Winning bid
£3,300

1986 BMW 320i (E30)

** NOTE: This auction has now been extended **

Highlights 

  • Just two former keepers, both from the same family
  • Chrome bumper version
  • Over £4,700 worth of mechanical spending over the last 5 years

The Appeal

The E30 BMW ticks all the right boxes as the perfect classic car. 

The styling still looks sharp, and BMW’s quality, attention to detail and ergonomics have stood the test of time. 

As an all-rounder, it is able to deal with modern driving conditions, a track day, or a classic car show and the E30’s appeal simply gets stronger with each passing year. Easy to work on, with a great support network, the real joy comes from the driving experience.
Fitted with the silky smooth straight-six 2.0-litre fuel-injected engine, this 1986 chrome bumper automatic has seen just two owners, both coming from the same family. 

It is an honest and original example, unmodified and while in need of a little attention, it has seen over £4,500 worth of mechanical upkeep in recent years and it could be the perfect candidate for a spruce-up or ready to roll as it is.

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in Liverpool in July 1986
  • 2 registered keepers from new
  • MoT valid until May 2023
  • Full service just 300 miles ago
  • Evidence of regular servicing and maintenance

The Interior

  • Good headlining
  • Complete tool kit
  • Original Blaupunkt FM/Tape player
  • Cracks on the dashboard
  • Dampness noted in boot and drivers side footwell
  • Wear on driver's seat
  • Electric windows not functioning

The Exterior 

  • Straight bodywork with good panel alignment and door shuts
  • Clean paintwork overall with a few signs of age
  • Structurally solid with minor blemishes noted on the boot floor
  • No other significant corrosion that we could discern
  • All trim complete
  • Glass and lights in good shape, with minor age related blemishes
  • The manual opening sunroof functions perfectly
  • Minor dents were noted on the roof
  • Light corrosion on the rear bumper

The Mechanics 

  • M20 2.0-litre straight-six with Bosch LE Jetronic injection
  • The owner informs us that it drives well with a smooth-shifting automatic gearbox
  • Starts instantly and idles well
  • New full exhaust fitted in 2018
  • New radiator, heater matrix and water pump in 2019
  • Rear bearings, PAS, brake and timing belt work over the last 5 years
  • Front disc brakes and pads in 2020
  • ‘Check’ light on the dashboard on

Summary

Genuine and unmolested examples of the E30 are hard to come across, particularly those that have been maintained by two generations of the same family. 

A solid base to work on, with a handful of flaws, this well-maintained example has plenty of potential to make good. 

The E30 defines BMW’s depth of engineering and considerate design details to reinforce the strong image that these cars still maintain. 

Looking as sharp as it did back in the 1980s, its qualities place it as a perfect starter classic, or for those who appreciate retro-sensibility with a little style in their motoring.
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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Auction Details

  • Year1986
  • MakeBMW
  • Model320i (E30)
  • ColourBronze
  • Odometer116,733 Miles
  • Engine size1998cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownGreat Missenden
  • CountyBuckinghamshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

10 Bids from 6 bidders

rhdgtpw••••
Bid
£3,300
04/11/22
louis-g••••
Bid
£3,200
02/11/22
rhdgtpw••••
Bid
£3,100
02/11/22
louis-g••••
Bid
£3,000
01/11/22
gavin.a••••
Bid
£2,600
01/11/22
louis-g••••
Bid
£2,500
01/11/22
gavin.a••••
Bid
£2,400
31/10/22
davet99••••
Bid
£2,000
28/10/22
Reeceyu••••
Bid
£1,000
28/10/22
thomas-••••
Bid
£200
28/10/22

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