Highlights
- Only 28,000 miles from new
- Three owners
- With last owner 16 years
The Appeal
Sometimes a car comes along that might superficially look like it’s had a hard life but, on closer inspection reveals that it’s just been lightly used by someone who is less fussy about aesthetics than some of us. This is such a car. While the bodywork sports numerous dents and scratches, the roof is a little green and the interior showing plenty of patination, if you look at the underside and the odometer, they start to undermine your assumptions.
For this is a 3 owner car from new that has covered just 28,000 miles and for the last sixteen years when not in use, i.e. most of the time, has been stored in an underground garage. This means that, unusually for an E36 3 series, there is no corrosion showing. Plus it drives like a 28,000 mile car. So, if you want to enjoy a modern classic convertible without having to worry about car park dents or you want a long term doer-upper that you can use daily as you go, then this could be the car for you. Either way, get bidding now!
The History and Paperwork
- 3 owners from new
- With last owner 16 years, during which time it has covered just over 7,500 miles
- Stored in underground garage
- Looked after by a garage known to the seller, confirmed by letter
- Recent new rear lower suspension arms and bushes
- V5 present
- MOT expires 13 Dec 2022
The Interior
- Patinated grey leather
- Heated seats
- Rear parking sensors
Truly usable four seat convertibles are a relatively rare thing but the E36 3 series is just such a car with room enough for all the family whatever the weather. The cabin of this car is completely original and unrestored and shows a reasonable level of patina to the seats but they have no rips or holes and remain supportive and comfortable. The dashboard remains in good condition and all of the buttons, dials and switches work as they should, though the front of the face-off radio has sadly gone astray at some stage.
The surround to the passenger side door opening handle has also disappeared but this should be straightforward to source a replacement for. The headlining is unfortunately showing a little sag at the front. In the boot, the CD changer is no longer attached but is still functional and the space saver spare is present, as is the toolkit and locking wheel nut. A few jobs to do then, but nothing that looks too taxing.
The Exterior
- Completely original
- Opportunities for improvement
- Good wheels and tyres
On the plus side, the paint looks to be completely original all round the car but this is because there has been a relaxed approach to bodywork scars. There are in truth too many dents and blemishes to list individually but that does at least mean that the next owner won’t have to worry too much when the car is parked. Likewise there are few remaining BMW badges to tempt a trophy collector.
Looking at the underside of the car, another area that shouldn’t unduly trouble the next owner would appear to be corrosion. Keeping the car underground seems to have worked wonders for the condition underneath with a lack of evident corrosion that would make many E36 owners jealous.
The wheels are in generally good condition with only a little light scuffing, though not all wearing their BMW badges, and the tyres have good tread. The hood works smoothly but some stiffness to the hood material means that it can need a little help to fully retract, though this is reportedly improving a little with each operation. One obvious area for potential immediate improvement is the rear number plate but the vendor has left it in place for now because it is the original supplying dealer plate.
The Mechanics
- New battery
- Drives like a 28,000 mile car
- Recent rear lower suspension arms
If the cosmetics aren’t quite up there with the best, then we’re pleased to report that, mechancilly, the seller informs us that it’s everything that you would hope for in a 28,000 mile car. With a new battery just installed, it starts on the button and reportedly drives beautifully, picking up well and changing gear smoothly. The brakes remain effective and, with recently replaced rear lower suspension arms and bushes, it rides well and there are no untoward noises on the move.
Summary
A modern classic convertible with opportunities for cosmetic improvement and with a 28,000 mile drivetrain.
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