Bare-shell restoration with an estimated £40,000+ build cost
BMW M54 3.0L straight-six engine conversion with ZF 5-speed manual gearbox and 3.64 limited-slip differential
Upgraded chassis with BC coilovers, E46 Clubsport steering rack, and Wilwood brake calipers
The Appeal
The E30 generation continues to be one of the most celebrated driver's cars of its era, prized for its lightweight construction, balanced chassis, and thoroughly analogue driving experience. When the rest of the world has changed so much, it's little wonder that they've become a bit of a tonic - they are, after all, eminently drivable, and endlessly upgradeable, too.
Originally a 1989 316i, this E30 has been rebuilt from a bare shell and fitted with a BMW M54 3.0L straight-six, mated to a ZF 5-speed manual gearbox and a 3.64 limited-slip differential. The shell was fully stripped and resprayed in Alpine White - including the engine bay and underside - while the chassis benefits from uprated suspension, steering, and braking components. Inside, the car features an E30 325i Sport black leather interior with an M-Tech leather steering wheel, and the vendor reports the headlining and upholstery to be in very good order. It rides on Alpina 17-inch alloys shod with matching Toyo tyres.
The vendor describes this as a car built to be driven rather than displayed, and the specification supports that claim. A thoroughly sorted, ready-to-go car.DomGinnPhoto_E30-8316.jpg4.03 MB
History and Paperwork
First registered in 1989 in the UK
Purchased by a previous owner in 2017 as a category insurance write-off due to front bumper and nearside headlight damage; the vendor states there was no structural damage
Restored and built over approximately eight years of previous ownership
Estimated £40,000+ build cost
Currently offered for sale by a dealer in Brentwood
MOT valid until May 2026
Original boot toolkit, jack, wheel brace, and first aid kit present
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