BMW - E21 3 Series [Pre-83] (1982)

The BMW E21 3 Series [Pre‑83] is a timeless icon that has captivated classic‑car enthusiasts for decades. Known for its elegant styling and agile handling, the E21 was produced during the early 1980s and continues to fetch interest in today’s collector market. If you’re curious about the BMW E21 3 Series [Pre‑83] price range, the discussion is shaped by factors such as year, condition, mileage, and provenance.

While exact values vary by market and condition, a 1982 BMW E21 3 Series [Pre‑83] price can be broadly estimated in the range of several thousand to over ten thousand dollars for well-preserved examples. For a practical sense of what the used BMW E21 3 Series [Pre‑83] price might be, you’ll often see listings that swing between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on restoration quality. The key to unlocking a reliable figure is to analyze comparable sales and the specific attributes of your vehicle.

Key Specifications

• Engine: 1.8‑L I4 OHC, 100 hp, 1,190 rpm compression
• Transmission: 5‑speed manual (standard), optional 3‑speed automatic on select trims
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Cargo Capacity: 195 ft³ with seats up, 552 ft³ with seats folded
• Dimensions: Length ≈ 4,052 mm, Width ≈ 1,700 mm, Height ≈ 1,350 mm
• Weight: 1,505 lb (trim‑dependent)
• Drive: Front‑wheel‑drive (treated with 4‑wheel as a word of all dealership)
• Top Speed: 93 mph
• Mileage: Typically 31 mpg city / 38 mpg highway; varies with maintenance.

Engineered for an engaging driving experience, the E21’s front‑wheel‑drive layout combined with a balanced chassis made it a precocious performer. These specs help put the BMW E21 3 Series [Pre‑83] depreciation curve into perspective. Understanding how the value changes over time is invaluable for buyers and sellers alike.

Depreciation Insights

The BMW E21 3 Series [Pre‑83] depreciation profile aligns with many pure‑bred hatchbacks of its era: typically loses 15‑20% of its value in the first year, and about 25‑30% over the first three years, assuming the car is kept in a clean condition with no significant mechanical issues.

Key points to consider regarding depreciation:

• Initial drop: Many E21 owners experience a 15‑20% value decline within 12 months. This is common among cars that are still new on the used‑car market but are aging out of the “hot” 1984‑1991 period.
• Steady devaluation: Between years three and five, depreciation slows, generally settling around a 30‑

  ---

  Last 20 car trackeds

  Last tracked date	Status	Price	Price rank	Link
  4 years ago	used	£15,500.00		Unlock all links
  4 years ago	used	£15,000.00		Unlock all links

  Note that old links may not work