Turbocharged 1980 BMW 320i "S" Package 5-Speed
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1980
- Make: BMW
- Model: 320i
- VIN: 7155956
- Mileage Shown: 93,000mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Alpine White
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Jacksonville, OR 97530
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0055361-DT
Powered by a 1.8-liter M10 inline-four engine, this 1980 BMW 320i was upgraded with a BAE turbocharger kit before the seller’s acquisition in 1984. Sold around 1988, it later passed through two owners in California and Oregon before the seller reacquired it in 2021. This example was reportedly factory-optioned with the “S” package, available exclusively with 5-speed manual transmissions and limited to Alpine White, Black, or Polaris Silver Metallic finishes. The package includes Recaro sport seats, a manual sunroof, aerodynamic exterior mirrors, upgraded suspension, a larger front anti-roll bar, a rear anti-roll bar, a limited-slip differential, and more. Finished in Alpine White over custom houndstooth upholstery, this 320i is now being offered for auction out of Oregon.
The E21 was designed by Paul Bracq who was also responsible for styling some of the most iconic BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars of the era. Ordered in Alpine White, this 320i features a front air dam and aerodynamic A-pillar mounted mirrors as part of the “S” package. It rides on refurbished 15” BBS Mahle basketweave alloy wheels mounted with line-new Toyo Proxes R888 tires. Equipment includes polished silver bumpers and trim with black rubber moldings, chrome kidney grilles, quad headlamps, pop-out rear vent windows, and a heated rear window. The seller notes a minor accident under prior ownership, which was professionally repaired, and states that most of the paint remains original with minor road wear as expected with mileage. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
Inside, the black interior features a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, Recaro front sport seats, and a manually operated sunroof as part of the “S” package. The Recaro seats were reupholstered with black cloth bolsters and houndstooth-patterned inserts in 2022. Modifications include an aftermarket stereo and speakers, a wooden shift knob, and a dual-gauge display atop the dashboard. Accessories also include a heater, power-adjustable side mirrors, and roll-up windows. The “S” package was not offered in combination with factory air conditioning.
The fuel-injected 1.8-liter M10 inline-four engine sends power to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. A BAE turbocharger kit was installed prior to 1984, and an upgraded oil pan has been fitted. The “S” package includes several desirable features, including a limited-slip differential, a larger front anti-roll bar, a rear anti-roll bar, and upgraded suspension. Upon reacquiring the car four years ago, the seller entrusted it to the specialists at Aaron’s Autowerks in Southern Oregon. Given the car’s long-term storage and limited use by the previous owner, a comprehensive mechanical refresh was performed. Maintenance included replacing the brakes, CV joints, all rubber components, bushings, mounts, fuel lines, belts, and hoses. Additionally, a new exhaust system was installed from the turbo back, along with brand-new tires, a new battery, fresh fluids, an oil change, and all new filters.
This sale will include a clean title, a toolkit, the original front grille, and a front protective bra.
The seller would like you to know: “I've loved this car since I bought it in 1984. I knew the owner and his attention to detail personally and had a relationship with him from my other cars. I was a young, hard-working, up-and-coming construction foreman making union money. I was newly married and was living the dream. This car made me smile every time I took it out. I drove a nice truck for work and my wife drove this turbo BMW. Forty years later, I had a chance to buy it back and kept in touch with the guy I sold it to, and here we are today. I still love it, and it still makes me smile. The reason I am selling it is that my wife and I decided to get a roomier old cruiser with a softer ride, as she has a bad back.”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $15,000
- Auction End: Mar 05, 2025 08:39:40PM UTC
- Number of Offers: 1
Comments (41)
Sold for $15,000
$15,000 offer from Denver, CO (80227)
Bid in the amount of $14,500
Bid in the amount of $14,000
Bid in the amount of $13,750
Bid in the amount of $13,500
Bid in the amount of $13,000
Bid in the amount of $12,495
Bid in the amount of $11,500
Bid in the amount of $11,121
Bid in the amount of $10,500
Bid in the amount of $10,245
Bid in the amount of $9,995
Bid in the amount of $8,750
Bid in the amount of $8,500
Bid in the amount of $8,000
thanks to all the lookers, comments and interest in my car..this auction ends in around a day and a half give or take a hour or so..with that said this is a special car and i have tried to include plenty of good photo's, video's and documentation..it is a 45 year old bmw e21 320 with one of the nicest engine bay and mechanical turbo installs you will find..pulling around 175 h.p. the paint and interior are sharp and looks great..not perfect and i never stated it was..just trying to be truthful and helpful but also show the love i have had for this car twice in my life and 40 years apart between my owning it..the car shows minor wear but no abuse, no rust, no obvious damage or disrespect..it has been taken care of..do not miss the chance to own the car as this auction is winding down..i will stand on my reserve and will not come down.. i can not take less than my reserve and i will not disclose it..i stand to lose a few bucks and thats fine..i had the chance to buy the car back and i did not balk..the winner will get the email and the deal i made to buy it back from the previous owner..you will see what i paid for it..i have all the receipts for all the work i put into bringing it back so you will know my total investment..i just retired after 45 years in the trades and this was fun for me and not looking back..not to many can say they owned there old car twice in the same lifetime 40 years apart and still enjoyed the process..no regrets hope it ends well for me and the buyer maybe?? but we will see shortly..cool car and super clean in so many ways and a rare survivor in this condition..good luck to all and see you at the finish line..i wanted to get this statement out now and reflect on the process,the auction and the serious interest this car may be bring..thanks again the seller and proud owner..
Bid in the amount of $7,750
@SocalBimmerAddict thanks again for the comments and i respect your info..but with that said i will not lose any piece of mind.. s package or highly upgraded 320i,and you are right some of the improvements or mods are considerably better than a straight s package car..it is the way i bought it 40 years ago and it was sweet back then and still is today..appreciate your thoughts..as for if i will do well .. i am into it for a bit over 20k and it is only the second time offered..i go back and forth online vs. in person auction..either way the car is up for grabs and i think some one is going to do well should the reserve be met..i doubt i will break even and i loved the car and decided to own it again..i sorted the car out and freshened it up and it is ready to be enjoyed again..it was meant to be a fun project and bring back some good memories..not thinking i would make a big windfall just try and get my money back and enjoy the experience..
@MotoBones BMW Classic is the place to confirm. You give them your vin, they will be able to look it up. I can tell you for certain this is not a S pack. e21's were so simple back then. They either had all the S options or none, not some. Also, they did not have any power anything options, S or non S. No seats, windows, door locks, or steering. No leather, only vinyl or cloth.
Having said that, It doesn't matter that the car is not an original S, it's much better than a S. The turbo makes the 4 cyl infinitely better, the painted BBS spoiler looks better than the S pack spoiler (my opinion). Bilsteins are a great upgrade, the 15" BBS wheels with the lower profile tires are also a fantastic upgrade. The attention to detail is great, even where they put the gauges (vent and stereo speaker cover, which is removable,not on top of the dash pad). Having the history is a huge bonus for buyers. I think you're going to do well on this one.
@repoman69 the car does not have air conditioning..i bought this car as a weekend warrior and performance only.. i had 3 other cars and trucks with ac..but none had a turbo and suspension package..i was 25 years old and needed a turbo and a handler..this car did that in spades!!!thanks for looking..
@SocalBimmerAddict i forgot i do have the bbs center caps..i took them off when wheels were restored and did not put them on as i did not want to lose them..i have all 4..also a extra bbs mahle wheel comes with the car..it has some curb rash and a ding in it but can be saved..also the front original bra and some misc . parts and manuals,service records,receipts,old appraisal,and pictures from the 1980's and 1990's to present..thanks again..
Bid in the amount of $7,500
@SocalBimmerAddict thanks for the comment and for looking at my car..as for the s package i have had a lot of bmw experts and collectors tell me mixed info..here is what i know and as i mentioned before the car does not have the window sticker but has most of the s package options..the original owner changed the steering wheel he preferred the alpina style and the shift knob..the s package would have been black vinyl leatherette..as for the seats hard to say if he replaced with the power recaro's..also i found 3 items on the internet that state from bmw sites 1980 was the first year..so to recap i can not say with certainty but it checks most of the s package options and some really nice upgrades that make the car a serious sleeper and it eats v-8's for breakfast..thanks agian..
Just confirming that this car does not have air conditioning. ?
Beautiful car. it’s not a factory Sport Pack. Those didn’t come out until 81. Also, the seats are recaros, but not S seats, steering wheel is not factory S steering wheel, and the front air dam is a BBS air dam, which I think looks better than the factory S, but not a S. The BBS’s 15” are Mahle’s, which is a great setup. not surprising that the center caps are missing, the lip on those wheels breaks making it difficult to keep the center caps on. I’ll definitely be watching and seeing where this goes, my first car was an 82 e21 with the same spoiler and wheel set up, different momo steering wheel, non S. Always wanted to turbo it but didn’t have the money.
@Collexxxter rolling the fender makes them stronger and has a soft edge inside ..way better than cutting the fender and just cleaner all the way around..225's in the rear look cool and not super wide anyways..
@repoman69 this car has no quirks that i can even think of,and i am not just saying that..you ask a valid and real question and i try to give a real honest answer..so first off we have a 45 year old car that has been owned by 4 owners..has 93,000 original miles and a west coast rust free car..it has been driven and enjoyed and even romped a few times,but it has always been stored inside..it also has always been maintained,serviced and repaired when needed..to make a long story short it has been very well preserved..this car is ready to be driven and enjoyed..thanks for the comment..
@JMarion someone did spend some money on this car..the original owner and me and the 2 other previous owner's..we all loved it, we all appreciated and valued it and it shows up today in its solid condition..mechanically and cosmetically..a looker and a runner..thanks for looking and your comments..
@MC-Leather i appreciate your comments and my feelings are the same..thanks for the bid and good luck to any and all that bid, and hope to see you at the end..a special car that i have owned twice and always taken care of and the reason it still looks good today..spend the money and maintain them or watch them disappear ...
Somebody spent some money on this car! This was definitely someone's baby.
@motobones - any quirks with the car that we need to know about? positive or negative?
@MotoBones - if you rolled the fenders, makes sense no rubbing!
Bid in the amount of $5,000
This car ia too cool not to get cool bids
Bid in the amount of $3,200
@peterten thanks for your comments and for looking at the car..let me try to answer your questions best i can and i will add some screen shot pics at the end of my photos to help with the questions..first of all i know the complete and entire history of the car since it was new..i bought it from the original owner and i was the second owner..i recently bought the car back a few years ago and now have owned it twice..as for the S package question the car is a appears to be a real S package car and from everything i can find out on the internet and from talking to all my bmw contacts as i have owned several 02's and 320i's that the production of them started in 1980..there was 2500 approx. produced..unless we have a original window sticker it is impossible to know..but this car checks all the boxes for a true S package car including the oversize rear trunk toolkit..i also knew the owner personally and he owned a BMW repair and custom shop and built scca competition cars and was all about performance..highly unlikely he would have optioned all the S package add ons to a standard 320i..i have also found other 1980 S 320's with almost the same vin# as mine..thanks again..
This car appears to predate the introduction of the 320iS (1981, which would have a 17-digit VIN), though it certainly checks all the boxes of the S package. Was it perhaps a press car? Or a base 320i with the options individually checked? Upgraded at the time of the turbo install? Do you know its history prior to 1984?
@Collexxxter when i owned the car back in the 80's i also ran 205's in the front and 225's in the rear..no rubbing then and no rubbing now..its close but has clearance,i had the body shop roll the inside of the fenders to give a bit more clearance but also to not cut a tire..the fenders were not cut and it is very clean..i like the look and the stagger of wider tires in the rear and i never put a lot of miles on the car so tire rotations meant nothing..looks cool and the car is pulling close to 175 h.p. and can use the rear grip..
@MotoBones - any rubbing w/ that much meat on those rims?
welcome to my auction and my 1980 bme e21 turbo 320is..thanks to this site and all the help getting it live and up as well..with that said this is a wonderful example of well loved and maintained 45 year old 320is e21..all the owners of this car including myself have driven this car with great joy and helped to maintain it as well preserve it.. and as my add stated i owned it twice..good luck with the auction and may the new owner find it as special as we did..thanks for looking..