• Full repaint in original Diamantschwarz Metallic
• Outstanding interior, and everything works • Soon to enjoy a full print feature in BMW Car magazine
The Background
The E30 Touring is a fascinating model within BMW’s history. Prior to this stylish estate, the marque didn’t have a whole lot of form with estate cars; sure, it was possible to buy a 2002 in Touring form back in the seventies, but that was really more of a fastback than a fully-fledged bric-a-brac conveyance.
Estate cars in general, it’s fair to say, come with a certain amount of baggage – and not just the junk in the trunk, but the whole history of their being, the fundamental point of their existence: take a sensible family car, realise there isn’t quite enough space in there, and graft on a few extra square feet of glass and steel at the rear.
So while the Touring wasn’t in the E30 game-plan from the off, it made sense to add it to the line-up, and it was the innovative work of BMW engineer Max Reisböck that sealed the deal.
An employee whose job it was to knock up prototypes for BMW top brass, he understood first-hand the frustrations of taking a family on holiday in a relatively diminutive saloon, so he bought a crashed 323i four-door and – off his own bat – started cutting it up in his garage to develop a proper estate version. Over the course of six months, he set about relocating the C-pillars, lengthening the roof, fabricating a tailgate and so on, and once the prototype was finished he presented it to the board.
They liked it so much that they kept it for analysis, and a couple of years later fully-developed E30 Tourings were rolling off the production line like nobody’s business. A success story born of passion as much as practicality, the Touring will surely become a future classic.
We’ll forgive you a few moments of mesmerised gazing at the photographs, because this is undoubtedly one of the very cleanest E30 Tourings in existence. And there are two very good reasons for this.
Firstly, this is a genuinely low-mileage example, its verified 63,000 miles representing an average of just 2,000 a year throughout its life. And secondly, a previous owner has spent a frankly eye-watering amount of money getting it all absolutely tip-top; estimating that he has spent around £15,000 on the car, with no stone left unturned in this no-expense-spared endeavour.
The car has had a full repaint in its original colour, beautifully ceramic-coated; the wheels were refurbished, a new headlining fitted, obscure trim parts tracked down… it’s been a project bordering on obsession, and the finished product really is remarkable. However, as we’ve heard so often lately, the changing fortunes of Covid and lockdowns and the resultant lifestyle shifts mean that the E30 simply isn’t getting used very much these days – so it’s time for this jewel-like Touring to pass on to a proud new keeper who’ll appreciate it for the sublime example that it is.
The current owner has enjoyed the sound of the BMW straight six, driving around a thousand miles on motorways and B roads in the car in the two months he has owned it. However his wife has now asked him to sell the vehicle as (while there are rear seatbelts) there are no headrests in the back for their three children.
The correct V5 is present, showing the 320i to have first been registered on June 26th 1990 and having only four former keepers.
All of the old MOTs are here, so we can accurately verify the mileage (and see that the car was off-road for restoration work through 2017-18); we can also see that the majority of its regular use happened early in its life – the 1993 MOT, for example, shows that the mileage then was 15,635, and it’s climbed very gently year-on-year since. The car has a current MOT certificate valid until August 2022.
Much of the paperwork for servicing and maintenance in its early years has been lost in the mists of time, but reassuringly all of the recent restoration work is painstakingly accounted for. We find documentation for the full repaint, head gasket and skim, cambelt and water pump, assorted engine ancillaries and service items, shocks and springs, engine and gearbox mounts, plus much more besides.
We’re reluctant to use the phrase ‘time-warp’ in our auction listings, but let’s just say that this is one of the very best E30 interiors we’ve seen for a long time. The seats are in outstanding condition front and rear, with no marks, wear or damage.
The headlining has been replaced throughout and it’s a quality job. The carpets are also excellent, as are the doorcards. This car is equipped with electric windows front and rear as well as an electric sunroof, and all of this is working exactly as it should.
The dash is great – these cars are prone to cracking dash-tops, but there’s absolutely no evidence of that here, and it’s protected by a fitted cover to help keep it that way. All of the original dials and switchgear are in place, in correct working order, and with no warning lights illuminated. Aside from an aftermarket period-correct Pioneer radio-cassette head unit, it’s all in original spec. The front speakers have been replaced.
Inside the boot we find the retracting load cover in proper working order, quality carpets, an original-spec first aid kit and a decent spare wheel.
The quality of this car’s exterior is remarkable. It was a lovely sunny day for our photoshoot, which means you can see the straightness and tidiness in all its glory – look at the reflections along the body sides, you can see that everything’s straight and free from ripples, with all the panels neatly aligned and sitting right.
The car has enjoyed a full repaint in its correct Diamantschwarz Metallic, then ceramic-coated, and it looks absolutely outstanding. When the paintwork was carried out, the car required a little repair to the offside rear arch – this was the only patch of corrosion, and with that dealt with this car is impressively solid with no visible corrosion anywhere.
The only blemish to the paintwork is a small stone-chip on the leading edge of the bonnet above one of the kidney grilles – otherwise, it’s all extremely 1990. Great efforts have also gone into ensuring that all of the correct trim is present and in good order, and that’s just how you find it today: complete, fresh, correct. It’s also worth noting that this car was specced with headlamp washers.
The wheels have been recently refurbished, and have no signs of kerbing or damage; they’re shod with quality Toyo Proxes T1-R tyres with excellent tread.
That 2.0-litre straight-six is as smooth as silk, and it’s evident that it’s been looked after over the years. The motor fires up on the first turn of the key whether the motor’s hot or cold, and it’s a willing and peppy unit with no unexpected noises or leaks; tight as a drum and doing just what it should.
The automatic transmission is very smooth too, shifting cleanly and without jolting. The power steering works well, and there are no issues with the brakes or suspension; indeed, it’s a very solid-feeling car to drive with no knocks, creaks or rattles.
It drives like a car far younger than it is, no doubt thanks to its low mileage and the care with which it’s been curated.
The E30-generation 3 Series is very much in demand right now. The days when these were a regular sight as daily drivers are long gone, and values have been creeping up across the model range as the market for 1980s and ’90s classics strengthens.
Cabriolets and saloons each have their fans, but the Touring is arguably the real sweet spot of the E30 genre: it’s got all of the chassis agility, interior quality and ride comfort of its brethren, along with the superlative practicality of the bigger rear end.
The E30 Touring is a very attractive proposition these days, and if such a thing flicks your switch then this particular example ought to be right at the top of your wish-list. Quite simply, it would be extremely difficult to find another one quite as tidy as this.
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.
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1990 BMW 320i Touring
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