Rescued '83 BMW 320i, Finally Back On The E21. Its Not Finished, But I'm Done With It.

This update is LONG overdue. Life happens, and I pushed this thing aside. I wanted some sort of resolution with this project, and now I've gone as far as I have time for. If you're interested, email me at [e-mail]. I'll update this video if/once it sells.
This 1983 BMW 320i was destined for the scrap pile when I beat a scrapper to it about 2 years ago. After waiting copious amounts of time for the state of Missouri to get me a tite, I wanted to see if I could get it running, and what was wrong with it. This car was originally from California and as such, is completely rust free. It is still a HUGE project. Seems to run better when cold, but I am certainly not well versed in the CIS system or these cars. This car also needs nearly every bit of interior, brakes, a windshield, suspension.... certainly a project worthy of completing.
I did my part, and got this project to a more sortable condition and now its time to devote my project car time towards other cars I plan on keeping.
As always, I love all the comments, feedback and even the criticism.
Hope you enjoyed the midweek video, and I'll catch you all on the next teardown!
-Eric

[@austincjett]

Your BMW addiction reminds me of my old tractor hobby. I seldom break even after I'm done but knowing that I saved a piece of history makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

[@bradhaines3142]

value isnt always about money

[@johanisthestig]

I really want to say thank you. I really look forward to your videos as they help tremendously with my aspergers (form of autism) especially after a long week of work. Your videos are calming and most importantly funny and educational honestly.they are a great way to wind down and just relax from the stresses from the day and the effects of my aspergers. Again thank you very much and wish you the best.

[@kristensorensen2219]

Eric is very therapeutic for me too!! 🎉

[@ls3_saif]

Stay strong brother💯

[@paulmannering3831]

I agree with you they calm me after a week of shit job packing crisps!!!! I work on cars in all my spare time

[@richardblanchard5012]

Please do as many of these updates as is possible. I love them!

[@johnhull6363]

Dude, you are a real dude... I don't know how you don't have a couple million subscribers...

[@DJJDSKREWED]

for real!

[@FishinMagik]

He will, and we will be proud to have been on the train from day one!

[@cris_m8]

Give him time he will get there.

[@therealswarvey]

He's a KZbinr, not a tic toc thot, give him time lol

[@earlscheib7754]

He would have more subscribers if he didn't have the clown looking goatee

[@toaddmayberry4040]

From on St Louis boy to another. This was a walk down memory lane. Your car is the twin of my second BMW. I miss it

[@RaduB.]

Man, this one seemed to be a lost cause from the very beginning... One has to admire your determination!

[@marcnotyou3191]

I appreciate that you keep your channel family friendly. My young son and I look forward to watching each episode. And it is most important to keep young blood in this hobby/obsession as less and less kids have any interest in cars or fixing things.

[@robertf6344]

That's an interesting point about today's kids. Friend of mine has 3 males that are great kids, 19 thru 23. NONE of them wanted to learn how to drive or even get a car ! I was floored. Man we wanted to drive when we were like 12. At 16 we couldn't wait to get a license and go drive dad's car. (Not much money in those days.) But not even want to get a license... Wow.

[@jackpalczynski7884]

Boy, does this bring back good memories of the 81 320i I bought for my wife as her first car. We drove it from 50k miles as a used car to 125k miles. If you were local to me, I might have to drag this home. Good luck and thanks for saving another E21.

[@mphilleo]

I'm glad you posted this update. Just the other day, I was actually wondering how it was going with the 320i. I'm glad you were willing to go through the trouble to save this classic!

[@michaelXXLF]

Inka red, my favorite color on old BMWs!

[@liver.flush.maestro]

So satisfying seeing you power wash the car, finally great looking!

[@SteelOfLegend]

I honestly never really noticed that you kept the language pretty family friendly until you pointed it out. I've probably subconsiously noticed but never put much thought into it. I just know that you are very calm, straightforward and honest about stuff which is relieving when you're used to people being all jacked up on MtnDew.

[@ronsloan7662]

Hey Eric, i really enjoyed that. Nice that you could rescue this car when it wasn't too far gone to be a viable project car. Cheers!

[@iceresistance]

Keep the rescuing and fostering going! You might be able to have very good car collectors interested in the cars that you saved!

[@gregoryweber7408]

you have an awesome sense of humor eric, thanks for saving that relic and thank you a ton for this series, i learned a truck load of useful information from your adventures best of luck going forward and i hope you create a new series soon

[@NoahWL1]

Yes! Been waiting for an update on one of your cars. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@habsom1406]

Love the shape of the E21, even though it's a baby beemer, it still has presence with that shark nose and pretty lines. So glad you saved it from the crusher dude, you deserve a medal, well done and thanks for sharing this video, have been waiting for an update on this little 320i for some time. Totally understand your reasoning, hope the next owner gives it some love!

[@marcmo7138]

BIMMER not BEEMER BEEMER IS THE MOTORCYCLE

[@ferrumignis]

@@marcmo7138 Hush up, there are no hard and fast rules about people's pet names for cars.

[@guymann4016]

Thanks for not adding hideous intro graphics and music to your vids. It’s refreshing.

[@Mmmyess]

I think it's great that you saved this one. As much as is wrong with it, there are some things really right about it (e.g., the body), so hopefully it'll bring someone else a lot of joy. Cheers!

[@LaxerFL]

Hell yeah, I love a midweek video! I look forward to your Saturday videos all week man. So to get a treat like this on a Thursday is just awesome!! Hope all is well with the new baby and family. Please keep up the great work, I really look forward to these videos all week long, they get me through work some days lol!!

[@hillarylevenworth8824]

Get ready for the dreaded e21 front end shimmy with that much positive wheel offset!

[@leetucker5788]

Poly center control arm bushings fixes shimmy on these cars. Plus the spacers bring the offset of these wheels down.

[@patrickmoodabe9728]

Excellent update Eric! It’s great to see you saving classics from the crusher. It does come at a toll. It’s love not money. But we all deserve a second chance. & enjoy cheering for the underdog. I hope she finds a good home. IMHO - that BMW is made better than most of its modern day equivalents. 💪💪

[@davidkehoe4144]

That dip stick was pretty close I thought for sure it had to come out.

[@LaxerFL]

Lol!! I was waiting for a perfect condition used water pump to get flung across the yard!!

[@robertf6344]

Had the same thought. lol

[@thomaszdanowicz1643]

It’s a good thing you bought that 1983 BMW 320 E21! You did the right thing by saving it from the crusher! You scored on the CIS assembly on that car. It works out that the person who sold you the part saved it instead of throwing it away because it is a part you can’t get anymore. You got the car to be more of a project for someone else to enjoy. It is time to sell the car instead of it sitting for up to 10 years. Like the video!

[@shelby3822]

One of the best looking car designs of all time, certainly best looking BMW. Congrats on the new baby

[@stephenallen4211]

Had a 1980 320i, best car!

[@denniss5512]

Loved the story telling and the brutal honesty about the situation is refreshing. Great to see someone trying to save a 40 year old car. BMW's aren't my thing but your devotion is admirable, especially the details that you know that most of us wouldn't even think about. I bet there are not many of these in 2 door configuration left. Hopefully the next guy will be as determined to save this as you would like them to be.

[@Flies2FLL]

Listen, I drove a 928S2 for 19 years and I'd love to hear your take on the car since I did nearly all the work on the thing myself.

[@LaxerFL]

Listen, I would also like to know your opinion on this car! You hear me?

[@Flies2FLL]

@@LaxerFL No.

[@paulmannering3831]

You are absolutely amazing. The best mechanic on here. Your enthusiasm and so direct hands on videos. I'm a car nut I adorexworking on cars to make good mechanically and clean inside out to flip. That's my hobby

[@509brown]

Great update, hope 320 finds the right owner. Eric, your vids are getting better and better. I would have like to have seen a complete video tour of the car, i.e. trunk, chassis and interior. No other reason than curiosity.

[@austinbryrnes6176]

I have a 1980 320i that I bought from California a couple years ago. I really enjoyed watching all the videos on this e21

[@richardwo4543]

Hi. Love your videos. I find them very interesting and informative. As a back yard mechanic I have learned a lot. I will continue to enjoy your posts. Thanks.

[@JohanLind]

I think you ans Sreten from M539 Restorations could have log talks over the pros and cons of different BMW-models and engines. Those conversations would make for great content as well!

[@floriandugoli5923]

Hello Johan, i agree with that. That will be a must to watch if it happen!

[@blakehouse172]

Love the update videos Eric! The tear downs are great but these videos are even better in my opinion. Any update on the Mystic Cobra soon?

[@avioncamper]

The 1980's BMW, the Yuppie ride. Hope it goes to a good home.

[@Dis-Emboweled]

When crap flies off of an engine when your troubleshooting someone else's "fixing" its equal parts frustrating and hilarious. 🤣 Kudos for keeping at it

[@jeffbo0187]

Thanks for going the other way! We enjoyed the experience.

[@edgardorodriguez6754]

Used to drive one of those. This video brought me back to those days. It was a very reliable car to me. Thanks for the video.

[@ktl711]

Nice detailing job -- you should change your channel name to AMMO STL! But seriously, this has been a fun series to watch, and I'm glad to see a nice rust-free California body saved for someone who's gonna love that car.

[@kristensorensen2219]

Eric I enjoy all of your stellar work!! The uplifting comments are part of your special charm! Thanks for this gift of your time!!💖 ERAU 80 CFIA&I ret.

[@noiseismymiddlename5669]

I am a little late here but the DasBoot reference at 18:00 can not just float away!

[@rayshutsa6690]

That BMW really washed up awesome. It is in really good condition. I enjoy these video's please make more.

[@waynegalvin4639]

That car has real potential for a restoration!

[@jasonlouis5498]

Thanks for saving another old BMW!! 👏

[@rotorhead5000]

Another trip down memory lane, I had one of these about a decade ago, was white and rusty, had a worn out synchro in 2nd, and ran reasonably well most of the time. It was a constant battle with the jetronik k though. Still, loved the way it drove, I ended up selling it to buy my wife's engagement ring. I don't regret that decision, but I still miss the way the car drove.

[@Mastr-Tech]

I love the way you treat your cars even if their not worth much.

[@ncfatcyclist]

What a great car to have 😊

[@baitse7676]

I'd check the control pressure first. Tee in a pressure gauge between the central port on the fuel distributor and the warm up regulator. I think it should be around 32 psi cold, and 40 psi when hot. The lower pressure allows a richer mixture. System pressure is around 90 psi to the injectors.

[@GeneralSamov]

Lovely persimmon color.

[@stevenseverson7353]

How is the Porsche doing..never heard anything after last vid. But yes we love ALL your vids keep it up🤘🤘👊

[@e.miller8943]

Instead of savoring my long life like fine old wine like one is supposed to do, I end up regretting things I did or didn't do, including cars I did or didn't buy. Thanks for removing my regrets for not buying a BMW of this vintage.

[@andycanfixit]

I had an 84 Rabbit and a 86 Cabriolet... so many hateful memories of Bosch CSI... Always start with new o-rings on the injectors as they dry up and give you amazing vacuum leaks and vacuum leaks really make CSI run like crap. Cold start inectors not working properly is another common failure point on them as well.

[@MasterMalrubius]

This is great. I was thinking of this car a few weeks ago.

[@henrymoghadas7997]

I use to have e21 when I was young one of the best bmw ever made I love it

[@kd5byb]

"I don't want to take Das Boot off" = BAAAA HAAAA HAAAA!!! Awesome. Das Boot is one of my favorite movies. :)

[@dontbekurt]

As another St. Louisan, I wish I had room in my life for this, because this would be a perfect addition to my collection of all things "3" :)

[@arturwozniak5091]

Takie bme E21 bylo moim pierwszym bmwe w życiu!!!!! Rewelacja slozylo kupe lat!!!!!!

[@jacobmeisner9255]

Sad to see this car go. But happy it didn't get thrown to the crusher.

[@davidschauers]

....would love this in my collection. Got an 83"is" and a 79.

[@metalted6128]

Awesome build!! Not for the faint of heart!! But that’s exactly why I love your videos!!

[@shahrokhabedi3476]

E21 is jewel 😍 the front bomper is not adjusted only

[@dryroasted5599]

When I was young I lusted after these 320s, to me they signified the epitome of German engineering. Now of course, knowing what maintenance hogs they are, I wouldn't consider it. Japanese cars run forever with minimal maintenance. But you do you. I wanted to add that I enjoy your videos very much; you inject humor and education into every one without going overboard. I don't know how you manage those teardowns without swearing continuously.

[@abe4781]

Awe man that was my first car right after high school. 1983 BMW 320i same color and same oxidation. Save her she will last a long time that was when BMW was still very good.

[@waiting4aliens]

I have shock tower envy.

[@howelld8196]

Hey at least she is running, good luck with it looks like it has the potential to be a nice ride

[@kennethcallahan7410]

These are cool rigs. I saw tons of these when I was in Germany from '87 to '93. They'd fly down the Autobahn too, only being passed by Opel's, Audi's and of course Mercedes. The BMW plant was down the road from where we were at, I believe in Stuttgart, FRG.

[@paragon7311]

This reminds me of working on my 85’ 318i. Man I miss that thing

[@goskidmark]

@ 3:20 I was laughing so hard at this, because I recall being shocked by my father's timing light while attempting to get his AMX Javelin running.

[@williammeszaros3382]

I enjoy all of your work. You could walk around your yard, wearing a gopro on your five-head , picking up dog crap, and I'd watch. Keep up the good work!

[@noahwalker1552]

@M539 Restorations needs to see this project through!

[@davidcperron]

Looks a lot like the Bosch K-jetronic injection that I retrofitted into my Volvo 145 wagon. The diaphragm membrane inside the main body is moved so that the outlets are uncapped as a function of the position of the air flap, IiRC. It tends to corrode if the vehicle sits for a long time. That might have happened here.

[@StillShatter]

Bonus Thursday video don't mind if I do!!! Thanks for the upload!!

[@johnburgess4941]

Awesome!!!

[@gwick358]

I love your content Eric! You must be some kind of sick to work on BMWs voluntarily. 😆 Keep putting them out and I'll keep watching.

[@michaelskinner896]

Love this video. Would like to see more like it if possible.

[@user-fi3fx5my2s]

Love the color!! Looks good sounds, eh

[@russb8151]

#4 the radiator shroud is missing..lol..#5 remove fuel injection system & install intake manifold from BMW 2002 & a Weber 32/36&Carter fuel pump (7lbs psi),run new throttle cable.#6 relocate fuel pump & battery to the trunk.#7 run all new fuel hose.#8 replace all ground cables.#9 never use anything else but Bosch ignition parts.

[@kclefthanded427]

I really dig the paint color on this BMW

[@fooledman]

Maybe M539 Restorations would be interested.

[@EIRK2046Y]

You are the best Eric !!! Got bless You.

[@3landii]

Great video, as usual. It convinced me, with great finality, to never own a BMW... Obviously, there are many folks out there who love them, and I hope one of them steps up to finish the great start that you've made on this car!

[@brandonberganza97]

Woo nice! Just acquired an e21 and trying to bring it back to life so your videos have helped a lot keep at it!

[@cstates1982]

Love your vids! Keep it up. Got a good laugh when it stopped just short of the final spot. Cheers!

[@Flies2FLL]

My first year in college my roommate at Embry-Riddle was selling gray-market import BMW 316's, which were not sold in the United States. He arrived at the dorm west of I-95 one day saying the oil light was on; I checked the dipstick and there was NOTHING showing! I gave him a quart of 10W-40 from my '77 Volkswagen Rabbit. The finish was damaged and what did he do? He used Soft-Scub cleaner to clean the white car~ He dropped out of school the next semester; I wasn't surprised~

[@Flies2FLL]

Man you're the best! But I want to see a different car: Something between a 927 and a 929....

[@ralphadams4478]

I don't like bmw's but this is a eye ball catcher,be interesting to see it wheeled out ,cute ride for somebody,nice ...

[@n6mz]

I can't believe they didn't use braided fuel lines. The 70s CIS-equipped Porsche I used to own had braided lines on all the CIS components.

[@stevecrockett6619]

Please post this vehicle in binmerforums' E21 section. As someone who daily drives an '82, these are great cars once they're sorted properly. K-jet/CIS is a unique beast that needs someone who understands it but once that's sorted, these cars handle great, even if a little underpowered and are a blast to drive. Also, that's a popular color. Good luck with the sale. Hope you're able to find a new owner for this increasingly rare first 3 series. There aren't many left on the road.

[@drones7838]

I worked on Cars from 1996 to 2010 for a living. I sell Mortgages & Insurance now. I would love to come work for you. Worked in a Honda Junk yard for 3 years. So many things you review and say bring back cool memoirs of wrenching

[@yanick__]

It seems to be a good car and definitely has good styling. Hope it ends up in good hands!

[@plageran]

Chris had a similar issue, turned out the fuel pump was clogged lol! the fact that all the fuel lines are different is questionable...

[@danielsteward5090]

That is my favorite body style for the 3series cars. I wish I still had my 78' 323i M3. That car was a rocket. A stripped down track car, but it was rusting out from the bottom up.

[@maxcactus7]

PLEASE, someone but this car who is committed to properly restoring this fine old Bimmer!

[@CrazyPetez]

I know you buy, own, what you like. Its all good, I think most of us are like that. I have to admire you for persevering on what seems to me to be a hopeless cause, but I’m not a fan of BMWs. At 16 minutes into your video, I’d be on the phone to arrange for a ride off the property, permanently. Good luck with your project.

[@Michael_CS615]

Smoke! I'll panic for you..... You - It'll be fine!

[@pablos6.060]

My first car was a 1981 BMW 320i. Real fun car

[@tommink2577]

That car was far too nice to be scrapped, I'm glad you saved it! That being said...when I was looking for a Getrag 245 5-speed to put in my 2002, I found it to be cheaper to buy a 320i and part it out. Am I proud that I parted out a rust-free CA E21? Nope. But sometimes needs must.

[@ericdwills14]

I wish I could bring this beauty back to California.

[@Iowa599]

Instead of jamming the brakes with a stick, a good trick to stop the hubs is to stick something in the rotor vanes through the pad inspection port on the caliper. Usually only front rotors are vented, but the rear have a parking brake (aka e-brake). Those are mechanical ways, because I don't like leaving hydraulic systems pressurized, especially when working next to lines.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Got to know when to hold them, and when it's time to let them go. I just did that with my 1st car, a 67 Mustang convertible. No regrets.