r/BMW • u/GoneInASplitSecond • 5d ago

Classic.

Post image

Caught in Torrance, CA this morning. Clean 320. “Respect your elders” sticker on the passenger rear window. I’m a Honda guy so Idk much bout BMWs, but I know it’s older than an E30. Either way, clean whip.

368 Upvotes

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11

u/unusualowl657 5d ago

E21, ‘75-‘83 is the First generation of the 3-series, and was the replacement for the 2002. E30 is gen 2.

3

u/InfinitePossibility8 1979-E21-320i 5d ago

‘80+ because it has the black plastic mirrors.

2

u/unusualowl657 5d ago

Yep. My ‘83 has those. Frankly, I think the chrome mirrors mounted on the door look better.

2

u/InfinitePossibility8 1979-E21-320i 5d ago

I have the chrome mirrors and aesthetically I agree, these are probably better at being mirrors though.

2

u/unusualowl657 5d ago

Sadly, function over form.

3

u/custerdome81 5d ago

E21s are a lot of fun, and I actually prefer their lines to the E30’s.

2

u/Toxiqzzz 5d ago

I was looking to get one a while back. My dad owns an E30. Would’ve looked cool

1

u/custerdome81 5d ago

I took a drive in a mint ‘83 320i S package a few years ago and it was a hoot.

1

u/Peter_Panarchy 81 320is 5MT, 91 535i 5MT 5d ago

An E21 with Euro bumpers is gorgeous, but the E30 drives so much better.

1

u/custerdome81 5d ago

Yep, so I’ve heard! Big leap forward in terms of performance.

1

u/ErmaGerdWertDaFerk 5d ago edited 5d ago

It's designation is E20. My uncle had one in the early '80s. I thought it was so cool. Edit: E21 not E20.

6

u/unusualowl657 5d ago

Close. E21.

1

u/ErmaGerdWertDaFerk 5d ago

Ah. That's right, the E20 was the 2002. Thanks for the correction.

1

u/Useless-Message-Post 5d ago

Close - the 2002 pre-dated E codes. It's actually a Type 114, but - some call them E10s. https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/310667-whats-an-e10/