Highlights
- Exquisite all-original car with only just over 11,095 miles on the odometer
- Retains its original paintwork
- Perfect promotional vehicle for dealership or specialty garage
- Garage kept and excellently cared for
- Ready to drive with current MOT and no advisories
The Appeal
The E30 was the second generation of BMW’s 3 Series line of executive sports coupes, introduced in 1982 and ending production in 1994. It replaced the beloved E21 3 Series cars, providing an update to exterior and interior styling, as well as improvements to the suspension in handling to help correct the oversteer that the E21 had been criticised for.
Developed using CAD computer software, crash testing, and wind tunnel testing, it was a big leap forward in design for BMW.
This particular example is in near mint condition, and has seen just under 11,000 miles of driving in the last 35 years. Garage kept and remaining all original, this 316 is a true automotive time capsule. The condition truly belies its age, seemingly having just left the manufacturing floor. A vehicle of this condition is an excellent opportunity for any enthusiast to get into classic BMWs.
It would not look out of place in a museum; or perhaps in a present-day BMW dealership as a ‘nod to the elders’ on centre display.
The History and Paperwork
- Just 11,095 miles indicated on the odometer
- V5C present
- MOT valid until 17th March 2024
- No advisories on the current MOT
- Unrestored and totally original
- Never painted and the vendor remarks that there's no evidence of touch-ins either
- Genuine BMW exhaust system replaced in 2005 with receipts, only due to sitting
- Brake hoses, front brake pads, spark plugs, new battery and 4 new Uniroyal tyres fitted in 2021
- Invoices present for parts
- Service history present
- Sale comes with old tax discs, owner’s manual, service manual, flashlight, BMW touch up paint (unused) and original sales packet
The Interior
- Overall interior in excellent like-new condition
- The vendor states all electronics, switches, buttons, and gauges work as they should
- A modern Pioneer Bluetooth stereo has been fitted, although the original Panasonic DIN unit is supplied - although not producing sound when last tested)
- The rev counter is apparently in need of new NiCad battery so it doesn’t currently function
- The steering wheel is in terrific condition, with minimal wear
- All the carpeting presents really well, with barely any wear to be seen
- No blemishes or deterioration evident to the headlining
- Hardly any signs of use to the seats
- Boot in like new condition with jack and took kit present; kit near complete
The Exterior
- A nearly flawless exterior with no signs of ageing or fading in the original factory paint from 1987
- The paintwork is in overall near-perfect condition, with plenty of shine, and no touch-ups evident
- The bodywork is straight and in excellent overall condition
- No signs of deterioration to the trim, rubbers and seals
- The light lenses in excellent condition although the headlights show some slight signs of fading from age
- The glass remains in near perfect condition, with all original windows showing matching registration imprint
- The wheels are in fine order with steel wheels clean and all centre caps present and shining
- Four matching Uniroyal tyres with minimal wear which are reportedly the same specification as what was fitted new in 1987
- The underside is in amazing condition, with no signs of corrosion apparent
The Mechanics
- The vendor reports that it drives brilliantly
- Everything presents exceedingly well under te bonnet
- 1766cc M10 carbureted inline-four engine starts readily and sounds healthy
- New complete genuine BMW exhaust system fitted in 2005
- The owner informs us that everything mechanical works as well as when new
- No power steering from factory
Summary
This 316 is essentially as good as they get. This is the perfect opportunity to own a stunning example of what is coming to be a very rare car indeed. It’s the perfect example to use as BMW intended, or could just as easily be used as a static display in a dealership or specialty garage.
Either way, this bright red BMW is essentially in the same condition it was when it left the assembly line in 1987, and is a true piece of classic automotive history.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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