This 1983 323i is a European-market example that was imported to NA in 2001. Acquired and imported into the US in October of 2014, it has since undergone a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration by the seller with a glass out respray in its original Opal Green on Pine Green color combination, a bored & stroked 2.9L M20 engine mated to a new 5-speed Getrag 265 transmission with group A DTM internals and currently has 62,821 miles on the odometer. Besides the original euro-specific bumpers and bits, the car is also a factory slicktop example that was originally optioned with no A/C, manual windows & steering. Additional features include a Pfeba front air dam, M Tech 1 wing, BBS RC 321 wheels, custom MCS 2-Way dampers, Wilwood 4 piston BBK, Haltech standalone engine management, OS Giken 4.10 LSD, and more. This E30 is offered at $55,000 with records and receipts from the refurbishment including a build list of modifications, dyno sheets, a carfax report, and a clean Idaho title in the seller’s name. It is currently located in Los Angeles, CA.

The engine and engine management work was performed by Bimmerheads, a shop that specializes in building classic BMW engines, which happens to be the highlight of this E30. The 2.9L M20 is a bored, stroked and built version of the factory engine the car came equipped with. It features RHD individual throttle bodies, RHD carbon airbox, RHD 309 race roller cam, Carillo pistons, Molnar H-beam rods, Supertech valves, ARP hardware and a knife edged crankshaft. Engine fuel delivery and management is performed using a Haltech Elite 2000 standalone, accessory sensors, individual ignition coils, Nuke performance fuel delivery components combined for a flex fuel tune with an auto sensing and switching feature.

The G265 Getrag transmission with new bearings, synchros, shims and seals was mated to the M20 using a single model year specific bell housing from a 1982 528e. It features a new old stock 1990 group A DTM OS Giken close ratio gearset, Clutchmasters clutch kit, RHD lightweight flywheel. A new complete driveshaft assembly was used to mate it to the rear end with a 4.10 OS Giken LSD differential, a Z3M finned cover and Driveshaft Shop Stage 5 CV Axles. This all relays an incredible driving experience through the AKG chassis mounted shift lever and BMW Motorsport shift knob.

The owner has also perfected what we feel is the perfect spirited street driving experience from the underpinnings. After completely reconditioning the front and rear subframes by reinforcing them and having them powdercoated, the rear trailing arms received the same treatment. MCS 2-Way dampers that were custom built by MCS to feature E30 M3 sway bar tab locations and fast road digressive valving. Ground Control camber and caster plates, rear coil adjusters and Hyperco springs dial in ride height and alignment and Bimmerworld sway bars keep body roll next to nil. All bushings underneath have also been replaced with new and utilize a mix of OEM and polyurethane in specific locations which can be referenced in the build sheet.

Period correct BBS RC 321 were chosen as the 4x100 wheel setup and feature two different sets of center caps, a custom BMW option for open lug fitment of the wheels (referenced in photos) and original BBS waffle caps and logos for closed lug styling (referenced in walkaround video). Stopping power is provided by Wilwood front and rear 4 piston 11.75” brake systems using their billet calipers, F/R bias adjuster and stainless steel brake lines.

Besides the aesthetic, performance, and reliability modifications performed during the rebuild, ergonomics were also improved. The seller outfitted the interior with brand new manual Miata NC seats that were reupholstered to match with imported cloth (original seats available in Idaho). These were fitted with custom 4130 chromoly TIG welded seat mounts finished in black Cerakote. Touch points include the Nardi classic black leather steering wheel mounted using Classico Wheels adapter and hub, E30 M3 Sport Evo dead pedal and Alpina floor mats. The instrument cluster was also restored and modified by Bavarian Restoration to feature a 8K RPM tach, MPG gauge delete and the KPH-MPH conversion.

For the full photo gallery & build sheet, please follow the link here.

A walk-around and driving video have also been filmed for interested parties and hosted to our YouTube channel. 

Inquire via email at info@garagewelt.com.