The E30 was the second generation, and for many the definitive 3 Series from BMW. Sharp design, compact dimensions, nimble on the road and offered with creamy straight 6 motors it was no surprise this was the aspirational dream of a generation of yuppies, and its popularity notices to grow.
Styled by Boyke Boyer and launched in 1982, there were minor updates until a major facelift in 1987 giving new bumpers and taillights, and less chrome.
The current owner has had this car as a little used weekend toy, and kept polished in the garage year round for 15 years.
It had a convoluted route to that garage in Kent, having been built right hand drive for export to Australia it found its way to France, from where it was brought to the UK. The owner tells us the Aussie spec cars gained a few extra horse power from the same M20 engine and are fitted with rear disk brakes which push the rear wheels out ever so slightly.
He had kept the BMW intending to pass it on to his daughter, but with her upcoming wedding they have decided it can create memories in a different way.
Although he has owned the car for many years there are not a huge number of receipts kept with for the 320. An original handbook from Waldron Specialist Cars in Canterbury is present showing early main dealer servicing, and for the velologists out there, a stack of old tax discs are in the folder showing many years of regular use.
Having only been rolled out into the sun a handful of times a year it hasn’t needed much in the way of repairs beyond service items.
The car sports a beautiful full leather black interior which is in very nice condition, smooth with no creasing or splits and only some light patina wear to the side bolsters. The matching black door cards are excellent and grey carpets in great shape.
The dashboard looks good, overall in great shape with just one very small crack in the dash top on the corner of the passenger side storage cubby. The steering wheel surface has some wear and a small split but comes with a black and red leather cover which the owner normally uses.
A modern Sony head stereo has been fitted which works well with what is thought to be the original speakers - lovely crisp, clear sound and very loud!
Possibly the most important thing to look at on a soft top is the hood, and this one looks superb! The hood was replaced around 10 years ago when the car was bought, but having been driven little, lowered infrequently and kept inside away from rain and UV damage it still looks almost new and raises and lowers as it should.
The bodywork looks very solid and, with the exception of a couple of small surface marks on the lower edges of the wheel arches, appears corrosion free. The XXrot paint has a good gloss and smooth factory finish with the exception of a small area on the drivers door where an addition lock has been been removed and on the boot lid top and rear edge where a couple of marks have been touched in.
The passenger door has a small dent near the mirror, but otherwise the panels are very excellent.
The iconic lattice spoke alloys are clean and unmarked and the rear tyres are brand new, the fronts are older but still have good tread.1 static 12.jpg14.96 MB
Mechanics
The engine fires on the button and idles with creamy smoothness, listening to the car manoeuvring for our photos was enough to make anyone with a hint of petrol in their veins weak kneed.
The car was given an oil service, new rear tyres and passed its MOT at the beginning of August, and a new fuel pump was fitted not long ago. Lift the bonnet and all is very clean and original looking, straight and clean inner wings and slam panel. Looking under the car and the floor appears straight and solid.
The E30 ticks all the boxes a modern classic should do. Great to look and and to drive, and with the wonderful M20 six cylinder engine goes well and makes all the right noises, and with the roof down you can enjoy that crisp exhaust note even more.
In bright red this looks fantastic and the recent new hood means the biggest and most expensive repair that a cabrio can need is taken care of. Some small smart paint repairs and this will be an almost immaculate example to enjoy the summer i
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