1983 BMW 316 E21 Baur Convertible

Description

• UNSOLD at auction August 2023
• Fully restored
• Fully rebuilt engine in 2021
• Just two former keepers
• Selected for Lancaster’s Pride of Ownership stand at NEC November 2022
• Huge history file
• Original BMW Alpina Wheels
• Will come with a brand new MOT

A shark-nosed evolution of its predecessor, the BMW 2002, the E21 3-Series came to market in 1975.

The compact two-door saloon with clean, simple lines was offered with engines ranging from the old and reliable 1573cc through to the new and sporty 6-cylinder (M60) 2315cc. Completing the drivetrain, there was a choice of either ZF three-speed automatic transmission, or one of three (Getrag) manual ’boxes; four or five-speed.

The car retained the 2002’s sporty, and fully independent suspension; MacPherson strut up front (guided by rack-and-pinion steering), and semi-training arms at the rear. A longer wheelbase gave the E21 a smoother ride, without sacrificing much of the handling that the older car was famous for.

For the cabriolet version, BMW went to coachbuilder Baur. The product still carried a full BMW warranty and was sold through the regular dealer network. Production began in 1978 and continued until 1983, by which time only 4,595 had been produced.

The 3 Series was a huge success for BMW, with over one million built by 1981, and helped to bring the marque into the up-market mainstream.

This particular BMW Baur comes to market from a small collection that needs to be reduced due to storage issues now arising.  Our vendor, the 3^rd owner shared that the Baur has a build date of July 1982 so can now be registered as MOT, Tax and ULEZ exempt. However, our vendor has advised that a new MOT will be n the car.

The first owner purchased the Baur to regularly tour France, hence the 220k mileage, but spent fortunes keeping the car serviced regularly, amassing a massive history folder that even includes his petrol receipts.

Taken off the road in 2007 by the first owner, the BMW Baur was then stored until 2011, at this point the second owner purchased the car specifically to restore, which he did before selling the car to our vendor.

The Baur now comes to market fully restored and in wonderful condition, it will be supplied with both sets of keys, the previously mentioned huge history folder, all the MOTs outside the storage and restoration period, plus the usual aftermarket workshop manuals.

Exterior

As you browse our image gallery you will be impressed with the spectacular Sapphire Blue Metallic paintwork which presents exceptionally well.  Considering the repaint is now circa ten years old you just have to take a look at the inside of the bonnet to appreciate the quality of the restoration.  It really is that good, on top of that the bodywork is showing no dents or scuffs.

The brightwork is just that, bright and shiny, again this is expected with the bumpers being re-chromed during the restoration and still in fantastic condition and the small trims presenting stunningly well in the sunlight.

Those with eagle eyes will spot that the rear bumper has a small blemish where the chrome has aged a little and if you were really picky you would give them both a good polish, our vendor explained that you will really need to search for it and admitted that he is being very pedantic.

The Baur roof is in fantastic condition and will be supplied with the blue leather roof cover that can be seen in the images, freshly treated with blue leather treatment that is looking just as good as the roof itself.  The original BMW Alpina wheels are in great refurbished condition with only the slightest nick here and there, the tyres are full of tread, again due to the miniscule mileage travelled since the full restoration.

The underneath is perfect as expected, check through the MOT history and you will see that the Baur has only travelled a couple of thousand miles since the restoration was completed and our vendor shared that it has not seen or been out in bad weather during his ownership.

The last thing to mention is the four-headlight conversion that was done very early in its life due to the touring usage, again, this is documented in that huge history file.

Interior

The interior belies the mileage and gives the impression that it may have been replaced at some point but those in the know will be aware that German build quality of this era is renowned across the world and as such these cars were seriously over engineered.  This is why we and our vendor have no reason to think it has actually been replaced, we believe it to be original and in wonderful condition.

The front seats do have the odd little mark here and there but just have a look and you will be mightily impressed with their comfort and looks.  The rear seats, as ever, look hardly used and the matching door and inner quarter cards are just as well presented with no damage, rips or scuffs.  Like we said, German engineering….

The dash, steering wheel and centre consul have no cracks or signs of ageing, in fact they are remarkably nice with everything working as it should.  The original Blaupunkt stereo is still in place, a very nice touch.

The carpets are lovely, and protected with high quality mats, all in matching blue contrasting with the whole interior and that Sapphire Blue Metallic paintwork.  A lovely, lovely example.

Lift the brand-new boot carpet, that was upholstered to match the original, and you will see that the boot floor and suspension turrets look as nice at the outer bodywork.  You will also find a lovely fifth spare wheel and toolkit presenting extremely well. In fact, the jack was restored with the car so looks almost brand new.

Engine and Mechanics

The four-cylinder 1.8 litre engines that were fitted to these later 316s had a certain rasp and urgency when pushed through the gears and this example is no different.  Pulling strongly though the gears and running smoothly those spooked by the 220k mileage that the odometer shows should forget that straight away.  Firstly, these cars were renowned for being bulletproof reliable and secondly, this engine was fully rebuilt in during Covid.

The top end was rebored and lavished with new pistons, although fitted with a stonkingly strong cam chain and tensioners these were replaced at the same time so you can expect another 220k of miles before any further major servicing is needed.

The suspension, brakes and running gear are all in fantastic running order, running true and stopping as expected. With no obvious signs of wear and tear or making any unusual noises.

There is also a receipt in the documents pack showing that the electrics have been given the once over, during these checks the auto electrician recommended a renewal of the front loom section just to be sure of reliability going forward, our vendor didn’t hesitate.  Again, another hint to how well sorted the BMW Baur actually is and as we mentioned earlier, the Baur will come with a brand new MOT.

From our vendor:

“I have owned the Baur for a year, I am the third owner and the previous gent who owned it had known the car from new. He (the 2^nd owner) bought it in 2011 when it was an MOT failure due to rust. Being a BMW bodyshop man, he then completely rebuilt the car to a high standard. Unfortunately he passed away the evening before I viewed the car.

(In his ownership) ..the body was completely rebuilt and resprayed –  and the engine, having now covered 221k miles has also been completely rebuilt.

I have all the car’s history in a large folder including all MOTs and bills for any work carried out along with a complete folder detailing parts fitted, plus a large document folder of petrol receipts the first owner kept!

Since I’ve owned the car, it was appeared twice at the NEC – on the Lancaster insurance Pride of Ownership stand in November 2022 and on Mike Brewer’s Wheeler Dealer stand in March 2023.”

Our View

If you are looking for a very well sorted and stunningly presented BMW Baur E21 then you really aren’t going to go wrong with this stunning example, becoming increasingly rare and ever more collectable now is the right time to buy one.

We expect the shark nose BMWs to keep steadily appreciating as their age and rarity increases so don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to this lovely, lovely example.