Winning bid
£7,700

1988 BMW 320i Auto (E30)

Highlights

  • Genuine E30 with just 60k miles
  • Garage-stored for over 20 years
  • Service history and original manuals
  • Completely unspoilt and immaculate

The Appeal

 
There are certain cars that completely define their era, and the BMW E30 3-Series is one such example.

Introduced in 1983, the E30 very quickly became an emblem of upwardly mobile aspirations in 1980s Europe – a smart, good-quality and beautifully engineered small saloon car that was wonderfully proportioned and great-to-drive. It sold in its droves, admired by social climbers and appreciated by drivers for its fantastic dynamics. It’s one of the most iconic cars of its era as a result.

Stylish and desirable no matter what the body style, the agonisingly pretty E30 is one of the Bavarian firm’s most recognisable icons, as well as an increasing popular choice of usable modern-ish classic. 

The difficulty today is finding a decent one, as so many were used, abused or modified by successive less caring owners. Standard cars in fine order are increasingly hard to find but this is one, helped by the fact it has spent the majority of its life in Japan where it was impeccably well-maintained. It’s a six-cylinder 320i automatic – a refined and comfortable cruiser with a decent turn of pace.

Imported to the UK in 2021 and with all duties long since cleared, it comes with a Japanese service book and associated invoices and a UK MOT valid until April 2025. It’s a desirable two-door non-sunroof model in a great colour, and with pristine condition lattice alloy wheels.

Presented in very smart condition overall and with room for some very minor cosmetic improvements, it’s a desirable and appreciating example of one of the 1980s’ most coveted classic saloon cars, which is delightfully usable as well as being a safe investment for the future.

The History and Paperwork

  • UK V5C
  • MOT April 2025
  • Original book pack and documents
  • Japanese service book and associated documents through to 2021
  • UK registered and all import duties cleared
  • BMW Japan window sticker
  • 97,700km from new – approx. 60,000 miles
  • Haynes workshop manual
  • Service book shows services at the following intervals in Kilometers - 8k, 14k, 19k, 28k, 31k, 34k, 42k, 66k, 71k, 74k and 75k

The Condition

  • Smart metallic Silver paintwork - called Lachssilber
  • 15-inch Ronal LS alloys in superb condition
  • Recent, matching Falken tyres all-round
  • Appears sound underneath with no evidence of any structural corrosion 
  • Lovely-looking car in unrestored condition
  • Minor scratches and marks commensurate with age
  • Pacific Blue velour upholstery in sound condition with some wear
  • Frayed fabric on rear seat top
  • Minor bolster and seat base wear but not substantial
  • Rare houndstooth BMW floor mats
  • Ultra-rare double cup holder
  • Electric windows 
  • Non-sunroof model
  • Original toolkit, jack and spare wheel
  • Three small cracks in dashboard
  • Roof mounted warning / check lights
  • Tachometer requires new SI board batteries

The Mechanics

  • 2.0-litre straight six
  • Four-speed auto transmission
  • Genuine mileage  
  • Reported by the vendor to drive well with no known faults or declared issues   
The recent work that has been carried - by BMW specialists with receipts included - is worth well over £3k and includes
  • Regular engine oil and filter changes
  • Transmission and differential oil changes
  • New spark plugs, ignition leads and distributor cap and rotor
  • Timing belt replaced including aux belt, water pump and coolant flush
  • Rear subframe and front control arm bushing replacement
  • Engine, transmission and differential mounts all replaced
  • Centre Support Bearing replaced
  • Fuel tank and hoses replaced inc. fuel pump, fuel filter and hoses
  • Rear shocks replaced with Bilstein B4
  • Rear brake pads
  • Full Lanoguard rust protection applied to wheel arches
  • New Bosch battery


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. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 
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Auction Details

  • Year1988
  • MakeBMW
  • Model3 Series
  • ColourGrey
  • Odometer97,700 Kilometres
  • Engine size1990cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownFaversham
  • CountyKent
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

16 Bids

darren.••••
Bid
£7,700
16/05/24
david-p••••
Bid
£7,600
16/05/24
darren.••••
Bid
£7,500
16/05/24
davin-p••••
Bid
£7,000
15/05/24
david-p••••
Bid
£6,700
14/05/24
libero_••••
Bid
£6,600
13/05/24
Thekoun••••
Bid
£6,500
13/05/24
2e_love••••
Bid
£5,800
13/05/24
david-p••••
Bid
£5,600
12/05/24
davin-p••••
Bid
£5,500
12/05/24

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