Highlights
- Just under 52,000 miles from new
- Only three owners
- Low stress life in Jersey until 2021
The Appeal
There was a time when you could pick up an E30 3 series for not very much money at all. Being small and rear wheel drive, this appealed to amateur motorsport enthusiasts and car park drifters alike and served to thin the population somewhat. Naturally with hindsight we now see what a crying shame this was but it does mean that values of well-preserved and original E30s have been on the up for some time.
This example has lived most of its life in Jersey where the highest speed limit is 40mph, let’s not forget. It was looked after at the BMW main dealer on the island and therefore has lived the very automotive definition of a sheltered life, although has never been subjected to the rigours of the MOT test as Jersey does not have an equivalent.
This example has lived most of its life in Jersey where the highest speed limit is 40mph, let’s not forget. It was looked after at the BMW main dealer on the island and therefore has lived the very automotive definition of a sheltered life, although has never been subjected to the rigours of the MOT test as Jersey does not have an equivalent.
This rare 325i Touring was located and brought over to the mainland by the current owner who gave it a thorough servicing to ensure that it would pass its first MOT with no advisories. He was planning to hang onto it as a high days and holidays car with strong investment potential but other priorities have come to bear and so he is now offering it for auction.
So, whether you’re a collector who would like to continue to preserve this Bavarian beauty and reap the rewards in future years, someone who wants a stylish and practical classic daily, or somewhere in between, then here’s a great opportunity. There surely can’t be many left in this original condition and with such low mileage so get your bid in now!
So, whether you’re a collector who would like to continue to preserve this Bavarian beauty and reap the rewards in future years, someone who wants a stylish and practical classic daily, or somewhere in between, then here’s a great opportunity. There surely can’t be many left in this original condition and with such low mileage so get your bid in now!
The History and Paperwork
- Registered new in Jersey on 5 April 1989
- First owner kept the car until 2016
- Acquired by the current owner last year and imported to the UK
- Stamps in the book for services around every 10,000 miles at the Jersey main dealer
- Invoice for almost £1,000 for a full service Dec 2021, including new battery, rear brake disks and pads and rear springs
- Owner’s manuals and service book
- Two keys
- MOT expires 8 December 2022
- V5 present in owner’s name
The Interior
- Almost completely original
- Grey cloth upholstery
- Boot cover still in place
Although regarded as high quality at the time, E30 interiors do tend to suffer from wear, particularly to the driver’s seat, and cracking of the dashboard is also a well documented problem. This car has not been immune from either but the driver’s seat base has been repaired with fabric let in from another original seat and the seller tells us that you have to know that it’s been done to notice. The dashboard has had some cracks which have been filled and painted and, while it’s still apparent to the untrained eye, it does a decent job of preserving the original item.
And originality is an asset here because everything else in the cabin is completely original, including the radio, and generally all in very good condition. Aside from the driver’s seat, the others look hardly to have been used, the switches retain all of their labelling. Almost all of the electrical items still function; the factory sunroof tilts and slides as it should and the cassette deck still plays the complimentary copy of BBC’s Jazz classics but the rear driver’s side window’s regulator appears to have seized through lack of use, though all the rest are fine.
The carpets in the cabin are all in good order, with just a tiny piece missing by the driver’s side rear passenger door while up above the headline is good and taut with just a few marks to show for its age. The driver’s door card has been reattached with four staples but this is also a common fix and not obvious. Back in the boot, the cover is still in place and although the carpet does show some fading in a couple of areas, it’s all neat and tidy and comes with a fully-stocked set of tools in the original pouch. Under the floor is a spare wheel which looks never to have been on the car.
The Exterior
- Alpine white
- All new badges
- Presents well
Alpine white suits the crisp lines of the E30 Touring well and the limited use of chrome sets a suitably sporting tone for this fast estate. The paintwork is all said to be in very good condition for its age with no obvious scratches and all of its lacquer still in place and no significant stone chips. The black detailing has worn well with the insert on the rear bumper being the only part that shows much evidence of day to day use as it has obviously taken a few knocks but has done its job by protecting the paintwork.
The wheels are in generally good condition with little in the way of kerbing but some bubbling that a fastidious new owner may want to address with refurbishment. The tyres all have good tread. The underside was inspected as part of the latest service and the seller reports that there is only surface corrosion and no obvious signs of earlier welding. Overall, it appears to be in good, solid condition for its age.
The Mechanics
- 2.5 litre straight six
- Four speed automatic gearbox
- Drives very well
The engine bay is in nice original condition and sports a fresh battery which ensures that the engine starts first time. The seller reports that it’s lovely to drive with a delicious classic BMW straight six exhaust note and a surprising turn of speed. On the road, there are no untoward noises from the suspension or drivetrain and there’s no sign of any leaks or smoke. Mechanically, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Summary
Good enough to qualify as a collector’s car but also very usable, this rare fast estate should make a great investment.
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.
