When someone mentions a Japanese import, you natuarally think of a complicated clock change to MPH and often a far from complete service history, if there’s any at all. That’s not the case with this delightfully appointed 3 Series Tourer. Not only is it a UK specification car, so no messy speedo changes. But it has a remarkably complete history. It would appear that the owner or owners have been fastidious in ensuring this car was kept in tip top condition and a fully stamped service schedule shows it. Like many vehicles that are imported from Japan, it is a clean example and has covered few miles compared with a UK car of a similar age.
 

Fully registered here in the UK, this car comes with its new UK V5c document and all the importation documentation showing when it was imported. Once here the car has been serviced and treated to new ignition coils and plugs, along with a new battery and a wheel refurb all round. The current owner wanted to ensure he had a reliable family car to take on holiday. In fact the car has just completed a trip to the French Alps in consummate ease. There are supporting invoices to show the recent expenditure along with an MOT certificate valid until December 2024.
 

Inside any BMW is a place of well thought out ergonomics and comfort, and the interior of this M Sport Tourer is no exception. The firm and supportive seats are covered in Alcantara and are seemingly free of any signs of wear and tear. The instrumentation is bright and clear, and because the car was originally built to UK specifications, they all read in MPH and mileas rather than KPH and kilometers as you’d normally expect of an imported vehicle.

The switchgear is as you’d expect from BMW, positive and functioning as it should. Viewing the interior in its entirety leads you to realise that the car has been very lightly used and there is no evidence of it belonging to a smoker. The climate control functions as it should, as does the entertainment and navigation systems The sporty Schnitzer pedals adds to the M Sport feel, along with the bright aluminium inserts on the dash and doors, which incidentally brightens the interior much more than the lowly faux wood inserts on lesser models.
 

 

The E91 Tourer is still a fresh looking machine. Especially when finished in white with contrasting black 18 inch wheels. The M Sport is set slightly lower than other models, so this family Tourer has a nice sporty stance on the road. The gloss black kidney grille and the shadowline black window surrounds, and the fact that this car has been debadged also adds to that low, clean appearance.

The bodywork looks good for its 14 year age and bears just a few stone-chips and a minor front corner parking scuff, all of which can be easily rectified if needed, although they don’t present much of a distraction. The car stands on a recent set of matching Toyo tyres that have lots of miles to go.
 

 

The chaps at BMW really know how to build a nice car. After all thay have been considered world class engineers for decades, and this little family tourer is no exception. Naturally, at its heart is the engine, and in this case it is the trustworthy 4 cylinder 2 litre that is not only powerful enough to propel you and your family along the Autobahn with ease, but will return good economy too. The M Sport Tourer has a few little tweaks over the lesser models.

Not so much in power, but in style and ride quality. We have already discovered the interior seating and the 18 inch wheels, but there is quite a bit you can’t see. Namely, the suspension is that bit lower and stiffer, with thicker anti-roll bars to boot. All of which not only makes the car look better, but handles better too. The current owner has spent some money on maintaining the service history and has ensured the engine continues to run sweet with new plugs and coil packs.
 

 
All BMW cars have a certain flair and renowned build quality. We know that they have performance at the very heart of their engineering with their insistence of a near 50-50 weight distribution. But, surely this all goes out of the window when it comes to a family estate car? Quite frankly no, and although this particular car is a mere 4 cylinder family load lugger, it has enough performance to thrill any driver and the stance to appease the most fervent Petrol Head.

Not only does this car go well and looks well, it has been looked after too. Unusually for a Japanese import, this car comes with a fantastic history that has been been topped up by some recent expenditure by the current owner. It could be fair to say that this BMW is a near ideal package for many people, great to look at, lovely to drive, lots of load space and cheap to keep. Surely that’s a package worth some serious consideration.
 
BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]