Highlights

• A rarely seen example of a Baur converted 318i with innovative two stage convertible top
• Complete with a low, original mileage and a great overall condition internally and externally
• Offered today with a long MOT valid until March 2024
  
  

The Appeal

The History and Paperwork

• This Baur TC2 was manufactured in 1985
• It is a UK supplied and specification car
• It was first registered in the UK in August 1985
• The car has been used and enjoyed by seven previous owners
• There have been some extended periods of tenure within the history
• The second owner kept the car for 11 years and the fifth for 15 years
• The car’s usage has been extremely light in more recent years
• The current owner acquired the car in 2022
• There is a decent amount of paperwork included with this car
• Firstly, there is the current V5 in the name of the owner
• The original book pack is also on hand including the original Baur book
• The current MOT is included in hard copy, valid to March 2024
• Most MOT hard copies are present back to the year 2000
• Numerous invoices are included documenting parts bought and work undertaken
  
  

The Interior

• The Baur conversions were applied to the standard Three Series cars of the period
• As such all interior fixtures and fittings are standard E30 fare
• This example features Marine blue, self-patterned woven fabric upholstery
• The centre panels are differentiated from the bolsters by blue piping
• Considering the age of the car, the condition is excellent throughout
• The rear seats are identically trimmed and in an equally fine condition
• Door cards and rear panels are finished in panelled blue vinyl and are pristine
• The carpets are finished in blue and have been protected by heavy duty mats
• The dashboard is the familiar BMW E30, driver-centric affair
• This is finished in black vinyl and appears to be in fine fettle throughout
• An M Sport, three spoke BMW steering wheel is fitted
• A Kenwood radio cassette head unit is fitted in the centre console
• The black fabric Baur headlining looks to be in a fine, original condition
• The all important Karosserie Baur data plate is noted in the nearside door shut
• Charming, period-appropriate cassette storage is present in the centre console
• The only imperfection of note is the fabric coming adrift from some roof bars
• The good-sized boot is trimmed in original grey carpet
• The familiar drop-down toolbox is present and appears to be fully equipped
• A spare wheel, jack and tools are also housed here
  
  

The Exterior

• This little Baur TC2 is presented in Sterling Silver Metallic paintwork 
• This is accented with a mid-blue, double coach line running front to back
• The paintwork looks appropriately thick and in very good shape overall
• The bodywork looks to be equally good with tight panel gaps throughout
• A rubber, boot lid spoiler and front chin spoiler add to the sporting looks
• The car sits on a set of original 15-inch “Euroweave” BBS alloy wheels 
• These are documented as having been refurbished and powder coated more recently
• As such, these look in excellent shape are shod with a set of 205/55 Continental tyres
• The two front tyres were advised on the current MOT due to minor cracking
• The Baur TC2 conversion was achieved by removing the E30’s roof and rear screen
• The rear windows were retained, and a two-piece roof set up was fitted
• This comprises of a Targa style roof panel and a landau style folding hood at the rear
• This afforded several variations of roof configuration to suit the conditions
• The roof parts are presented in blue fabric and look original and compete
• The condition of these looks good with just the odd imperfection evident
• The Baur TC badges are present on the B pillars of the 318i
• A black, vinyl tonneau cover is included to cover the hood back when stowed
• The cabin glass and light lenses all appear to be in great, original shape
• Most of these are etched with the car’s registration number for security purposes
• Comes with the original wheels
  
  

The Mechanics

• Our car is based on the 318i version of the E30 and fitted with the 1,766cc M40 engine
• This was originally rated at around 111 bhp and 119 Ib-ft of torque
• Power is fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed Getrag 240 gearbox
• The under-bonnet presentation of the car is very good
• It looks highly original, and the cam cover seems to have been gloss powder coated
• The factory VIN number data plate is present and correct
• No rust is visible, and the suspension turrets look very solid 
• The owner advises that the car runs as it should and no known mechanical issues were reported
• The MOT just advises a slightly binding hand brake
  
  

Summary