The BMW e21 Is The Dopest Shit

"Margin Of Error" (marginoferror) 09/17/2015 at 11:12 • Filed to: Car history

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E21s is like the middle child. Not as original as the 2002 and not as good the e30. Hovewer, just like Jeb Bush, it is well worth discovering.

In terms of design, the e21 is the purest 3series ever. Early models only have single sealed beams headlight, alpina-esque wheels, abundant greenhouse and a bonnet that open the way a proper BMW bonnet should open : backward.

Back when Jimmy Carter was bending over in front of Iran, the e21 could be ordered with crank windows, a manual transmission, cloth seats and no a/c, like a proper BMW.

The e21 was the last true BMW in the sense that it was solely aimed at enthusiasts. Some may argue that the e30 was better, but sadly with its trip computer and optional car phone, the e30 was already catering to the poseur crowd.

Party-vi > Margin Of Error 09/17/2015 at 11:15

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This opens forward, not backward.

Margin Of Error > Party-vi 09/17/2015 at 11:16

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Well it’s backward compared to normal cars.

Party-vi > Margin Of Error 09/17/2015 at 11:16

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But the E21 is a normal car - it’s got tires and a steering wheel and an internal combustion engine.

Margin Of Error > Party-vi 09/17/2015 at 11:19

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Well that’s your opinion.

Justin Hughes > Margin Of Error 09/17/2015 at 11:21

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No argument from me.

My 1983 320i was my first project car .

Margin Of Error > Justin Hughes 09/17/2015 at 11:23

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Very nice to see it in action. These cars are made to be driven !

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Party-vi 09/17/2015 at 11:24

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NOT FOR LONG

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 09/17/2015 at 11:26

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But what about the steering wheel?

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 09/17/2015 at 11:31

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I was thinking brass age wooden bicycle handlebar with pressed leather grip. You know, like you do.

Justin Hughes > Margin Of Error 09/17/2015 at 11:37

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One of the best drives I ever had was in that 320i. I’d gone to Schenectady, NY to buy and install a pair of 320iS Recaros. I took Route 2, the Mohawk Trail, all the way home, and put those Recaros to the test. It was awesome. I had a Cadillac ahead of me who was cooking right along. This was before Cadillac’s modern genuine performance credentials! I think it was a DeVille or something.

Tripper > Margin Of Error 09/17/2015 at 11:41

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Saw a clean E21 at C&C a few months ago, really nice.