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Highlights
- In current ownership for eight years
- Owner is a fully accredited BMW Master Technician
- Engine fully rebuilt, including reconditioned cylinder head
- Converted from automatic to five-speed manual gearbox
- Braking system, suspension and fuel system all renewed
- Sparingly used and garaged since mechanical overhaul
- Good history file including original handbook pack, service book, and invoices
- Advisory-free MOT
The Appeal
The four-door E30 316i offers an accessible and practical route into one of BMW's most celebrated chassis, combining the rewarding driving dynamics of the E30 platform with the economy and low running costs of its four-cylinder engine. This 1989 example, finished in the desirable Dolphin Grey Metallic with a grey leather interior, has been in the hands of its current owner, a BMW Master Technician, since 2018, and has benefited from his considerable expertise throughout.
During his ownership, the engine was removed and comprehensively rebuilt, the car was converted from its factory automatic gearbox to a five-speed manual, and the rear subframe was stripped and powder-coated before being refitted with uprated bushes. The braking system was renewed throughout, the entire fuel system was reconditioned, and the rear differential was replaced with a reconditioned BMW Z3 1.9 unit. New Bilstein shock absorbers and H&R springs were also fitted all round.
Since this work was completed, the car has seen very limited use, such as the occasional classic car meet or trip to the Goodwood Revival, and has been kept garaged and regularly polished. The vendor states the car presents very well and drives beautifully. It comes with its original handbook pack, service schedule book, many invoices, previous MOTs, the original tool kit, glove box torch, and a hold-all of car care products.
Key Information
- Mileage: 115,354 miles
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- MOT status: valid until 1st July 2026
- Technical specs: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual (converted from automatic)
- Paperwork: Original handbook pack, service schedule book, invoices, and previous MOTs
The Detail
- Engine removed and fully rebuilt with new piston rings, shells, and main bearings
- Cylinder head stripped and reconditioned
- New cam belt fitted
- Converted from automatic to five-speed manual using BMW new and reconditioned parts
- New upgraded Bosch fuel injectors with a four-point spray pattern fitted
- Entire fuel system reconditioned with braided fuel lines, A.N. fittings, and high-flow fuel filter
- Rear subframe removed, stripped, powder coated, and refitted with Powerflex Heritage bushes all round
- Rear differential replaced with a reconditioned BMW Z3 1.9 unit
- All-round new Bilstein shock absorbers and H&R springs fitted, lowering the car by 40mm
- Front and rear cross-brace struts fitted
- All-round braided brake lines, new brake discs, pads, and rear drums fitted
- 15-inch BMW cross-spoke alloys professionally refurbished and fitted with new Falken tyres
- Original BMW deep front spoiler and bootlid lip spoiler fitted
- Lower bumper sections, sills, and door mirrors colour-coded
- Factory manual tilt and slide sunroof
- Grey leather interior, which the vendor describes as being in lovely condition
- Sparingly driven and kept garaged since mechanical work was completed
- Comes with original tool kit, glove box torch, and car care products
- Just five former registered keepers
- No MOT advisories
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
