Highlights
- Only 67,445 miles from new
- Original, unrestored condition
- Good service history
- Desirable 6-cylinder engine
- Manual gearbox
The Appeal
BMW created one of its most enduringly popular cars in the E30. Handsomely proportioned, with many combinations of bodystyle and drivetrain, and offering a dynamic driving experience, it was a huge sales success and remains a stalwart and appreciating model amongst classic car enthusiasts.
Finished in classic Bronzit Beige Metallic and with a wonderfully straightforward specification, this particular model has been kept in excellent condition by its owners and has real potential not only as a daily classic, but also as a retro/classic show car.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1986
- Just 67,445 miles
- 4 owners
- MOT to September 2022
- First owner was the dealership, next owner had the vehicle until September 2021
- Dry-stored from new until January 2022
- Large file of maintenance receipts and invoices
- 4x sets of keys
- Part main dealer service history
- Last service stamp - 55,427 miles / May 1999
- Owner’s manuals included
- Original sales brochure
- Personal plate included in sale
The Interior
- Lovely original “Hound’s Tooth” upholstery
- Original toolkit and 2x full-size spare wheels
- Factory-fitted sunroof
- Original Blaupunkt radio/cassette system
Bedecked in period correct, stone coloured “Hound’s Tooth” upholstery, the cabin of this 320i is a delight. Although the specification of the car is quite basic, it does mean that there’s hardly anything here to go wrong. While the mirrors are electrically adjustable, just about everything else is manual. The window winders, sunroof and seats are all manual and it’s all the better for it.
Internally everything is in very fine, original condition. The upholstery itself is clean and tidy, with no rips or significant wear. All of the seats are in good condition, with only the driver’s seat showing any real evidence of use, although this is minimal. The rear bench and corresponding fold-down arm-rest look to be in an excellent state, almost as if they’ve barely been used.
Likewise the dashboard presents superbly, with no warping, UV damage or cracking to be seen. The vendor tells us that all of the car’s functions, the instrumentation and switchgear work exactly as they should.
In the main cabin, the carpets are a complementary stone colour and overall in good condition. At the back the boot is lined with grey carpet which is very clean and tidy. Under the carpet is a full-size spare wheel, with the original toolkit mounted to the bootlid. There is one tool missing from the kit, but otherwise it’s complete. The boot floor itself is remarkably straight, clean and tidy, with no signs of damage, corrosion or rippling.
The Exterior
- BMW Bronzit Beige Metallic paintwork
- Roof bars included in sale
- Original 14” alloy wheels
- Good Michelin tyres
Even from a distance, you immediately notice how clean, tidy and original this E30 looks. The original “Bronzit Beige Metallic” paintwork suits the car perfectly and is in very good condition. There are some age-related blemishes and minor scratches, but nothing major. We’re told by the vendor that the paintwork is “not concours, but very good for its age”.
The wheels look to have been kept in particularly nice condition, with no evidence of curbing damage and still wearing a good shine. They’re shod in quality Michelin tyres that look to have plenty of life left in them.
Underneath looks very clean and tidy, with small amounts of age-related surface corrosion, but nowhere near as much as you’d expect from a car of this age. Clearly, the fact that it has been garaged for almost its entire life has helped to preserve this charming little saloon.
As for the bodywork and panels, everything appears to be very much in order. The usual areas of concern (valances, sills, wheel arches) are all solid with no signs of corrosion. Similarly, the body panels themselves look well-fitted and free from significant issues.
The only issues to note are the fact that there is a small “parking” dink on the front wing, and a small creases in the NS front wheel arch and NS lower rear door / wheel arch area. The paint here is undamaged though, so a PDR specialist may be able to deal with these.
The Mechanics
- 2.0-litre straight-six M20 engine
- 5-speed Getrag 240 manual transmission
- Serviced January 2022
The 320i’s 2.0-litre straight-six is a great engine, torque-laden and responsive. Offering a healthy 127bhp to the rear wheels, it’s the perfect engine for this car and the exhaust note is characteristically BMW. Overall the car is in excellent mechanical condition, according to the vendor, benefitting from a part main-dealer service history and recent full service.
According to the sticker in the engine bay, the cambelt was changed at 55,431 miles. The owner tells us that a new thermostat was also recently fitted and that the exhaust is the original item.
Benefitting from MacPherson front struts and rear semi-trailing arm suspension, with disc brakes all round, this E30 drives as well as it looks and goes. The owner tells us that the car drives absolutely perfectly. In all, it's ready to be enjoyed.
Summary
We adore the minimalist specification of this E30. With its “Hound’s Tooth” fabric interior and wonderfully 80’s Bronzit Beige Metallic paintwork, it’s the perfect car for retro car shows. At the same time, it would make a perfect, usable daily classic.
That drivetrain is brilliantly robust and enjoyable, and with less than 68,000 on the clock, there’s lots of life in it yet. These E30s are a great buy at the moment too, as they’re a rapidly appreciating classic.
Presented in excellent condition, with a good history, low miles and a very likeable spec, this is one E30 that’s not going to be hanging around for long…
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.
