RESERVE LOWERED - 1988 BMW 320i Auto
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
• Recent respray
• Comprehensive history
• Rust free body
The Background
BMW's 3 Series is arguably its most important and most iconic product, and of all the models it's produced over the years it's the second-generation E30 that still seems to hold the fondest memories.
Introduced in 1982 to replace the E21, the E30 refined the recipe and went on to become the longest-lived 3 Series – lasting eight years before it was succeeded by the E36 and 12 years in production in total. BMW also offered its own cabriolet version of the 3 Series for the first time with the E30 – previously being a Bauer-built car – which was introduced in 1985
The History
First registered in 1988, this 320i has had 4 previous owners. Since the early 90's the car was owned by the husband and transferred to his wife in 2005. The car has always been loved and cared for using the BMW for the weekly shop and the odd trip into Essex from London.
A newer car has now taken the BMW’s place so reluctantly the car is to be moved on to someone new in the hopes they would continue to care for this stylish classic.
A newer car has now taken the BMW’s place so reluctantly the car is to be moved on to someone new in the hopes they would continue to care for this stylish classic.
The car is currently registered as off the road with a SORN, this has been the case since October of last year. The BMW is regularly started and left idling however to keep things moving and working mechanically.
The Paperwork
There is a fair bit of paperwork for the BMW documenting the work and servicing it has received, mostly MOT certificates but some receipts for minor works present. It seems the car has been taken care of by the same garage for much of the previous 16 years it’s been in the current owner’s possession, so wouldn’t prove too difficult to get an in-depth idea of how the car has fared over the years.
The car has a valid MOT until December 2022, which showed no issues with the car in the recent inspection. The car is currently registered as SORN due to another car now being drafted in to take over daily duties, but the BMW starts, drives and stops well.
The Interior
Inside the BMW is good, with the upholstery mainly holding out, the only areas of note being the rear seat base, which has started to fray where the base meets the back and the driver’s side exterior back rest bolster which is also starting to go a little threadbare.
The rest of the carpeting, headlining and dashboard are all in good condition however. The dash, steering wheel and gear selector are especially in good condition, with little wear and tear showing on the major contact points, and the dash showing no cracks or tears in the rubber.
The rest of the carpeting, headlining and dashboard are all in good condition however. The dash, steering wheel and gear selector are especially in good condition, with little wear and tear showing on the major contact points, and the dash showing no cracks or tears in the rubber.
The headlining is not sagging or stained but the sunroof has been sealed up due to leaking, so is no longer functional. The carpet is in good condition, being protected by some over mats, and the carpet in the boot is in good condition also.
There seems to be minimal wear and tear or staining to the door cards as well. In the rather spacious boot, you’ll find the original tool kit, which unfortunately has one or two tools missing, with the others starting to show some corrosion.
There seems to be minimal wear and tear or staining to the door cards as well. In the rather spacious boot, you’ll find the original tool kit, which unfortunately has one or two tools missing, with the others starting to show some corrosion.
The electrical systems in the BMW are in need of some TLC with the horn, rev counter and MPG gauge not working. The electric windows work but are slow moving, the driver’s door lock needs attention and there are a few warning lights on the dash however, these are believed to be down to the electrical system needed an overhaul.
The Exterior
The white paint one this BMW is in good condition and the body has very little of the usual car park battle scars or odd dents, due to in no small part, the full respray the car has had recently.
The panel gaps are all consistent and close and the body is also quite straight with little to no rust showing through on the usual places such as the arches, boot and bonnet or door shuts. It is actually a very clean and straight body on the surface and even underneath, where a BMW from this era might fall down, there is little corrosion that was seen on the photoshoot.
The panel gaps are all consistent and close and the body is also quite straight with little to no rust showing through on the usual places such as the arches, boot and bonnet or door shuts. It is actually a very clean and straight body on the surface and even underneath, where a BMW from this era might fall down, there is little corrosion that was seen on the photoshoot.
The wheels are steel underneath hubcaps, 3 out of 4 of the latter have faded and have curbing damage on, but because they’re only hubcaps, they will be an easy replacement. The tyres on the car look like they could do with changing pretty soon due to cracking in the sidewalls, but they have plenty of tread left in them.
The plastic black trim around the car all looks to be in good condition apart from one piece in front of the driver’s door and the rear bumper which is starting to lose its colour a bit. The colour and shine can be brought back quite easily however with some plastic reviver from a detailing company.
The plastic black trim around the car all looks to be in good condition apart from one piece in front of the driver’s door and the rear bumper which is starting to lose its colour a bit. The colour and shine can be brought back quite easily however with some plastic reviver from a detailing company.
The Mechanics
The 320i engine is a 2.0L M20, straight 6 producing 127 bhp and 121 lb. ft of torque when new, mated to an automatic 4-speed gearbox. It starts on the button and makes no unwanted noises under idle or drive, the gearbox selects the correct gears as it should and operates smoothly and without noise.
The straight six engine makes all the correct noises on the road and sounds nice and throaty when pressed. It isn’t the highest spec or most powerful engine, but it’s done the current owner well and has been serviced and maintained regularly. It should continue to perform with some conscientious care for many years to come. A full and thorough service should see the engine performing well for a long period of time.
The Appeal:
The E30 was and still is a fantastic shape and design from BMW and has aged beautifully into the modern day. In recent years the E30 shape has seen a surge in value, but still continues to be a fantastic entry point for those wanting a reliable, interesting and appreciating modern classic.
This example has had much of the body work sorted and future proofed so would be an excellent base for which the new owner could add some value, by either returning it to its former glory or swapping out parts in a sympathetic manner befitting with the OEM style of the time.
Whilst it might not be the most desirable spec, to find an E30 with a body that isn’t rusty for this price is surely a good thing. For that reason, we think this example represents a very appealing buy.
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1988
- Make BMW
- Model 320i Auto
- Colour White
- Odometer 107,255 Miles
- Engine size 1990
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
11
bids
from 6
bidders
- Ph•••• £4,450 10/01/22
- Ro•••• £4,350 10/01/22
- Ph•••• £4,250 10/01/22
- Ro•••• £4,150 10/01/22
- Ph•••• £4,050 10/01/22
- Ro•••• £3,950 10/01/22
- Ph•••• £3,850 09/01/22
- ja•••• £3,400 08/01/22
- mm•••• £3,300 07/01/22
- sp•••• £3,100 05/01/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.