Year: 1982

Make: BMW

Model: 320I

VIN: WBAAG4306C8069698

Miles: 1,902 since build

Engine: CAtuned 2.55L Hartge Sourced Build

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Exterior Color: White

Interior Color: Black

Wheels: Sixteen inch three piece BBS RM wheels

Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 3

Front size: 205/45ZR16

Front date: 2022

Front tread depth: 9/32

Rear Size: 245/45R16

Rear Date: end of 2020

Rear Depth: 9/32

________________________

BMW 320i

European Delivery | CAtuned 2.55L Hartge Sourced Build | 5 Speed | Wavetrac LSD

Overview

MOTORVAULT is proud to present this extensively documented 1982 BMW 320i E21, a European Delivery example transformed into what many enthusiasts have described as the M3 BMW never built.

Originally delivered in Germany to its first owner, this car began life as a factory European market example before receiving a comprehensive CAtuned Motorsports build centered around a Hartge sourced M20 powerplant, five speed conversion, limited slip differential, and supporting chassis upgrades.

This is not simply a modified E21. It is a fully realized, period correct tuner interpretation of the shark nose chassis.

European Delivery Provenance

Factory European Delivery vehicle
Original owner traveled to Germany and took delivery
Later acquired by an enthusiast in California
Refinished in Alpine White
Early style mirrors and Euro bumpers installed for cleaner period aesthetic

The vehicle has passed through knowledgeable BMW enthusiasts at every stage of its life.

CAtuned Build Background

The build was completed approximately 3 to 4 months before the June 2021 acquisition and served as Igor’s personal vehicle at CAtuned.

The engine originated from a European Hartge E30 donor that was intended for a separate build before that chassis was deemed too rusty. The motor was then incorporated into this E21 project.

The car was previously offered on Bring a Trailer in May 2021, where it generated significant enthusiast discussion and validation.

Engine and Performance

M20 based 2.55L configuration
Hartge sourced engine components
Estimated 200 horsepower conservatively
Naturally aspirated configuration
Getrag 260 five speed manual transmission
3.73 ratio differential
Wavetrac limited slip unit

With an estimated curb weight of approximately 2600 to 2700 pounds, the power to weight ratio delivers genuinely strong performance even by modern standards.

The additional two cylinders add roughly 80 pounds over the nose compared to a four cylinder E21. Battery relocation helps offset that weight distribution.

The driveline pairing is widely regarded within the E21 community as the ideal combination for spirited driving and real world usability.

Differential

Wavetrac 3.73 limited slip differential

Billet machined construction
Helical torque biasing design
Maintains drive under zero load conditions
Smooth street friendly engagement

This is a modern, highly respected upgrade over factory clutch style limited slip units.

Speedometer and Cluster

The gauge cluster has been modified and calibrated using GPS, as discussed by the builder in the official CAtuned build video.

GPS based calibration ensures accurate speed readings independent of transmission output sensors or differential gearing changes, a thoughtful solution given the five speed and final drive modifications.

Suspension and Braking

CAtuned adjustable coilovers
Lowered stance
Ride height adjustable
Firm but composed driving character

CAtuned big brake kit
Wilwood front calipers
Upgraded braking system

The ride is firm consistent with its stance, yet adjustable for preference.

Exterior

Alpine White finish
Euro bumpers
Early style mirrors
Dual headlamp front end
Rear apron treatment
Manual sunroof

Sixteen inch three piece BBS RM wheels

The understated presentation hides the mechanical capability beneath.

Interior

Recaro sport seats
Leather wrapped dashboard with French seams
Custom trim and headliner
GPS calibrated cluster
Manual sunroof

The leather dash with French seams is widely praised as a standout detail that elevates the entire cabin.

Tires Installed After Current Ownership

Michelin Pilot Sport 3

Front
205/45ZR16

Rear
245/45R16

Premium ultra high performance tires properly matched to the chassis setup.

Mileage and Title

Purchased June 2021
Odometer at purchase 999,994 miles
Odometer rolled over

Odometer currently displays 1,902 miles
1,908 miles driven since June 2021 acquisition

Indiana title reflects Exceeds Mechanical Limits designation Document_2026-02-10_163302

Mileage should be considered TMU due to rollover, with documented post build miles known.

Emissions Disclosure

Vehicle does not currently have catalytic converters.
Will not pass California smog without additional investment.
Buyers should verify local compliance requirements.

Enthusiast Validation

Multiple seasoned BMW enthusiasts described this car as the E21 M3 BMW never built.

A properly engineered six cylinder shark nose in the spirit of Hartge, Alpina, and AC Schnitzer tuner builds of the era.

With documented build pedigree and strong community validation, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully sorted super E21 for less than the cost to replicate it today.

MOTORVAULT Perspective

European Delivery provenance
Hartge sourced M20 powerplant
Five speed manual conversion
Wavetrac limited slip differential
Adjustable suspension
Big brake system
GPS calibrated cluster
Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires
Documented Bring a Trailer history
1,908 miles driven since 2021 acquisition

This is a well documented, enthusiast grade build that blends factory heritage with period correct tuner philosophy.

___________________________

Recent Service History

The vehicle has received documented service from Gator Motorsport in Indianapolis, a well-known BMW performance and specialty shop. Records show inspection, mechanical corrections, and reliability updates performed following acquisition.

October 2021 Service – Gator Motorsport

RO #17111
Mileage approx. 212

Cooling system service
Replaced failed heater core coolant mixture valve
Cooling system refilled and properly bled

Engine oil leak repair
Removed intake manifold
Replaced oil return tube seals, spring, washers, and O-rings
Cleaned surrounding oil residue and verified repair

Electrical safety update
Installed 150 amp ANL fuse on main battery cable from trunk to engine

Cooling fan system correction
Installed proper coolant temperature sensor and wiring
Added relay and fuse for electric fan operation

Fuel system reseal
Fuel pump and accumulator seals replaced
Fuel hose from accumulator replaced
System cleaned and verified leak free

Driveline noise correction
Adjusted exhaust routing after contact with driveshaft

Cooling system fitment correction
Repositioned radiator mounts and corrected kinked lower radiator hose

Battery replacement
Removed weak battery and installed new unit

General inspection items noted
Exhaust weld quality and minor pinhole leak noted for future attention
Front and rear tires previously mismatched prior to current Michelin installation
AC diagnosis recommended if future service desired

Total documented service visit: $2,104.62

December 2022 Service – Gator Motorsport

RO #18887
Mileage approx. 1,190

Clutch linkage repair
Replaced broken clutch linkage hardware
Installed new clutch master cylinder
Installed new bushings and linkage components

Total documented service visit: $582.55

Mechanical Summary

Documented servicing addressed several reliability items including:

Cooling system integrity
Fuel system sealing
Electrical safety update for trunk battery relocation
Electric cooling fan wiring correction
Oil return sealing
Clutch hydraulic and linkage repair
Battery replacement

These services reflect typical post-build sorting and mechanical refinement following the CAtuned build completion.

Why We Love It

The E21 represents the beginning of the BMW 3 Series story. Light, simple, and unmistakably analog, it captures a driving experience that modern cars struggle to replicate. This example takes that purity and elevates it in exactly the way enthusiasts envisioned in the early 1980s.

With a Hartge sourced M20 six cylinder producing an estimated 200 horsepower in a chassis weighing roughly 2600 to 2700 pounds, the result is a car that feels alive in every gear. The Getrag five speed and Wavetrac limited slip differential transform the driving dynamics while maintaining the balanced character that made the E21 special in the first place.

The execution is equally compelling. Euro bumpers and early mirrors clean up the exterior lines, BBS wheels give it proper motorsport presence, and the leather wrapped dashboard with French seams adds a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in builds of this era. The GPS calibrated cluster and sorted mechanical work show that this car was built to be driven, not simply displayed.

What makes this car truly special is that it embodies the spirit of the tuner era when companies like Hartge, Alpina, and AC Schnitzer transformed standard BMWs into something more focused and more exciting. In many ways, this car represents the E21 performance flagship BMW never officially built.

For enthusiasts who appreciate lightweight chassis, naturally aspirated power, and the mechanical connection that defines classic BMWs, this is a car that delivers a driving experience far greater than its era suggests.

_______________________

Please consider this an invitation to visit MOTORVAULT! If you have any questions or wish for more information about this vehicle or any other vehicle, please do not hesitate to contact:

Brian Henry - brian@motorvault.com // 317-520-4663

_______________________