i'm looking to buy a 80-85 bmw. i'm not sure what model to get though. i would like info, specs, and pros/cons on the 318, 320, 323, and any other models in those yrs.
i'm specifically looking at a 83-85 320i.
any websites with spec info would be great.
feel free to drop me an email @ mail_4_chris@yahoo.com

There is one major deciding factor in your search for a new to you BMW.Location .Where do you live ? In the U.S. or outside U.S. (CANADA is considered U.S. in BMW speak) If you are in U.S. forget about the 320i. 83 is last year for 320i but skip the anemic 1.8 liter and get yourself the next gen 3-series.That said ,skip 84 altogether cause only the 318i was available then.Fresh new body and chassis but same old crappy 1.8 4 cyl. So what you want is a 85 325 , no "i" model available yet only "e" (eta).Some may stay away from "e" model because of its low revving design but you cant beat its 170ft-lbs of torque.325e's have a 2.7 liter block, so with a "i" head and maybe pistons you can have it all.By all I mean gobs of low end torque and high revving top end power, not to mention a 2.7 liter powerplant.First thing to do with the "e" model regardless of future mods is to chunk the economy rear end for a 3.25 ratio rear end.That alone will make just as quick as the "i" cars.Ok , however if you live anywhere other than U.S or Canada you want the latest model 323i or 325i you can afford.Sure they offered the 318 or 320 as well, but still the same story with the 318,and 320 is now a small displacement 6 cyl. 320 is carb only I believe. So get a E-30 323i or 325i if outside U.S.