Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
9th Apr, 2025 9:00
1992 BMW 316i Touring
No Reserve - Highly original and well preserved
Registration No: J625 MKR
Chassis No: WBAAJ22060CL68172
MOT: May 2025
Timewarp example of BMW's first 'lifestyle estate' that pleasingly retains its original supplying dealer number plates and rear window sticker etc
Finished in Sterling Silver Metallic with Grey cloth upholstery, four-speed automatic transmission, power steering and electric sunroof
Warranted 87, 000 miles and self-evidently well maintained / cherished throughout its life
Original book pack, first aid kit and tool roll etc
An ideal family classic and a rare sight on UK roads
Inspired by an ‘out of hours’ project that a member of its Prototype Construction Department, Max Reisbock, undertook to build himself a more versatile family car, the very first BMW 3-Series Touring debuted at the September 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show. Unveiled as part of a major revamp for the entire E30 generation, the newcomer featured uprated (325i specification) suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and front / rear anti-roll bars to enhance its load lugging capabilities. A ‘lifestyle’ estate car powered by a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines allied to manual or automatic transmission, the Touring was undeniably handsome.
Finished in Sterling Silver with Grey cloth upholstery, chassis CL68172 was supplied new by Vines of Sevenoaks on 25th January 1992. Equipped with the more potent (M40) 1. 6 litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission, the BMW’s impressive specification also included power assisted steering, electric tilt / slide sunroof and front electric windows. Acquired by its most recent (fourth) registered keeper on 31st January 2020, the 316i was treated to a new water pump, thermostat and timing belt not to mention a thorough service with renewed engine, transmission and differential oils later that same year at an indicated 75, 798 miles. Pleasingly retaining its original book pack, the associated service book carries stamps from main dealers and marque specialists to help corroborate the present odometer reading of circa 87, 000 miles. Self-evidently cherished by its previous custodians, the Touring remains highly original even down to its supplying dealer rear window sticker and number plates, first aid kit and tool roll. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, ‘J625 MKR’ would make an ideal family classic. Worthy of close inspection, this timewarp Touring from what is, arguably, the best loved generation of BMW’s iconic 3-Series still cuts a dash on today’s roads.
