General information
Year of manufacture: 1980
Model range: Jul 1978 - Jan 1983
Model code: E21

Technical information
Torque: 190 Nm
Wheelbase: 257 cm
Fuel tank: 58 litres
Acceleration (0-100 kph): 9,5 s
Top speed: 190 km/h

Interior
Interior colour: grey

History
Service history: Present

Product safety
Manufacturer: Carrosso Classic & Sportscars Eekstraat 2 8375HN OLDEMARKT, NL 0625351515 http://www.carrosso.com [email protected]

BMW 323i E21 1980

• A rock-solid car
• Imported from Europe
• 5-speed manual gearbox
• Sought-after 2.3-litre 6-cylinder engine
• 20-spoke LM alloy wheels
• Original colour: “Graphite Metallic”
• Top-of-the-range model from the first-generation 3 Series
• On-board tools
• Well maintained, next service due in July 2025 (210,032 km)
• Neat and original condition

HISTORY/DOCUMENTATION
A very fine BMW 323i in very good, original condition. At the time, the 323i was the top-of-the-range model in BMW’s first ‘true’ 3 Series: the E21. With its 2.3-litre 6-cylinder engine and fuel injection, it delivered 143 pk and a 0–100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds. Very impressive figures for a small, compact saloon. This, combined with its handling and fairly sporty chassis, made the 323i a delightful driver’s car! There was no M3 in this generation of the 3 Series, but the 323i is in fact regarded as the forerunner to the M3. This particular car was delivered new by the BMW dealer “Friulauto Pordenone S.P.A.” on 22 April 1980 in Porcia, Italy. This is evidenced by the original delivery booklet, which is still with the BMW. The original service booklet and owner’s manual are also included with the car. All are neatly stored in the original leather dashboard folder. Servicing has been carried out regularly and various historical documents are included with the car.

EXTERIOR
The car is in good and very original condition. The bodywork has been exceptionally well preserved, remaining firm and free from damage, whereas other examples often suffer significantly from rust. Furthermore, the panel gaps are beautifully aligned. The attractive original colour is ‘Graphit Metallic’: a stylish grey metallic shade that complements the numerous chrome accents beautifully. The front fog lights and the 13-inch 20-spoke alloy wheels are optional extras. The chrome trim is in pristine condition. The bumpers are also finished in chrome. At the rear, twin exhaust tailpipes add a touch of flair.

INTERIOR
The interior of the 1980 BMW 323i is sporty, functional and driver-focused. The dashboard is well-organised, with clear instruments and easy-to-use controls. The interior is partly black and partly grey. The seats and rear bench are free from damage and feature headrests. The dashboard and headlining are also still in good condition. Only minimal signs of wear can be found in the interior. Neat dark blue mats cover the floor. The interior remains remarkably original. A distinctive feature is the large rev counter with green and red accents: this emphasises the sporty character of this BMW. The comfortable seats also offer good support and contribute to a sporty driving experience. With durable materials, a timeless design and few electronic aids, the interior exudes quality, simplicity and the authentic character of a classic BMW. The interior features a working Blaupunkt cassette radio. Other options include electrically operated mirrors and tinted windows. The windows are still original.

TECHNICAL
Technically speaking, the 1980 BMW 323i is equipped with a 2.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine delivering approximately 143 pk, which was the top-of-the-range model at the time. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a manual gearbox, ensuring sporty handling characteristics. Thanks to its independent suspension, front disc brakes and favourable weight distribution, the car offers a good combination of performance, comfort and road holding. This made the 323i one of the most powerful variants of the BMW 3 Series (E21) of that era. Over the years, the car has been well maintained, with servicing entries regularly recorded in the service booklets. The most recent service (including oil, fuel and air filter changes) was carried out in July 2025 at a mileage of 210,032. The BMW drives, brakes and changes gear well.

GENERAL
In 1980, the BMW 323i was the top-of-the-range model in the first BMW 3 Series (E21) and succeeded the sporty variants of the BMW 2002, a model that laid the foundations for BMW’s reputation as a manufacturer of sporty compact cars. With its 2.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing around 143 pk, rear-wheel drive and excellent road holding, the 323i offered impressive performance for its time, including a top speed of approximately 190 km/h. The model was renowned for its distinctive engine note, driver-oriented interior and good balance between comfort and sportiness. In 1982, the E21 series was succeeded by the BMW E30 3 Series, with the 323i later being replaced by models such as the BMW 325i. Today, the 323i is regarded as a much-loved classic and an important model in the development of the BMW 3 Series.