Fresh MoT will await new keeper (the MoT inspection is scheduled for Friday 29th July and, when issued, will be valid until 10 August 2023)
No mechanical expense spared – if needed, it’s been done
Paintwork gleams, but body exhibits a few small blemishes
The Appeal
Recents years have seen a cult-like following develop around the BMW E30.
Its classic three-box lines are reminiscent of a late 20th-Century automotive era when things were simpler, less complicated and so much easier to live with.
The E30 is the second-generation BMW 3 Series and was in production from 1982 to 1994. The car was launched to media acclaim at the end of November 1982.
It was particularly well-received by the buying public with nearly 2.5 million made during its 12-year run.
There are a few evident blemishes and one area of bodywork that will need attention in due course. These are pictured in the accompanying gallery.
But overall, this E30 is a very good example of its kind and deserves a new – and only its second - keeper who will continue to look after it in the manner to which has evidently become accustomed during the past 36 years.
V5 certificate in original – and current – keeper’s name
A fresh MoT has just been done. (One advisory which the owner has addressed.)
C33 WLL received its first UK registration on 4th April, 1986. The original (and still current) owner personally collected the car new from the production plant in Regensburg, near Munich. During the intervening 36 years, the car has been exceptionally well-cared for and presents in ‘lovingly used’ condition.
Since new, the owner has enjoyed just over a quarter of a million miles in the car. For the car to look and drive as well as it currently does, is testament to both its keeper and Auto Repairs in Longfield, Kent, where the car has been looked after from new.
Regrettably, after 36 years, the owner and the car need to part ways to make room for the imminent arrival of an altogether different motor. It is hoped that the new keeper will care for this sought-after E30 in the manner to which it has evidently become accustomed.
Along with the V5c registered in the original keeper’s name, there will be a fresh MoT awaiting the new keeper, two sets of keys and an instruction manual for the IN-PHASE CD/radio unit.
The Owner’s Handbook/Service Record Book (combined) is present and photographs testify to this: all of the Services have been recorded in this book.
Smart and original (Code 0251 Anthracite) cloth upholstery
Tidy and unblemished interior
While somewhat short of showroom standard, the interior of this 318i presents in remarkably good condition and our writer and photographer had to frequently remind himself (by pinching) that this is a thirty-six-year-old car. The driver’s seat has a small tear in the fabric and would benefit from re-cushioning.
The dashboard, sun visors and door cards are in excellent order as is the general condition of the smart and original cloth upholstery Anthracite (Code 0251), floor pan carpet and headliner.
All the electrics are in working order, as are the instruments, dials and switchgear. The Heater, built-in Torch & Service Indicator Lights are u/s. The boot is tidy and contains the fifth original alloy and prerequisite jack and associated tools.
There is also the original – and complete – boot-lid mounted BMW tool kit.
Strikingly presented in its original ‘Platinum Green Metallic’ paint finish (Code 188) which gleamed in the sunlight at the photoshoot, the exterior condition of this handsome E30 matches that of the inside and is too is testament to the love and care afforded the car during its lifetime.
The owner has kept the car in a secure garage when not in use and enjoyed driving it mostly in the dry – and not necessarily only on Sundays.
The front glass light lenses are clear and the rear plastic set show no hint of the sun-bleaching sometimes associated with a car of this age. The front and rear bumpers are in excellent condition and are blemish-free. The tidy and original 14-inch ‘Bottle Top’ alloy wheels show no scuffs or evidence of being ‘curbed’.
The brightwork around the car is in very good condition and a cursory glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of collision damage and even the front number plate and valance, for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free.
Now, to the blemishes…but don’t fret as there are very few on this car but itemised here for reference purposes…
There are two areas of rust bubbles but neither is serious at this moment in time. However, they will require attention at some point before their growth becomes problematic.
There is a small indentation in the off-side rear passenger door which may be able to be ‘vacuumed out’ but do please seek the advice of a professional detailer.
There is a small chip to the near side main beam headlamp which has been filled to prevent water egress.
The near-side rear exterior wheel arch is in need of attention as pictured in the gallery. This will need attention at some point in the near future again before it becomes too serious.
A 12-month MoT will await new keeper prior to handover
The custodian reports the car to be excellent mechanical condition with steering, brakes and engine performing as well as their respective engineers intended – even after 255k miles.
The car was serviced at around every 6000 miles as verified by the number of stamps in the Service Record Book. Since 2018, as the annual use of the car declined and mileage dropped, an annual service was completed at the time of each required MoT.
However, the owner has arranged a fresh MoT to await the new keeper, such is his confidence in the mechanical condition of the car.
During the photo shoot, the car required frequent repositioning to capture the best directional light. The engine fired up every time the 1.8-litre engine ticked over sweetly with a sonorous note emanating from the exhaust.
The five-speed manual gearbox connected smoothly and the clutch engaged with no drama, requiring a just gentle rev to get underway.
Only on the machinations beneath the car do we see evidence of its 36 years but even then, much of the discolouring is natural oxidation.
Barring the issues highlighted above and pictured in the gallery below, this 36-year-old E30 presents in extraordinarily good condition for both its age and mileage.
The new and only second keeper will have a hard act to follow in maintaining its current condition. This writer can state hand on heart that he has not seen another 36-year-old E30 like it in quite some time.
If he could place the winning bid, he would...but he’s not allowed to, which will make for a rather sad day, to be fair.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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More about buying with us
1986 BMW 318i (E30) Saloon
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