Practical classics are not all that common, especially ones that are happy to be used all day, every day. That’s where the E30 Touring comes into its own with vast amounts of space and comfort even by todays standards. At a smidge over 30 years old, this 318i has had a virtually perfect service history, has an extremely solid chassis and bodywork considering it has not been restored and overall wants for little.

Having been owned since February the car has been daily used and loved, giving little to no hassle since ownership. The car was ‘rescued’ by its previous owner from being parted out due to engine failure at around 203,000 miles and was treated to an upgrade by a mechanic from the original 4 cylinder lump to a hefty 2.5L straight 6 making this 3 series a little bit of a sleeper car. It does still have the original differential.

Not much paperwork comes with the car but the service book is completely full showing the car was properly cared for during its full life.

The neutral black/grey finish is comfortable and complete with no signs of misuse or lack of care. The drivers seat base is tired and is by far the worst of the wear inside but this could be swapped out if a matching one could be found with ease though the seat is still useable, there is a issue with the seat back not adjusting easily which may need attention.

Some very minor cracking to the top of the dashboard from usual sun damage and usual wear to the drivers floor mat but short of that the interior is very tidy and clean. An upgraded stereo has been fitted to keep some modern connectivity and all the dial, switches and vents are all in working order with usual touch wear.

As you will notice in the pictures there is a loose wire on the drivers side coming from under the dashboard and this is there to illuminate the headlamp adjuster on the panel at knee level. This panel has a tendency to come loose and so was temporarily removed but will come with the car.
The rear seats look very unused and all the cloth is very clean too.

The headlining is unmarked but does hang at the rear of the car due to failed glue from age, something that could be remedied with ease. The spare does come with the car but was temporarily removed at the time of the pictures.

Overall a nice, complete and tidy interior needing some isolated TLC by an enthusiast or home mechanic and could easily be made very good indeed.

We really enjoyed seeing one of these in person as they don’t come around very often and it looked super driving along the Scottish roads. The overall exterior condition is surprising having never been painted or restored. The panels are very straight with only the bottom of the drivers wing having a repairable crease and the near side and off side of the front bumper having a scuff to the plastic trim, quite normal for a regularly used car. There are other minor marks as could be expected but otherwise very good.

The wheel arches have some corrosion, but this too is fairly superficial and light, not affecting the integrity of the metalwork and could be made good again with relative ease. The exterior is really untouched, with a lot of these cars seeing modifications or simply missing trims or badges, but this example is complete with a nice added touch of pressed metal registration plates. The rear valance, a usual suspect for signs of corrosion is solid as is the stone guard along all the lower areas of the vehicle from factory and all the lamps appeared undamaged and fog free.

As stated before, the engine in this lovely 3 series has been changed but this has been executed very well and one would not know looking under the bonnet as everything has been fitted very well and looks like it’s meant to be there. The swap does mean the car is a touch under 170BHP making the car much more fun to drive and surprising modern cars. The history and mileage of the replacement is unknown but from what we saw it runs very well with nothing untoward sound wise or from the exhaust.

Recently treated to a brand new fuel tank and 4 tyres, the car is regularly used and has not presented any issues for its current owner who is rather reluctant about the sale.

Looking underneath the car is very solid with no evidence of sill welding or heavy corrosion. The sills still retain their original stone guard and the suspension components all appear in good order.

The common rust issue at the bottom of the ‘A’ pillars has been attended to with some black protectant of a sort and this evidently has done its jobs the area is solid. The car runs and drives as it should and has a good MOT history with no notes for corrosion or major work that may present an issue in the near future.

A practical daily or a solid and relatively easy project, this car is suitable for either and could, with a little time, be made absolutely wonderful. Having a superb engine swap and straight bodywork this is the perfect car for someone who wants the classic lifestyle with the ability of year-round use.