Description
1983 BMW E30 318i Baur TC2
Bronze
Historic Vehicle, ULEZ Compliant
A very charming and increasingly rare early E30 Baur TC2 finished in bronze metallic. Owned the car for 10 years with only 1 previous owner. A genuinely usable classic with lots of character, presenting well overall and driving nicely, while still leaving scope for cosmetic improvement and light restoration for the next owner.
The Baur conversion gives the car a really distinctive look somewhere between a saloon, cabriolet and targa. These are becoming much harder to find, especially early chrome bumper cars in usable condition.
This example benefits from Historic Vehicle status, meaning tax and MOT exemption, and is also ULEZ compliant, making it an easy classic to own and enjoy in and around London and other UK cities.
Mechanically the car drives well and has recently had a number of maintenance items attended to including:
New radiator
New slave cylinder
New brake pads
The engine pulls well, the gearbox feels good and the car is very enjoyable to drive. It feels like an honest usable classic rather than something that has been sitting unused.
Cosmetically the car presents very well for its age and gets a lot of attention. The bronze paintwork suits the shape nicely and overall the body is in good condition for a 43 year old BMW. That said, I want to be honest about the areas that will eventually need attention.
There are a few rust points beginning to show underneath near both rear wheel areas, as well as some corrosion beginning on the inside lower corner of the driver’s door. Nothing that has stopped me using or enjoying the car, but worth mentioning for anyone looking for a completely rust free example.
The interior is usable but would benefit from refurbishment if someone wanted to bring the car up to a higher standard. The dashboard has the usual E30 age related cracking. The seats also show wear, particularly the rear seats where there is a significant tear along the upper middle section. Reupholstery would transform the cabin.
The Baur roof itself is in good condition overall. The rear plastic window has become fogged and opaque with age and would ideally want replacing. The electric aerial motor also needs attention as the antenna is currently stuck in the raised position.
Overall this is a very honest and attractive classic E30 that can be enjoyed immediately while being improved over time. It is not a concours car, but it has plenty of charm, a rare body style and solid potential. A good opportunity to get into a Baur before values move further out of reach.
Happy to answer questions or provide additional photos/ videos for serious buyers. I bought this car because I’ve always loved early E30s, and the Baur version has a character that feels completely different to the standard saloon or convertible. It has all the classic BMW styling and driving feel people love about the E30, but with a much rarer and more unusual design that gets attention everywhere it goes.
The bronze colour really suits the car and gives it a very period look. Combined with the chrome bumpers and Baur roof setup, it has a lot of presence without trying too hard. It feels like one of those cars that people who know cars immediately appreciate, while people who don’t still stop and ask about it.
What makes the Baur special is the mix of open air driving and practicality. You can remove or fold sections of the roof depending on the weather, but still keep the solid centre structure and classic profile. It feels much more usable and distinctive than a normal convertible. There’s something very 1980s European about it.
My favourite thing about the car is probably how it makes ordinary drives feel interesting. It is not a super fast or aggressive car, but it has a really enjoyable analogue feel that modern cars just don’t have anymore. Thin pillars, light steering, lots of visibility, simple controls and that classic BMW driving position. You feel connected to everything the car is doing.
I also love that it is a genuinely usable classic. Being ULEZ compliant, tax exempt and MOT exempt takes away a lot of the stress and expense that can come with older cars, so it’s easy to just get in and enjoy it. It always starts conversations at petrol stations or when parked up, especially from people who either owned an E30 years ago or have never seen a Baur before.
The car definitely has room for cosmetic improvement if someone wanted to take it further, but that has honestly been part of the appeal for me. It still feels authentic and honest rather than over-restored. You can use it, improve bits over time and enjoy the process.
These early Baur E30s are becoming increasingly hard to find now, especially cars that are complete, running well and still being enjoyed on the road. It feels like a classic with real personality and a lot of future appeal.
