1982 BMW (E21) 323i COUPE - RACE CAR

This 1982 BMW 323i (E21) is a fully prepared race car that has undergone a raft of modifications to prepare it for use as a track and tarmac rally competitor. It is now powered by a 2.5-litre straight-six, producing around 170hp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 279,875km.

Beginning its life as a well-optioned factory vehicle, this BMW has had four owners during its lifetime, who have each added their own touches to create a race car to suit their individual needs. The stylish coupe has been updated with each owner, all of whom have shared a seemingly common goal, to develop a faster and more involving vehicle to drive on the track, and in a range of tarmac rally events around Australia.

The exterior of the vehicle presents very well, with the classic lines of the BMW coupe now emboldened by a full Airflow Booster body kit. This includes flared wheel arches to accommodate the wider racing tyres and a larger front splitter that includes additional cooling ducts. The vehicle has been fully resprayed in Miami Blue with black accents, which the owner says is in excellent overall condition.

Inside the BMW, the interior has been completely stripped to prepare it for race and rally duties. A full roll cage is present with foam padding on the upper elements and door bars on the driver and passenger side. Additional safety is provided by a pair of five-point Sparco racing harnesses, with a Sparco race seat for the driver and a Velo race seat for the co-driver/passenger. The driver is presented with a Sparco steering wheel and additional VDO gauges, while the passenger footwell features an aluminium brace.

Lifting the bonnet reveals an engine conversion to the larger and more powerful M20B25 2.5-litre straight-six. Installed by Advanced Tech Automotive in 2007, the engine was fitted with a new timing belt and a range of replacement gaskets. To elicit more horsepower, a full exhaust system by Hi-Tech has been fitted with extractors, a 2-into-1 main section, and resonators to moderate the sound. Between the engine and the five-speed transmission, a new flywheel and clutch kit have been added.

In 2004, Suspension Technology Australia undertook a complete redesign of the suspension setup to improve on-track performance. A range of springs and dampers were tested, with Bilstein Progressive shock absorbers eventually fitted and a host of other modifications, including a front strut brace, added to increase the overall stiffness of the chassis. Completing the package is a set of RS Watanabe 8 spoke 15-inch wheels, which have been wrapped in Nitto semi-slick tyres.

The owner reports that the vehicle last underwent a technical inspection four years ago and no advisories or warnings were issued. In keeping with the race preparation of the vehicle, the battery has been relocated to the boot, a kill-switch is in reach of the driver and a fire extinguisher has also been fitted. To allow the car to compete in tarmac rally events a Terratrip Terraphone Clubman intercom facilitates communication between the driver and their navigator. 

This BMW 323i is an excellent example of a motorsport-prepared vehicle, ready to compete in track and tarmac rally events. The classic looks of the E21 are enhanced by the aggressive body kit and stunning Miami Blue paint work, while with its uprated straight-six cylinder engine and Bilstein suspension, this 323i represents a great opportunity to own an exciting race car.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.