• Recent respray 

• Comprehensive history 

• Rust free body

BMW's 3 Series is arguably its most important and most iconic product, and of all the models it's produced over the years it's the second-generation E30 that still seems to hold the fondest memories.

Introduced in 1982 to replace the E21, the E30 refined the recipe and went on to become the longest-lived 3 Series – lasting eight years before it was succeeded by the E36 and 12 years in production in total. BMW also offered its own cabriolet version of the 3 Series for the first time with the E30 – previously being a Bauer-built car – which was introduced in 1985

First registered in 1988, this 320i has had 4 previous owners. Since the early 90's the car was owned by the husband and transferred to his wife in 2005. The car has always been loved and cared for using the BMW for the weekly shop and the odd trip into Essex from London. 

A newer car has now taken the BMW’s place so reluctantly the car is to be moved on to someone new in the hopes they would continue to care for this stylish classic. 

The car is currently registered as off the road with a SORN, this has been the case since October of last year. The BMW is regularly started and left idling however to keep things moving and working mechanically. 

There is a fair bit of paperwork for the BMW documenting the work and servicing it has received, mostly MOT certificates but some receipts for minor works present. It seems the car has been taken care of by the same garage for much of the previous 16 years it’s been in the current owner’s possession, so wouldn’t prove too difficult to get an in-depth idea of how the car has fared over the years. 

The car has a valid MOT until December 2022, which showed no issues with the car in the recent inspection. The car is currently registered as SORN due to another car now being drafted in to take over daily duties, but the BMW starts, drives and stops well. 

Inside the BMW is good, with the upholstery mainly holding out, the only areas of note being the rear seat base, which has started to fray where the base meets the back and the driver’s side exterior back rest bolster which is also starting to go a little threadbare. 

The rest of the carpeting, headlining and dashboard are all in good condition however. The dash, steering wheel and gear selector are especially in good condition, with little wear and tear showing on the major contact points, and the dash showing no cracks or tears in the rubber. 

The headlining is not sagging or stained but the sunroof has been sealed up due to leaking, so is no longer functional. The carpet is in good condition, being protected by some over mats, and the carpet in the boot is in good condition also. 

There seems to be minimal wear and tear or staining to the door cards as well.  In the rather spacious boot, you’ll find the original tool kit, which unfortunately has one or two tools missing, with the others starting to show some corrosion. 

The electrical systems in the BMW are in need of some TLC with the horn, rev counter and MPG gauge not working. The electric windows work but are slow moving, the driver’s door lock needs attention and there are a few warning lights on the dash however, these are believed to be down to the electrical system needed an overhaul. 

The white paint one this BMW is in good condition and the body has very little of the usual car park battle scars or odd dents, due to in no small part, the full respray the car has had recently. 

The panel gaps are all consistent and close and the body is also quite straight with little to no rust showing through on the usual places such as the arches, boot and bonnet or door shuts. It is actually a very clean and straight body on the surface and even underneath, where a BMW from this era might fall down, there is little corrosion that was seen on the photoshoot.

The wheels are steel underneath hubcaps, 3 out of 4 of the latter have faded and have curbing damage on, but because they’re only hubcaps, they will be an easy replacement. The tyres on the car look like they could do with changing pretty soon due to cracking in the sidewalls, but they have plenty of tread left in them. 

The plastic black trim around the car all looks to be in good condition apart from one piece in front of the driver’s door and the rear bumper which is starting to lose its colour a bit. The colour and shine can be brought back quite easily however with some plastic reviver from a detailing company.

The 320i engine is a 2.0L M20, straight 6 producing 127 bhp and 121 lb. ft of torque when new, mated to an automatic 4-speed gearbox. It starts on the button and makes no unwanted noises under idle or drive, the gearbox selects the correct gears as it should and operates smoothly and without noise. 

The straight six engine makes all the correct noises on the road and sounds nice and throaty when pressed. It isn’t the highest spec or most powerful engine, but it’s done the current owner well and has been serviced and maintained regularly. It should continue to perform with some conscientious care for many years to come. A full and thorough service should see the engine performing well for a long period of time. 

The E30 was and still is a fantastic shape and design from BMW and has aged beautifully into the modern day. In recent years the E30 shape has seen a surge in value, but still continues to be a fantastic entry point for those wanting a reliable, interesting and appreciating modern classic. 

This example has had much of the body work sorted and future proofed so would be an excellent base for which the new owner could add some value, by either returning it to its former glory or swapping out parts in a sympathetic manner befitting with the OEM style of the time. 

Whilst it might not be the most desirable spec, to find an E30 with a body that isn’t rusty for this price is surely a good thing. For that reason, we think this example represents a very appealing buy.