e21 or 2002

I would like to find a classic/vintage BMW and was convinced I want a 2002 (preferably round lights - 1971-1973) but really like the look of the e21. Any thoughts re: this from anybody on this forum? How differently will the e21 drive as compared to the 2002? Is rust as big an issue with the e21 as it seems to be for the 2002 (of course the '02 is older).
Thanks
psychrunner

e21s's are much better cars as far as handling and durability.

What can I expect to pay for an e21 in good condition? Do some U.S. models come in a 6 cyl. or are they all 4 cyl.? What to look for as far as potential issues?

get an e21 man and then put an m42 in it and you are done,but you need more PUNCH a stroked m20 in it.....not an s14 to much money to make it worthy......

Originally Posted by bouncer163

e21s's are much better cars as far as handling and durability.

There's a big step between 2002 and E21. The E21 is closer to an E30 than to the 2002. If you want vintage fun, get an 2002. Just keep it stock - more power and rubber destroys the original feel. For speed and a more modern chassis, get an E21 and throw some more power in it. However, if you're going more modern, you might as well go and get an E30 (says the recent E30 purchaser )

I would go with the E21. Far fewer problems (incl. rust), more modern engine).

I would go with an 82 or 83 if possible and try for the sports package, since it has real Recaro seats from the factory (which were the best seats I have had in a car).

The only E30 I would get is the 318is, ca. 1991. Otherwise, the E21 outhandles the E30.

Hey, guys, great to be here. I just bought an '83 320i beater, but before you get mad at me, I'll say that I think I'm going to restore it. I say this after spending the morning surfing through the pages here and elsewhere.

Seems I've lucked into a sleeper. I don't know anything about the car, haven't run it or driven it, it won't even start. It does have the things I was looking for, though, four-banger, 5-speed, no rust, stock alloys, fairly clean. Like I said, I don't know anything about it except what I've just said, but I was looking for a project and this one looks pretty easy. I might be wrong but I'm only paying $500 for it so if it bombs I'll just sell it off again. The guy I'm getting it from couldn't get it started, but said it used to run okay. He tried cranking it, and it did turn over but didn't hit a lick. After reading some on these threads I'll probably get into all the vacuum hoses and also the ecu connectors and just generally clean the gas and pumps and other essentials up so it might fire. The body is in primer and fairly straight so the painting will wait till later. It's the "Champagne" gold color with the light beige interior. Original radio, too.

I'll be around for awhile and will no doubt be asking questions, so plan on getting used to me. I also drive a '92 BMW K75RT motorcycle which I love and ride everywhere weather permitting.

Nice - congrats and welcome to the fest.

Start a new thread here with a few photos of the car!

umm more modern engine? the 2002 had the m10. granted some were crbed but its the same technology as the m10 in the us e21's.

dont go e30 unless you like dudeds in board shorts with bleached blond hair rockin there neon kits and big spoiler. i could go on forever. 02 is my dream. but i will always have an e21 as well there cheap and easy to get parts for!

Originally Posted by Jspira

The only E30 I would get is the 318is, ca. 1991. Otherwise, the E21 outhandles the E30.

And you did get it There probably are a few other E30's out there that handle just as well as your 318is


BTW, did you ever sell it?

Originally Posted by greymarket323i

umm more modern engine? the 2002 had the m10. granted some were crbed but its the same technology as the m10 in the us e21's.

Same block but it´s not the same engine when one has Einspritz and the other Vergaser. Variants of the M10 included M12, S14, M10B18 and M10B18V.

Did you know the M10 was designed by Graf Alex von Falkenhausen? It was also produced, if I recall correctly, for over 25 years.

Originally Posted by greymarket323i

dont go e30 unless you like dudeds in board shorts with bleached blond hair rockin there neon kits and big spoiler. i could go on forever. 02 is my dream. but i will always have an e21 as well there cheap and easy to get parts for!

Agreed on all counts.

Originally Posted by afshawnt

And you did get it There probably are a few other E30's out there that handle just as well as your 318is

You are right. I did. Re handling, the 318is suspension always seemed to me to be the best handling.

Originally Posted by afshawnt

BTW, did you ever sell it?

Ja, last October. Found a nice owner who promised to care for it properly. Sad parting but..

Funny thing about that car. Had it the longest except for my second E21. I miss that car.

The deuce provides an advantage for California residents, or actually California provides the advantage.

1975 and older do not require smog check in CA, and for a California wrenchhead, that is a big bonus.

get an e21. i belive that the only 6cyl came in a 323i. you can convert by putting and e21 subframe in a 320i, but its a lot of work. you can put a m powered s14 head on your m10 block and have some fun without a lot of headache. 2002 are cool but a little rare for me to have as a daily driver.

Originally Posted by e21adanti

i belive that the only 6cyl came in a 323i.

Not quite right - my 320 came with a 6 cylinder engine.

the E21 is better overall