Description
Barbara the BMW 316i Compact 1998 - 3 Series Retro Classic
Welcome to this lovely practical, usable and retro classic, I've owned her for 4 years and it's never missed a beat in over 18k miles!
To cut a long story short, the Compact is named Barbara in honour of the first owner who was gifted the car new in 1998 for her 60th Birthday by her lovely husband. Her whole life Barbara wanted a BMW, even had matching initials!
Supplied new by Carrs BMW of Bury St Edmunds with select optional extras but still a simple spec with little to go wrong!
- Rare Fern Green
- Passenger Airbag (only 2 in total in the car!)
- Front Centre Arm-Rest
- Velour Floor Mats (still with the car)
I purchased the car from the husband and wife owners in 2021, who had it from new, apart from lending it to the daughter for a couple of years. It has been well looked after and truly cherished, the family was genuinely sad to sell but health limited their driving ability.
The sale will include the original sale invoice, along with sales brochures, service book, owners manual etc. along with a sizeable history file. I've tried to keep the car original where possible.
I'll stop waffling and cut to the chase, please read the below and review the pictures. Please remember the Compact is 28 years old, a usable example and future classic.
Overview:
- MOT passed 4th July 2025, 3 advisories, expires 29th July 2026
- Rare colour with wonderfully simple spec
- No warning lights on dash, can share video to prove
- Low Owners with only 3 former keepers on the V5c (present). All are the same family!
- Low Mileage at 86, 820 regularly serviced and well maintained, interior has very little wear or marks. Just a little faded, no cracks
- 2 Keys, Service Book, large history file, sale invoice from 1998, original BMW First Aid Kit, BMW Warning Triangle, BMW Tool Kit
- Sizable history file and sales brochures
- 5 Speed Manual Gearbox, 1. 6 petrol runs smoothly, pulls well
- Slightly naughty sporty exhaust (non original), good clutch no judder, working power steering
- Timing Chain so no belt to replace or worry about
Recent spend / jobs:
- 4 matching Kumho Tyres with plenty of tread - 2022
- New Catalytic Converter - 2022
- Brand new Head Liner, no sagging here which is a common E36 issue - 2023
- Serviced September 2024 at 86, 248 (within 600 miles), major service in 2022 at BMW specialist (77, 992)
- Bilstein Front Shock Absorbers (July 2025)
Watchouts / Issues:
- Non ULEZ
- Good service history, but not full. 20, 000 mile gap, when lent to the daughter in late 2000's
- Central locking works on drivers door but not passengers, lock slightly stiff
- Non original exhaust (sporty) and aftermarket Kenwood stereo
- 3 advisories on current MOT, 2 for corroded springs (age related), 1 for 'minor' cracking within tyre tread (nothing on walls)
- Cracking to windscreen trim
- Due to the age and mileage, there are quite a few marks, paint chips & scratches to the bodywork. Bonnet has couple of small dents.
- Rust present on 2 wheel arches, paint blister / lacquer peel on drivers wheel arch, scratches on roof & bonnet
- Please review the pictures carefully, to assess the condition
Selling due to lack of use (700 miles between MOTs) and to help fund a house renovation, she's been a pleasure to own for 4 years, its now time for someone else to enjoy!
Open to sensible offers…
Viewings and test drives welcome. Virtual walk round & videos possible via Whatsapp
Collection from East Leake, Nottinghamshire. PayPal or BACS at collection. Sold as seen, no warranties etc.
