BMW - 323i - 1980
12
days
13
hours
27
minutes
10
seconds
Current bid
€ 7,611
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld
Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.
Estimate € 25,000 - € 28,000
 | €7,611 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €7,111 | |
| €5,000 | |
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BMW 323i, built in 1980, with a 2.3‑litre six‑cylinder petrol engine, manual five‑speed transmission, in Graphit Metallic colour.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
BMW 323i E21 1980
• Rugged car
• European-delivered car
• 5-speed manual transmission
• Desirable 2.3-liter 6-cylinder engine
• 20-spoke LM wheels
• Original color "Graphite Metallic"
• Top model of the first generation 3-series
• On-board tool kit
• Well maintained, service carried out in July 2025 (210,032 km)
• Neat and original condition
HISTORY & DOCUMENTATION
A very fine BMW 323i in very good, original condition. The 323i was at the time BMW’s top model of the first true 3-series; the E21. With its 2.3-liter inline-6 engine and fuel injection, power reached 143 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds. Very impressive figures for a small, compact sedan. This, combined with precise steering and a relatively sporty chassis, made the 323i a delightful driver’s car! There was no M3 in this generation of the 3-series, but the 323i is essentially seen as the forerunner of the M3.
This exemplar was newly delivered by BMW dealer "Friulauto Pordenone S.P.A." on 22 April 1980 in Porcia, Italy. This is evidenced by the original delivery booklet that is still with BMW. The original service book and user manual are also present with the car. All are neatly stored in the original leather onboard folder. Maintenance has been performed regularly and various history is present with the car.
EXTERIOR
The car is in a good and very original condition. The bodywork has remained remarkably solid and well-preserved, whereas other examples often suffer from rust. Additionally, there are nice seam tolerances. The beautiful original color is "Graphit Metallic": a stylish gray metallic color that pairs nicely with the numerous chrome accents. Optional are the fog lights at the front and the 13" 20-spoke alloy wheels. The chrome trim is in excellent condition. The bumpers are also finished in chrome. At the rear, double exhaust pipes.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 1980 BMW 323i is sporty, functional, and driver-focused. The dashboard is clear, with straightforward instruments and easy-to-use controls. The interior is partly black and partly gray. The seats and rear bench are free of damage and equipped with headrests. The dashboard and headliner are also in good condition. Only minimal signs of use are visible inside.
The floor features neat dark blue mats. The interior remains particularly original. A defining feature is the large tachometer with green and red accents, highlighting the sporty character of this BMW. The comfortable seats provide good support and contribute to a sporty driving experience.
With durable materials, timeless design and few electronic aids, the interior radiates quality, simplicity and the authentic character of a classic BMW. The interior includes a working Blaupunkt cassette radio. Other options are power-adjustable mirrors and tinted windows. The glass is still original.
TECHNICAL
Technically, the 1980 BMW 323i is equipped with a 2.3-liter inline-six that delivers about 143 hp, the top model of the time. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a manual transmission, providing sporty handling. Thanks to independent suspension, disc brakes at the front, and favorable weight distribution, the car offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and road manners.
The 323i was therefore one of the most powerful variants of the BMW 3-series (E21) of its time. Over the years, the car has been well maintained, with regular maintenance documented in the books. The most recent service (including oil, fuel, and air filter) was carried out in July 2025 at a mileage of 210,032. The BMW drives, brakes, and shifts well.
GENERAL
In 1980, the BMW 323i was the top model of the first BMW 3-series (E21) and followed the sporty variants of the BMW 2002, a model that laid the foundation for BMW’s reputation as a maker of sporty compact cars. With its 2.3-liter inline-six of about 143 hp, rear-wheel drive, and excellent handling, the 323i offered impressive performance for its time, including a top speed of around 190 km/h.
The model was known for its distinctive engine sound, driver-focused interior, and a good balance between comfort and sportiness. In 1982 the E21 series was succeeded by the BMW E30 3 Series, with the 323i later replaced by models such as the BMW 325i. Today, the 323i is regarded as a beloved classic and an important model in the development of the BMW 3-series.
Seller's Story
For several years we have been active in the sale of vintage, classic and modern sports cars throughout the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. We offer a wonderful variety of collector and driver cars that you can enjoy for years to come. You can find this online at Carrosso. com or by visiting our showroom in Oldemarkt, an hour's drive from Amsterdam.
We have a wide variety of classic sports cars, if you are interested in the specific details of a particular car, feel free to give us a call. We are open to negotiating transactions, we can store cars, and we have an effective and reliable way to sell your cars through our purchase or consignment sales program. So, if you have a (classic) sports car for sale, contact us and we can give you the price your car deserves!
BMW 323i E21 1980
• Rugged car
• European-delivered car
• 5-speed manual transmission
• Desirable 2.3-liter 6-cylinder engine
• 20-spoke LM wheels
• Original color "Graphite Metallic"
• Top model of the first generation 3-series
• On-board tool kit
• Well maintained, service carried out in July 2025 (210,032 km)
• Neat and original condition
HISTORY & DOCUMENTATION
A very fine BMW 323i in very good, original condition. The 323i was at the time BMW’s top model of the first true 3-series; the E21. With its 2.3-liter inline-6 engine and fuel injection, power reached 143 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds. Very impressive figures for a small, compact sedan. This, combined with precise steering and a relatively sporty chassis, made the 323i a delightful driver’s car! There was no M3 in this generation of the 3-series, but the 323i is essentially seen as the forerunner of the M3.
This exemplar was newly delivered by BMW dealer "Friulauto Pordenone S.P.A." on 22 April 1980 in Porcia, Italy. This is evidenced by the original delivery booklet that is still with BMW. The original service book and user manual are also present with the car. All are neatly stored in the original leather onboard folder. Maintenance has been performed regularly and various history is present with the car.
EXTERIOR
The car is in a good and very original condition. The bodywork has remained remarkably solid and well-preserved, whereas other examples often suffer from rust. Additionally, there are nice seam tolerances. The beautiful original color is "Graphit Metallic": a stylish gray metallic color that pairs nicely with the numerous chrome accents. Optional are the fog lights at the front and the 13" 20-spoke alloy wheels. The chrome trim is in excellent condition. The bumpers are also finished in chrome. At the rear, double exhaust pipes.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 1980 BMW 323i is sporty, functional, and driver-focused. The dashboard is clear, with straightforward instruments and easy-to-use controls. The interior is partly black and partly gray. The seats and rear bench are free of damage and equipped with headrests. The dashboard and headliner are also in good condition. Only minimal signs of use are visible inside.
The floor features neat dark blue mats. The interior remains particularly original. A defining feature is the large tachometer with green and red accents, highlighting the sporty character of this BMW. The comfortable seats provide good support and contribute to a sporty driving experience.
With durable materials, timeless design and few electronic aids, the interior radiates quality, simplicity and the authentic character of a classic BMW. The interior includes a working Blaupunkt cassette radio. Other options are power-adjustable mirrors and tinted windows. The glass is still original.
TECHNICAL
Technically, the 1980 BMW 323i is equipped with a 2.3-liter inline-six that delivers about 143 hp, the top model of the time. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a manual transmission, providing sporty handling. Thanks to independent suspension, disc brakes at the front, and favorable weight distribution, the car offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and road manners.
The 323i was therefore one of the most powerful variants of the BMW 3-series (E21) of its time. Over the years, the car has been well maintained, with regular maintenance documented in the books. The most recent service (including oil, fuel, and air filter) was carried out in July 2025 at a mileage of 210,032. The BMW drives, brakes, and shifts well.
GENERAL
In 1980, the BMW 323i was the top model of the first BMW 3-series (E21) and followed the sporty variants of the BMW 2002, a model that laid the foundation for BMW’s reputation as a maker of sporty compact cars. With its 2.3-liter inline-six of about 143 hp, rear-wheel drive, and excellent handling, the 323i offered impressive performance for its time, including a top speed of around 190 km/h.
The model was known for its distinctive engine sound, driver-focused interior, and a good balance between comfort and sportiness. In 1982 the E21 series was succeeded by the BMW E30 3 Series, with the 323i later replaced by models such as the BMW 325i. Today, the 323i is regarded as a beloved classic and an important model in the development of the BMW 3-series.
Seller's Story
For several years we have been active in the sale of vintage, classic and modern sports cars throughout the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. We offer a wonderful variety of collector and driver cars that you can enjoy for years to come. You can find this online at Carrosso. com or by visiting our showroom in Oldemarkt, an hour's drive from Amsterdam.
We have a wide variety of classic sports cars, if you are interested in the specific details of a particular car, feel free to give us a call. We are open to negotiating transactions, we can store cars, and we have an effective and reliable way to sell your cars through our purchase or consignment sales program. So, if you have a (classic) sports car for sale, contact us and we can give you the price your car deserves!
Details
Brand
BMW
Model type
323i
Year
1980
Located in
Netherlands
Mileage reading
211749 km
Registration papers
with Italian registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Grey
Horse power
143
Cubic capacity
2316
Matching numbers
Unknown
Matching colours
Unknown
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
No
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Good: mechanically sound. May require maintenance and repair
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
Vehicle registration
We can help buyers register their vehicle through our trusted external partner. The process is straightforward and can be completed after purchase. Vehicle registration remains the buyer's responsibility.
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
