“Performance: The Unabridged Version”
By the 1983 model, BMW’s E21 320i coupe was showing some of the vicissitudes of age. What had been almost mind-blowing for 1977 no longer seemed quite as differentiating.
The 320i’s engine continued to be BMW’s M10B18 1.8 liter/108 ci inline four with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, making 101 bhp and 100 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph. Mileage by the day’s standards was pretty good: 25 city/36 highway with the five-speed manual transmission. With a 15.3-gallon gas tank, the proud new owner of a 320i could expect between 345 and 375 miles of range with a 10% fuel reserve.
The 320i’s base price was $13,290—about $43,700 in 2025 dollars, which is almost exactly what a 2026 BMW 230i xDrive coupe goes for. Standard exterior and mechanical equipment included tinted glass all around, a four wheel independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, power front disc/rear drum brakes, and 185/70X13 steel belted radial tires (a size still available) on 13-inch wheels. Inside, fully reclining front seats, a flow thru ventilation system, a rear window defroster, an electronic tachometer, and an LED digital quartz clock were included.
Packages, Options, & Model History
BMW offered two packages for the 1983 320i:
- The $2,620 S Package included a front air dam, a limited-slip differential, a sport suspension, BBS wheels, Recaro sport seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel
- The $1,685 Luxus Touring Group Package included fog lamps, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo cassette player
Individual options included a manual sunroof ($555) and metallic paint ($440).
The 320i was in production from the 1977 to the 1983 model years. Initially, the engine was the same 2.0 liter inline four that had been in the sainted 2002. In 1980, BMW moved to the 1.8 liter inline four that the 320i would have until its production ended. The E30 318i would replace the 320i from 1984 forward.
The View From 2025
The 320i is rarely seen on eBay Motors, but examples do show up in the Hemmings Motor News classifieds and on Bring a Trailer. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, a 1983 320i in #1/Concours condition is $35,400, with a more normal #3/Good condition car going for $11,700.
Make mine the extra-cost Baltic Blue Metallic, please.
Other BMWs I have written about include the 1982 733i sedan, the 1983 633CSi coupe, the 1984 325e coupe, the 1985 535i sedan, the 1987 L6 coupe, the 1987 M6 coupe, the 1988 750iL sedan, and the 1988 M3 coupe.
Eighties Cars 