1981 BMW 3 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Owners of the 1981 BMW 3 Series often praise its classic styling, fun driving experience, and unique interior design. Many enjoy its light weight and performance potential, especially with modifications. However, some drivers note that it may not be as fast as newer models and can be less practical for daily use due to limited features and fuel consumption."
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.
August 4, 2008This 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.
September 22, 2008The 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!
June 29, 2010What owners say
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.
August 4, 2008This 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.
September 22, 2008The 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!
June 29, 2010Another 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.
April 11, 2010Weighs 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.
April 24, 20081050 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.
July 3, 2009Great car, perfect handling, like a go cart.
June 30, 2008
