1983 BMW 3-Series

M20-B23

Manual

WBAAA3106D9133152

I have been a BMW enthusiast since I purchased my first new 320I in 1983. It was the best road car I had ever driven and it was the ultimate driving machine! I have owned a 320S, another 320I as well as other German classic cars. What I am putting up for sale is an ultra rare 1983 320I that was introduced in Europe as the second generation 3 series. The body style is designated the E-30. The original 3 series was designated E-21 and was sold in the US with a 4 cyl engine from 1978 to 1983. It was replaced in 1984 by the 318I/ 4cyl. with the E-30 body style. What makes this car so rare, besides the amazing cosmetic/mechanical condition with all documentation from every owner, including the original bill of sale, all subsequent owner/service documentation, and with extremely low miles, is the motor/body configuration that was never sold here. The US 320I designation ended with the E-21 series in 1983. This car was purchased locally in Bern, Switzerland in June of 1983, and is equipped with the European sport suspension and is powered by the M20-B83 2 liter 6 cylinder engine. It is mated to a 5-speed manual, with all gauges in German specs including the diagnostic panel over the rear-view mirror. All manuals are in German as well as all warranty books/receipts. Being a true driving vehicle with remarkable feedback, there are no power options on the car. In keeping the car light/balanced and nimble even the windows are manual crank. There was no air conditioning installed, and even the first series 320I's that were shipped to the US, had air installed at the port of entry in Newark, NJ. When I first purchased the vehicle, I had inquired about installing air, but upon talking to BMW experts, I was told due to the rarity of the vehicle to leave it original. I only miss the air on extremely hot days, but this inconvenience is more than made up by the extra performance of a lighter car with. the 6 cyl engine. The extra power makes the car a pleasure to drive on long trips while still getting excellent mileage at approx 30mpg! The E-30 body style is slightly wider, more squared off, with better visibility and an improved interior and updated suspension over the E-21. This vehicle has thinner euro bumpers that gives it a cleaner look.This is a 4 owner vehicle, and it was first exported to Canada in 1998 with approx 80,000 KM. I have all import/export documents and the bill of sale. The car changed hands once in Canada until it was sold to a gentleman in Alabama in 2008 with 127,000 KM. This car has ALWAYS been garaged and looking at the condition of the undercarriage, I would say it was never been drive in snow/salt conditions. The paint is 90% original, with a minor accident that required a $750.00 repair when in Alabama. I have the RO and it was minor. Interior is like new with no wear or imperfections on the dash, door panels, seats, carpet, glass.The only upgrade was a top of the line Pioneer sound system/amp. I purchased the vehicle in the spring of 2011 with 150,000 KM. I have driven the car an additional 16,000 KM on a couple of long and enjoyable road trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico from Memphis, Tennessee, where I garage the car at my daughter's house.The car still has only 103,000 miles and has been kept in excellent mechanical/cosmetic condition. In the last two months, I have replaced the timing belt/water pump and have just replaced the clutch and engine/transmission seals.This car is being sold trouble free and will be enjoyable to the new owner for many years to come.I personally don't like buying cars with hidden headaches and would never sell a car with any hidden issues or potential new issues. I am anal about the condition of my cars. This can be verified by calling John Scheidhauer at Alpine Motors in Memphis and ask him about the car. He has performed all services since purchase. His number is 901-377-1007. This car drives like a BMW should, and will make a first time bimmer owner excited or a collector proud to own this special vehicle. These early 3 Series BMW was what the ultimate driving experience was all about. Small, light, nimble sport sedans with exceptional handling, road feel/feedback, decent power in a bullet proof engine.These cars had soul, and if you enjoy the driving experience as more than transportation, you know what I am talking about. In feel sorry for those who have never driven a BMW you don't know what you are missing. The precise road feel, handling/steering has never been duplicated. Here is a relatively inexpensive way to join the BMW driving fraternity. Call me with any questions or to arrange to see the car in Memphis. Michael Gelman - 516-982-9015 I have lowered the reserve to make it more reasonable. Just spent $3K to replace timing belt/water pump and clutch. Car needs nothing! PS. I just took delivery of a 2012 328I in NYC and I just drove it down to visit my daughter in Memphis. The car is amazing in design, with the twin turbo 4 cyl engine delivering amazing performance. I am finding the car too good/competent that really isolates the driver in a sometimes not so good way. The size of the F-30 is about the size of the old 5 series. It also has electric controlled steering! What more do I have to say.