 2nd stage throttle body opens.
Fun fun fun. Requires some patience and dedication and can be a daily driver if you can source the parts and can take a fast non smooth torque engine.Jul 03, 2009
by Tommi H
Nov 26, 2008
its old skool and modded lots, twin 40 webbers, handling isnt as good as the e30 model which i have owned a few of but customization is easy, will be putting neww engine in it soon. buy this car, its a lot of fun. uses a lot of fuel becuase of thje bigger carbs i have put on it but it needed the extra performance, not so good as a standard carNov 26, 2008
by Tina T
Sep 22, 2008
This particular bmw doesn't hold up in speed as it once did due to abuse by previous owners. The original motor (still intact) was turbo'd, so the air intake has been hindered. Despite this, it still runs great and has no problem accelerating. It has no power steering originally installed, but handles great. I've never had to have it realigned. It's had to have minor repairs on occasion just because of its age (suspension, brakes), but nothing major. Interior is black, vinyl and like brand new. The exterior has few small pain chips, but the rest is original paint (graphite gray) and the top coat is still in great condition. White racing stripes decals have been added, with matching white wipers. The right side-view mirror is missing, it has a manual sunroof and the rims are 13's. I payed practically nothing for this car, and the mileage is fairly low. If I had it lowered a bit, I could whip around corners a little faster, but other than that, this car is a dream to drive. It's a manual and ridiculously light, so performance is no issue besides driving in a snowy climate or season.Sep 22, 2008
by Lee T
Aug 04, 2008
pretty nice car, lots more features than any 90s and older domestic car. with only a 1.8 4 banger it is a little slow, but it gets around 30mpg in town so i can't complain. it also handles really well. and being rear wheel drive it a posi it does great donuts.Aug 04, 2008
by Diego A
Jul 18, 2008
Great perfoncane, even with a carburatos and small engine, breaking is good but only when engine is on, otherwise breaks works very bad. It needs a new engine. Appearance is good, but need new paint. Repairtmen is expensive and hard to find the peaces. Great car,gonna keep it forever.Jul 18, 2008
by Chris S
Jun 30, 2008
Great car, perfect handling, like a go cart.Jun 30, 2008
by Anna Liza S
May 17, 2008
Every car has a story with me but this one takes the cake. It was old when I drove it, the steering wheel would start to shake as I hit 40 mph and I had to make sure I am up to speed with the highway traffic. Imagine my horror when 3 adults are screaming at me to go faster and the steering wheel is visibly vibrating. But the engine was strong, the body was tough and I drove it back and forth my first job, in Starbucks at the Land of Angels in 1998.May 17, 2008
by Adam H
Apr 24, 2008
Weighs in at 998 kilos and has roughly 145 hp so power to weight is plenty to get 2nd and 3rd gear chirps out of the tires. The dash and interior are unique in that I've never seen a car of it's age more set up for the driver... that being said it is only set up for the driver, forget cup holders! Zis is not a living room, it is for driving. Apr 24, 2008
by Colin J
Jan 04, 2008
Cheap car, only reason I bought it was the fact that my previous Ford LTD stationwagon drank 4 litres of petrol pr 10km...hehe And the beemer only wanted a quarter of that...Jan 04, 2008
by Goran S
Dec 23, 2007
If u find one u will get yourself real mean machine!Dec 23, 2007
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1981 BMW 3 Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,100 to $13,100Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent