I don't know. As my very first BMW, the original is where it's at.
Yeah I agree, however, finding a low mileage, original 320i (30K- even 90K miles) is nearly impossible that is in good shape (rust/straight/paint, etc.), let alone the "is" model. These cars would be immensely popular today in my opinion if it weren't for the smog issue with the more modern cockpit and the heritage. But then they would be even more modified I think and even harder to find in original condition had the smog rule not applied all these years. The smog issue is always the deal breaker for me. They are total dogs stock as well, everyone knows that, hence the popularity of the 02, "no smog, no dog." - LOL
Yes you can put a modern motor in and BAR sticker it, but I'd still opt to put that kind of money and time into a 1600-2002, E9, and/or of course an E3. E21's are super cool cars when done right but I live in CA, so automatically "pass" on them for the smog reasons and grey market 323's still scare me too even though I love those cars. This particular e21 is amazing. I've driven in it and it screams, scary fast....I know someone with a 33K mile original and I beg him to just leave it alone. So hard to find something like an original 33K mile e21, even though the old dog that she is....Just being original is "cool enough."