1988 BMW 320 (E30)

Highlights 

• Iconic model in superb overall condition

• Cherished, post face lift example

• Manual gearbox

• Low mileage

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

Nowadays, buying a brand new BMW invariably means a big car with a big engine, with big power, probably with a turbo strapped to it. Or, if you're more environmentally conscious, a hybrid or electric model. All laden with enough tech to put the Apollo missions to shame, all the while reducing the overall amount of driver involvement, which to us, as fans of actually driving, is bad.

Cast your mind back to the '80s though – always a fun game to play. It's 1982 and BMW has just introduced its follow up to the very first 3 Series, the seminal E21. This new model, the E30, may not have been a huge step forwards in terms of design (but then its predecessor wasn't exactly lacking in the looks department), but it was quite the development in terms of how it drove. 

Small and light, gone was the inherent oversteer present in the E21 and the E30 rode and handled beautifully. Still revered for just how well it gets down the road the car's excellent chassis and well-balanced setup means that its reputation for sheer drive-ability continues to this day and it remains an iconic (and now very cool) model in BMW's impressive oeuvre, free from the trappings of more modern fare.

This beautiful 1988 320i two-door looks so good in Alpine White and those BBS lattice wheels will forever be a match made in heaven when it comes to the E30. Being a post-face lift model the car features some improvements over earlier examples such as a redesigned rear end as well as a hike in power to 129bhp for the excellent M20 straight-six engine, all going to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

In great condition throughout and complete with impressive service history, this BMW E30 320i represents an excellent example of one of BMW's most enduring models.

History and documentation

• 1988 model year

• Complete original book pack

• Two keys

• Six former keepers

• In current ownership since 2020 (as well as prior ownership from 2010 to 2020)

• V5C present and correct

• First registered August 1st 1988

• Original service manual showing 31 inspection stamps between 1988 and 2018

• Numerous old MOT certificates and tax discs

• Converted to a manual gearbox in 2022

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until  May 28th 2026

• 98,822 indicated miles

Interior

• The grey cloth interior looks to be in fine condition and has clearly been well looked after

• The seats are incredibly clean and appear to be free from any real wear and tear, even to the usual areas 

• Carpets look to be wearing well

• Headlining is clean and has not sagged

• The  door cards and dash board are undamaged

• The vendor states that everything works

• Wholly original aside from an M Tech 1 steering wheel that shows some signs of use

• Factory stereo

• The boot space is clean and tidy with no evidence of any corrosion and  comes complete with spare wheel, jack and original tool kit (minus emergency window crank and adapter)

• The engine bay presents well overall

Exterior

• The condition of the exterior is very good across the board

• Paintwork is in excellent condition and appears to be free from any real marks or blemishes

• Body panels all look straight and panel gaps are uniform

• No obvious signs of any major corrosion

• All glasswork is free from damage, aside from a tiny stonechip in the windscreen, and the car's various trim pieces all look good

• The 15” wheels are all in good condition and appear free from damage but there are some small areas of light oxidisation beginning to show in places

• All tyres are Dunlop Sport Bluresponse which the vendor states are in good condition

• The underneath looks straight with very little surface rust and no apparent damage to the jacking points

• No evidence of any oil leaks from the differential

Mechanical

• 129bhp, 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox (originally an automatic, which is still reported on the V5)

• Rear-wheel drive

• The vendor states that the engine is complete and has been well maintained, starts first time, is very reliable and runs perfectly

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

Beautifully engineered and iconically styled the E30 was a defining car for BMW and remains a shrewd purchase today. This particular 320i, with its excellent six-cylinder engine, manual gearbox and classy aesthetic is a cracking example. Reliable enough to daily but special enough for shows the E30 3 Series is perhaps one of the best all-round classic cars out there and is an alluring, analogue alternative to the lumbering, tech-drenched modern 3 Series models.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Pontypool, Wales.