1983 BMW E21 323i 5-Speed
Presentation
The 323i served as the flagship of BMW's E21 3 Series, introduced in 1977 with a fuel-injected 2.3-liter inline-six and exclusively made for the European market. This final-year 1983 BMW 323i was imported to the United States and comes finished in Opal Green Metallic over a black interior with a 5-speed manual transmission. Acquired by the seller in 2018 from its original owner, the car shows registration history in Texas, California, and Colorado and is now being offered for auction in Texas.
Finished in Opal Green Metallic, this 323i features BMW's signature kidney grille and Hofmeister-kink C-pillar, a factory "slick top" roof without a sunroof, upgraded French-market headlights, and custom Fondmetal wheels with Alpina-logo center caps. The seller describes the body as straight and the paint as being in great condition, with no fading or clearcoat peeling and only light scratches consistent with age. A small fender-bender to a rear corner was repaired in 2019. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.
The black interior reflects the E21's driver-oriented cockpit, with the center console and dashboard angled toward the driver. It remains largely factory aside from an upgraded head unit, and the seller notes that the seats were redone under previous ownership and the carpets were recently replaced. The interior is described as very clean, with the driver's seat piping separating in one small area. The radio functions, though the rear speakers are not connected, and the odometer is inoperable, having recently failed while resetting the trip gauge; all other gauges are reported to work.
Power comes from a 2.3-liter inline-six with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, factory rated at 143 HP and 140 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. The car features rack-and-pinion steering, MacPherson-strut front suspension, semi-trailing-arm independent rear suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. The seller reports that the engine was rebuilt and the timing belt replaced under current ownership, with additional necessary components replaced by A&B in Arlington. Regarding mileage (TMU), the seller states the odometer read approximately 170k miles when the current owner acquired the car in 2015, with an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 miles added since.
This sale will include a clean title, a toolkit, a spare tire, the original importation documents, and a collection of service records.
Bids & Comments
Carmadillo
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:44
Bid in the amount of $18,500
Rashad
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:43
Bid in the amount of $18,000
Carmadillo
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:42
Bid in the amount of $17,750
Rashad
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:42
Bid in the amount of $17,250
Carmadillo
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:42
Bid in the amount of $17,000
Rashad
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:41
Bid in the amount of $16,250
Carmadillo
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:40
Bid in the amount of $15,750
Rashad
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:39
Bid in the amount of $15,250
Carmadillo
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:38
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Rashad
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:37
Bid in the amount of $14,250
Carmadillo
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:35
Bid in the amount of $14,000
Rashad
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:34
Bid in the amount of $12,250
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 21, 2026 · 18:19
Just a quick note as we enter the final stretch of the auction. Thank you to everyone who has followed, commented, and bid. I truly appreciate the enthusiasm and support.
I've been committed to being as transparent as possible by providing detailed photos, documentation, and prompt responses throughout the auction.
If you've been watching and waiting, now's your chance. Best of luck to all the bidders, and I hope this special Euro-spec BMW finds a great new home.
I've been committed to being as transparent as possible by providing detailed photos, documentation, and prompt responses throughout the auction.
If you've been watching and waiting, now's your chance. Best of luck to all the bidders, and I hope this special Euro-spec BMW finds a great new home.
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 21, 2026 · 17:59
@Brittonmcgregor Yes, it's a great color and super rare! No A/C due to being a Euro-spec car. You can always add one.
CannedHam
Bid
Jul 21, 2026 · 17:52
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Brittonmcgregor
Jul 21, 2026 · 13:26
Love the color! Sorry if been addressed - air conditioning available? I’m in South Carolina - humid/hot!
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 21, 2026 · 00:40
@sjrasco I have some good news. I spoke with the BMW dealership today and confirmed that the engine was not simply rebuilt. Instead, the previous owner had BMW install a genuine factory replacement engine built to the original factory specifications, using original BMW components, including several Euro-spec parts.
Per your request, I've uploaded all of the detailed BMW dealership receipts and invoices in the documents section for your review. They provide a complete record of the work performed and help document the exceptional care this car has received over the years.
Per your request, I've uploaded all of the detailed BMW dealership receipts and invoices in the documents section for your review. They provide a complete record of the work performed and help document the exceptional care this car has received over the years.
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 21, 2026 · 00:27
Hello everyone,
As we approach the end of the auction, I'd like to share an important update regarding the mechanical history of this vehicle.
I spoke directly today with Shelton Sanders, the longtime Service Manager at BMW of Loveland, Colorado, who is still with the dealership after more than two decades. Remarkably, he immediately remembered this car and confirmed that he personally oversaw its maintenance for the previous owner.
According to Shelton, the engine work was not a conventional rebuild. Instead, the previous owner chose to have BMW install a genuine BMW factory replacement engine, along with the necessary supporting engine components. This was done proactively, with no expense spared, to ensure long-term reliability while genuine BMW parts were still readily available.
To support this history, every page of the original BMW dealership invoices has been uploaded individually in the documents section for bidders to review.
At the same time, the front suspension was comprehensively refreshed with new control arms and additional suspension components, further demonstrating the previous owner's commitment to proper maintenance.
This level of care and investment is exceptionally rare and speaks volumes about how this car has been looked after throughout its life.
Key Takeaways for Bidders
Factory BMW Replacement Engine: Genuine BMW replacement engine installed by BMW of Loveland.
Fully Documented: Complete BMW dealership invoices are available in the documents section.
BMW Dealer Maintained: The work was performed by experienced BMW technicians familiar with these cars.
Major Preventative Investment: Engine replacement and front suspension refresh were completed to preserve the car's reliability and driving experience.
Additionally, over the weekend the car received a fresh oil and filter service, a new oil pressure sensor, and a new exhaust hanger. The corresponding invoices have also been uploaded for your review.
Finding a Euro-spec E21 323i is uncommon. Finding one with documented BMW dealership history, a genuine BMW replacement engine with less than 8,000 miles, extensive supporting records, and this level of preventative maintenance is even rarer.
Thank you to everyone who has followed the auction, asked thoughtful questions, and placed bids. Best of luck in these final moments!
As we approach the end of the auction, I'd like to share an important update regarding the mechanical history of this vehicle.
I spoke directly today with Shelton Sanders, the longtime Service Manager at BMW of Loveland, Colorado, who is still with the dealership after more than two decades. Remarkably, he immediately remembered this car and confirmed that he personally oversaw its maintenance for the previous owner.
According to Shelton, the engine work was not a conventional rebuild. Instead, the previous owner chose to have BMW install a genuine BMW factory replacement engine, along with the necessary supporting engine components. This was done proactively, with no expense spared, to ensure long-term reliability while genuine BMW parts were still readily available.
To support this history, every page of the original BMW dealership invoices has been uploaded individually in the documents section for bidders to review.
At the same time, the front suspension was comprehensively refreshed with new control arms and additional suspension components, further demonstrating the previous owner's commitment to proper maintenance.
This level of care and investment is exceptionally rare and speaks volumes about how this car has been looked after throughout its life.
Key Takeaways for Bidders
Factory BMW Replacement Engine: Genuine BMW replacement engine installed by BMW of Loveland.
Fully Documented: Complete BMW dealership invoices are available in the documents section.
BMW Dealer Maintained: The work was performed by experienced BMW technicians familiar with these cars.
Major Preventative Investment: Engine replacement and front suspension refresh were completed to preserve the car's reliability and driving experience.
Additionally, over the weekend the car received a fresh oil and filter service, a new oil pressure sensor, and a new exhaust hanger. The corresponding invoices have also been uploaded for your review.
Finding a Euro-spec E21 323i is uncommon. Finding one with documented BMW dealership history, a genuine BMW replacement engine with less than 8,000 miles, extensive supporting records, and this level of preventative maintenance is even rarer.
Thank you to everyone who has followed the auction, asked thoughtful questions, and placed bids. Best of luck in these final moments!
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 21, 2026 · 00:16
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Rashad
Bid
Jul 20, 2026 · 22:07
Bid in the amount of $10,000
MC-Leather
Bid
Jul 20, 2026 · 21:31
Bid in the amount of $8,550
MC-Leather
Bid
Jul 20, 2026 · 21:31
Bid in the amount of $8,300
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 19, 2026 · 17:49
@PaulEJLin To the best of my knowledge, the car has had an older repaint. The 2019 professional appraisal also noted that it has an "older paint job" that presents very well. I am not able to accurately estimate a percentage of original paint, but the only known repair is a small repaint to the right rear area from a minor incident. Overall, the paint presents beautifully and remains in excellent condition.
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 19, 2026 · 05:32
@sjrasco You're welcome. I recently replaced the valve gaskets and replaced all new spark plugs. I am out of town till Monday and will try to get more info.
PaulEJLin
Jul 18, 2026 · 23:57
Original paint?.. how many percent?
PaulEJLin
Bid
Jul 18, 2026 · 23:40
Bid in the amount of $6,924
sjrasco
Jul 18, 2026 · 21:05
Thank you for the pics. Can you provide greater details on the engine rebuild with receipts if possible. Was it just the top end with valve job, new over sized pistons or did it include the bottom end with new bearings? If you don’t know, that’s fine but this is important.
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 18, 2026 · 19:16
@sjrasco, yes, it really is a fantastic color and a difficult one to find. I've attached a few photos of the headliner—it has no sagging or tears, as you can see.
As for the engine, it is the original factory-spec engine. I purchased the car from the original owner, who had the engine completely rebuilt by a BMW dealership at approximately 166,000 miles. The rebuild retained the original factory specifications, and the car has been well cared for throughout its life.
Also please make a note that I performed a compression test, and all cylinders measured approximately 150 psi, with consistent readings across the engine. This indicates the engine is in good mechanical health and is consistent with the BMW dealer rebuild performed by the original owner.
As for the engine, it is the original factory-spec engine. I purchased the car from the original owner, who had the engine completely rebuilt by a BMW dealership at approximately 166,000 miles. The rebuild retained the original factory specifications, and the car has been well cared for throughout its life.
Also please make a note that I performed a compression test, and all cylinders measured approximately 150 psi, with consistent readings across the engine. This indicates the engine is in good mechanical health and is consistent with the BMW dealer rebuild performed by the original owner.
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 18, 2026 · 18:52
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
MC-Leather
Bid
Jul 18, 2026 · 15:52
Bid in the amount of $6,000
sjrasco
Jul 18, 2026 · 15:43
Great color. Could you post some pics of the headliner and provide some details on the extent of the engine build. Thx.
pjarmst
Bid
Jul 18, 2026 · 10:41
Bid in the amount of $2,750
Javier-Pira
Bid
Jul 16, 2026 · 19:26
Bid in the amount of $2,500
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 15, 2026 · 19:07
Welcome to my listing of this beautiful and well-preserved classic. This car has been carefully maintained and remains in excellent condition, ready to be enjoyed by its next enthusiast owner.
I invite you to review the photos, ask any questions, and please feel free to reach out through the “Message Seller” button. I will be happy to provide any additional details or information to help with your evaluation.
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck to all bidders!
I invite you to review the photos, ask any questions, and please feel free to reach out through the “Message Seller” button. I will be happy to provide any additional details or information to help with your evaluation.
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck to all bidders!
Dom33
Bid
Jul 15, 2026 · 14:44
Bid in the amount of $2,250
BMRGUY70 (The Seller)
Jul 14, 2026 · 15:55
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
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