A lovely looking example of the archetypal 90’s convertible saloon
In a great order throughout with a fine-looking, full leather interior
Complete with a thorough, recent professional recommissioning
Desirable manual transmission
The Appeal
The E30 convertible wasn’t BMW’s first foray into snipping the tin tops off their compact executive cars. In fact, this practice dates right back to the ’02 models which were offered in both full convertible and Targa topped form, converted for BMW by Karosserie Baur. The E30’s predecessor, the first generation E21 3 Series, also came in a Targa-topped Baur form. When the E30 arrived, however, a much-welcomed full convertible was offered. This practical and comfortable drop-top soon became a firm favourite of the 90’s beautiful people.
Our example is a lovely looking and highly original 320i iteration of the convertible 3 Series. It conjures up sunny thoughts in its bright red livery and benefits from a full, black leather interior. With significant, recent maintenance and a sensible, original mileage this is surely an ideal car in which to enjoy the imminent summer.
The History and Paperwork
This BMW 3 Series Convertible was first registered in June 1990
Our car has been used and enjoyed by 7 previous owners
The current owner acquired the car in September 2021 to become its eight
This equates to an average tenure of just over 4 years per owner
Likewise, the mileage is quite low for the age of the car
This averages out at around 3,000 miles per year
The paperwork includes the V5 in the name of the owner
The current MOT is valid until August 2023
The MOT history attests to the car’s low usage in the last 17 years
The car has covered around 10,000 miles in that period
Recent invoices are present detailing some key maintenance tasks
This includes the replacement of the all-important timing belt
The Interior
This example boasts a full leather interior in black
The front seats are familiar 90’s BMW fare with deeply bolstered sides
The signature, adjustable under-thigh supports are present
The rear cabin is arranged into two separate seats
These also appear to be in an excellent, well cared for condition
Original grey interior carpets are in very good condition and are complemented with new black over carpets
The black, deformable foam dashboard will appear familiar to many
The recognisable white on black gauges sit under a hooded binnacle
A leather, three spoke BMW sports steering wheel is fitted
The centre console is “driver-centric” and canted towards the driver
The heating controls and Sony head unit are situated here
Door cards are finished in black and appear to be in great order
Electric windows are fitted front and rear
A generous boot is a feature of the E30 3 Series
The boot lid mounted tool kit is present and mostly complete with tools
All electrical equipment with exception of Service Indictor works
The Exterior
During its present ownership the paintwork has been professionally retouched
This gives the car a very positive, and bright presentation in “Hellrot” red livery
The panels exude a high shine and do credit to their recent retouching
New replacement hood in excellent condition
The condition of the roof looks great with no rips or tears noted
The plexiglass rear window doesn’t appear cracked or fogged
Our car sits on the familiar BBS style cross spoked light alloy wheels
These are complete with their faux single spinner centre caps
The condition looks fair overall with just the odd scuff and scrape in evidence
The 15-inch wheels are fitted with a mixed set of new economy tyres
These are in the correct 205/55 R15 configuration
The cabin glass and light lenses all appear original, complete and in good condition
The exterior condition of this convertible is highly original
This seems increasingly rare for E30s of this vintage
As such the car features the 2.0L straight six M20 engine
This is a single overhead camshaft petrol unit with a smooth personality
The M20 unit was originally rated at 127bhp and 121 Ib-ft of torque
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox
This configuration is well liked for its ample performance and smooth six-pot delivery
Our current owner commissioned a full mechanical check when purchased in 2021
This work included a new timing belt and tensioners
A new battery was fitted, together with new brake hoses
A major service was undertaken, and a new shock absorber was fitted
Rear discs and pads were fitted in Autumn 2022 at 103,000 miles
Given this and its recent light use, our car is reported as running well
The under-bonnet presentation is generally good
Only the bonnet insulation foam shows some damage and deterioration
The underside appears complete and undamaged
The underside could be further improved by a deep clean and protective treatment
Summary
The style conscious driver of the 1990’s who liked to travel top down when the weather allowed would probably look to the Mercedes Benz SL or the 3 Series convertibles. The benefit of the latter is the four-seater configuration and decent boot space making the 3 Series more useable and eminently more practical. It was no less desirable, however, and could equal the Benz in terms of build quality and engineering integrity.
This is example is highly, and unusually, original which is always sought after. The condition of both interior and exterior is very good indeed overall. Our current owner has taken some sensible steps since acquiring the car, to ensure it is mechanically sound and presents well. The car is now ready to enjoy the, hopefully, imminent summer in the hands of a lucky new owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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