Highlights

Sought-after Estoril Blue with Sport and Individual specification
Later 840 with more reliable M62 engine and Steptronic auto box
Very well presented car carefully stored as part of collections in recent years
Well maintained with ten recorded entries to 2026
Service, spark plugs and four Goodyear tyres in 2026
Classic two-part ‘Throwing Star’ alloys fully refurbished
Large history file including every MOT sheet and the original bill of sale
Long list of recent work including starter motor, brake overhaul and exhaust repairs
Stored indoors and driven only in fair weather
Current MOT to May 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

BMW pitched its new E31 as a technological tour de force, but 30-odd years on while the innovation has aged, what has endured are the evocative shark-nosed looks and its sheer, colossal ability as a mile-munching grand-tourer. Later cars like this beautiful 1998 840 got the much-improved, more reliable M62 4.4L 286bhp V8 engine and the versatile ‘Steptronic’ auto box, which allows sequential or full auto modes.

Beyond that desirable mechanical specification, this very tidy E31 really ticks the boxes. It is finished in classic Estoril Blue metallic, only available as part of the Individual factory options, and fitted with the M Sport package and Individual grey leather cabin. Despite being 28 years old, it is in extremely good condition, thanks to its low mileage and its inclusion in large collections in recent years, during which it has been carefully stored and sparingly used.

The vendor acquired the car earlier this year and is only selling due to lack of use. Since buying it he has had it serviced, including new spark plugs, and fitted a set of quality Goodyear rubber to the refurbished ‘Throwing Star’ two-part alloys. He tells us the car has had other work in recent years, including a brake overhaul with new discs, pads and callipers, new fuel lines, a replacement starter and new control arms.

The vendor describes the condition as very good throughout. The bodywork is said to present well, with only a couple of very minor dings on the driver's door and a small, stable area of corrosion at the base of the rear wheel arch that has not broken the paint. The interior is reported to be in fine order, including the headliner, a known weak point on these cars. It comes to market with an advisory-free MOT to May 2027.

The vendor says:

“Amazing build quality, the condition is fantastic throughout as the pics hopefully show. Drives very well and is loved by everyone, I've never had a car thats draw more attention from random people across the age spectrum...I think its the pop up lights.”

Key Information

Mileage: 99,312 miles indicated (supported by service records and MOTs on file)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: to 5th May 2027 with no advisories
Technical specs: 286bhp M62 4,398cc V8, five-speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic
Paperwork: Extensive history file comprising two full folders, every MOT sheet, original bill of sale, and BMW dealer service records

Service history advised by seller:

99,000 miles - Engine and transmission service plus plugs and tyres
91,000 miles - Full service
88,000 miles - BMW inspection 2
78,000 miles - BMW inspection 1
71,000 miles - BMW inspection 2
64,000 miles - Oil service BMW
54,000 miles - Inspection 1 at BMW
45,000 miles - Oil service at BMW
37,000 miles - Inspection 2 at BMW
18,000 miles - Inspection 1 at BMW

Recent work advised by seller:

Exhaust
Starter motor
Control arms
Fuel pipes
Brake discs, pads and calipers
Wheel refurbishment

Work since March 2026:

Engine oil and filter change
Transmission service
New spark plugs
Four new Goodyear tyres

The Detail

Desirable Individual factory specification in Estoril Blue metallic
Paintwork presents exceptionally well for age with few signs of age
Vendor advises bodywork presents well with a couple of points to note
These include minor parking marks to driver’s door
Small area of corrosion to offside rear wheel arch as shown
Well specified with M Sport body kit and sunroof
‘Throwing Star’ two part wheels refurbished in correct black and silver finish
Factory spare wheel and tools included
Individual specification grey leather interior with blue piping in good order
Very light wear visible to usual high traffic areas such as driver’s bolster
Clean carpets through cabin and boot
Headlining in good order and said not to sag according to seller
Features original stereo and boot-mounted CD changer
Rear blind fitted
Well maintained as detailed above
No advisories on MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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.

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Comments

BF••••

4 days ago

Nope, the only bit of corrosion is as mentioned in the ad and as pictured, the drivers side right at the bottom of the arch, a bubble that’s been there for a long time and hasn’t got any worse.

diegoka••••

2 days ago

Doors have some corrosion on inner bottom edges.

Hi. How many keys do you have? What is the car looks like underneath please? Any rust issues there? Any chance to get some pictures please?

It has the 2 original keys, I'll try and get to the car and take a coupe of underside photos this week, although it's quite low and I don't have a ramp. Bar the usual surface corrosion on the underside to components theres nothing bad that i'm aware of.