1979 e21 320i question

Is the 1979 model the 2.0L M20 variant 6-cyl, or is it the 2.0L M10 variant?

Not entirely clear on wiki. If a 1979 e21 has 320i badge on the back, does that mean it is the 320/6?

thx.

In the U.S., it's an M10 4-cyl.

There was an M20 2.0-liter six in Europe, but we never got it here.

That said, I did get a trans out of one when it surfaced in the local U-Pull...

Actually, I think the later e21 320 in the US had a 1.8L engine.

Europe got several sixes, the aforementioned 2L and a 2.3L.

BoxheadTim wrote: Actually, I think the later e21 320 in the US had a 1.8L engine. Europe got several sixes, the aforementioned 2L and a 2.3L.

This ^

In reply to BoxheadTim:

I forgot about that... But they continued to call the E21 a 320i, right? The 318i name change didn't happen 'til the E30 (which started with an M10 1.8 and later got the M42, as the 318is. I think...)

Yeah, they were all called 320i, for added confusion.

yeah, just clarifying. This car was thought to be a '76 which would have the 2.0L, but now he says its a '79....so 1.8 M10.....which I just sold two of 6 months ago....

'77 was the last year for the 2.0L M10, front vented disks, and mechanical fuel injection.

In reply to yamaha:

I think '77 was the only year for vented disks?

AFAIK, the big vented discs were 77 only. I've got them running with E12 calipers on my 2002 - they are massive for as light a car as a 2002 or an E21. Worth the upgrade if your example doesn't have them.

nicksta43 wrote: In reply to yamaha: I think '77 was the only year for vented disks?

That could be, I only knew the 78 ended that.

I feel compelled to respond...

In the US, 2.0 cars are up to 79, with a 3.64 rear gear. 80-83 cars had the 1.8 with a 3.91 gear. LSDs are found on any m.y. 320is (though not all came with an LSD). "is" cars are id'd by the 3-spoke steering wheel, factory Recaros, and front spoiler....

Vented front discs were 77 and before, but I am not entirely certain, might be 79 and before (I have an 83, have not backdated to vented fronts).

I think the pre-79 cars had four speeds, might be 77 and below.

On occasion you will find the odd 320/6, or 323i, but they usually come with the euro bumpers (occasionally federalized with "diving boards"). The rear sheet metal on any euro car is different (US cars essentially have a "cut out" so compression style bumpers don't impact the rear metal).

You must get one, run an electric fan (i.e. not water pump driven), upgrade the exhaust, electronic ignition with the "hot set up", - hotter coil, autolite AR52s or equivalent, good plug wires - lowering springs, good struts and strut bar, and enjoy the snot out of it. On an 80-83 car, get the earlier/larger air sensor plate from a 2.0.

I'm running a 2.0, mild cam, exhaust, 38 carb, etc, and it's a fun, fun car. I like to say an Italian snuck on to the design team, lots of feel to the car. Not anywhere near a better car than an e30, but a far, far better car than an e30. If that makes sense...

Cheers!

E21s are nice if I could find one with a straight 6 swap like a M30 or something i would probably have to buy it, lol.