Sometimes, it’s the story that makes a car. And while the BMW ‘E36’ generation of 3-Series is a fine machine in its own right, the core to this one’s appeal lies in its condition and its incredible backstory.
The car was supplied new in 1994 by BMW Park Lane and was owned for most of its life by a Saudi family who had a property in Mayfair, London, and visited for the summer months. The car was housed in a private underground car park in the capital’s exclusive Park Lane, Mayfair, only a short distance from the BMW showroom where it was originally supplied. The car was used for only a few weeks a year during the summer months when the family were in the UK.
When they sold their London property, the family gifted the car to the maintenance contractor of the car park as a thank you for keeping an eye on the car for them for over a quarter of a century. 25-plus years in which the car – a 318i SE with almost every conceivable factory option – covered less than 21,500 miles.
Despite its light usage, this beautiful E36 has an impressive 12 stamps in its original BMW Service Booklet, from a combination of BMW Main Dealers, as well as a renowned London-based German specialist garage in more recent times, where no expense was spared regardless of the minimal mileage covered each year.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Stored from new in an underground car park in Mayfair, London
Supplied new by BMW Park Lane in January 1994
12 service stamps from main dealers and independent German car specialist
Proven genuine low mileage
Just 3,000 miles covered in past 16 years
MOT October 2023
Original BMW book pack and wallet
Owners’ manual
Four sets of keys with original owner’s ‘Harrods’ key ring
Original BMW Park Lane dealer sticker and number plates
THE INTERIOR
Incredible specification
Rare ‘Oyster’ leather
Desirable three-spoke BMW sports factory option steering wheel
Full “Electric Pack” (Tilt/Sliding sunroof, 4x electric windows, electric mirrors)
Onboard computer
Air conditioning
Original toolkit
Period Sony radio-cassette
Genuine BMW accessory floor mats
Complete and unused first aid kit
Folding rear seats
Original BMW glovebox torch
Immaculate door cards and headlining
‘New car’ smell
Immaculate throughout
Heated Electric Mirrors
Vendor informs us that the passage side window can sometimes be a bit sticky and slow to open
THE EXTERIOR
Arctic Grey Metallic
Optional 15-inch alloy wheels (with no marks or damage present)
Front fog lamps
Nearly new Goodyear tyres all-round
Never welded
Unbroken factory underseal
One tiny rub to o/s/f bumper corner rubber infill
Tiny scuffs on mirror caps
One very small dent on underside of boot lid
Superb condition throughout with no notable damage or corrosion
Under bonnet inspection lamp
THE MECHANICS
1.8-litre, 4cyl, OHC
Switchable auto with Sports, Economy, and Manual modes
Impeccably maintained
Ultra-low-mileage car
Drives perfectly, reportedly without fault
SUMMARY
This is almost a 'box-fresh' E36, undoubtedly one of the very best examples remaining.
Not only is it low mileage, but it has an impeccable maintenance record, is in remarkable condition, and sports a very high specification, along with an alluring colour combination of Metallic Arctic Grey and Oyster leather.
It’s a marvellous thing – one for the true collector or connoisseur to put away and keep.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
