Winning bid
£15,250

1988 BMW E30 325i Cabriolet

Highlights 

  • Low mileage 6cyl E30 convertible 
  • Well preserved condition with full service history 
  • Thick history file with recent cambelt change and service (December)
  • Practical and stylish four seater convertible 

The Appeal 

The E30 moved BMW’s 3-Series closer to the mass market, offering buyers a sweet-handling, engaging driving machine that was available in a vast array of trim and engine configurations.
It was so good that upwardly mobile types in late 80s Britain took it to their heart. The 2.5litre engine was a particularly treat, offering sweet-revving performance to match the improved chassis. The Bauer-engineered convertible on those qualities with svelte open top motoring for four. 
This 1988 E30 combines all of those qualities and adds popular ‘Zinnober Rot’ paintwork and lattice style alloys to complete the picture. A low mileage car with full service history and MOT to December 2023 – with no advisories – this is the stylish classic you can easily press into daily duties. Or save it for the weekend and enjoy one of BMW’s best-handling saloons.  

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in the UK on 1st April 1988 
  • VIN records show it was produced by the factory on 1st December 1987 
  • Thick history file of old invoices and MOTs 
  • Original factory book pack in good condition 
  • Factory service book showing 19 stamps, most recently on 9th March 2020 at 85,059 miles 
  • File includes old tax discs too 
  • 2 keys with factory fobs and including two dealer keyrings
  • Fitted with an Auto Watch alarm system in 2009 with paperwork to verify 
Notable recent maintenance:
  • Driveshaft repairs in August 2021 costing £558
  • Camshaft, sump clean, cambelt and water pump replaced March 2020 at cost of £1,688
  • This work was undertaken at 85,059 miles when the car was also last serviced
  • Brake pipes replaced in 2018 at cost of £418
  • Considerable other invoices documenting ongoing maintenance 

The Condition

  • Very good condition reflecting low mileage and careful owners 
  • Smart Zinnober Rot paintwork appears original and in well kept condition 
  • Attractive optional ‘LA’ style factory alloy wheels similarly well preserved
  • Black fabric roof with good colour and clear plastic rear screen showing no damage
  • Original factory tool kit is complete and appears virtually unused
  • Solid bodywork with no visible corrosion and no MOT structural advisories
  • Boot floor is very well presented and contains matching factory alloy spare
  • Interior is factory standard and appears original 
  • Beige checked cloth seats show little signs of wear and appear clean and unstained
  • Carpets in beige with matching over mats and undamaged or stained
  • Door cards in good condition with no noticeable wear
  • Aftermarket Clarion CD player fitted
  • Switchgear reflects low mileage and presents well with clear decals
  • Original right down to the BMW rechargeable torch 
  • Leather sports three spoke steering wheel showing only light sheen of wear
  • Clear dials with unscratched Perspex shroud
  • Auxiliary lock let into driver’s door and presumably part of the alarm system 

The Mechanics 

  • 2,494cc M20 fuel injected BMW straight six engine developing 165bhp 
  • 4spd ZF automatic gearbox 
  • Rear wheel drive 
  • Full service history with 2,000 miles since last service in March 2020 
  • Cambelt and water pump replaced 2,000 miles ago in March 2020 
  • MOT to December 2023 with no advisories 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ 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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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Auction Details

  • Year1988
  • MakeBMW
  • Model3 Series
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer87,104 Miles
  • Engine size2949cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownStockport
  • CountyLancashire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

18 Bids

Cervelo••••
Bid
£15,250
27/10/23
Jay76••••
Bid
£15,000
27/10/23
240.fan••••
Bid
£11,750
27/10/23
roger-h••••
Bid
£11,250
27/10/23
dennis.••••
Bid
£11,000
27/10/23
GCLW76••••
Bid
£10,250
27/10/23
Tim1124••••
Bid
£10,000
27/10/23
dennis.••••
Bid
£8,500
25/10/23
Mercede••••
Bid
£8,000
25/10/23
dennis.••••
Bid
£7,000
23/10/23

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