1997 BMW E36 325 TDS

Every now and then we encounter a freak of nature. The most special unspecial car you could have imagined. So humble in its introduction that it instantly wins your heart, a true salt of the earth machine.

The 325 TDS entered a market saturated with fast, fuel guzzling large capacity petrol saloons and frugal but crude agricultural diesels. BMW’s addition of a turbocharged performance diesel kick-started an arms race with its biggest competitor, Mercedes-Benz.

Sold in both coupe and saloon variants, the E36 TDS BMW offered mile munching economy in a premium package with performance figures that truly stole a march on anything Europe had to offer.

Mercedes was quick to respond with the W202 C250 Turbo Diesel. Housing a 2.5-liter inline-5 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine capable of producing 150bhp and 280N·m of torque, it just pipped the E36’s power output of 141bhp and 280N·m of torque, yet failed to prove faster on the road losing out on the German manufacturers top-speed war that had been steadily brewing since the early 90’s.

This E36 saloon came to us in 2024 with a staggering 78miles on the odometer. Yes, seven, eight. Seventy-eight. Purchased brand new from Slaterise Ltd in Penryn in 1997, this late model E36 was rolled off the forecourt and driven 78 miles to the owners home in the west country where it was parked up in a barn and remained untouched as part of a large and eclectic collection of vehicles.

A chance meeting between Ian, the current owner and the gentleman who purchased the car from new resulted in a deal being struck. Having not turned a wheel in 27 years, the 325 was trailered to our workshop for a thorough inspection.

A thorough recommissioning involving Inspection II Service, all four brake calipers fitted with new seal kits and brake hoses. A new water-pump, thermostat, coolant hoses and poly-belts ensure the TDS remains cool. The E36 was still on its original tires from 1997! Whilst there was obviously plenty of tread left, a fresh set of Michelins were fitted for peace of mind. Front shock absorber bump stops were replaced and the tracking recentered before rectifying a running issue by replacing the fuel pump, hoses and refurbishment of injector 6. A Blaupunkt Bremen head unit brings modern day usability and connectivity to the cabin, whilst retaining a period 90’s aesthetic.

A PDI was carried out on 25/07/1997 by the supplying dealer in Penryn. The car was then painstakingly recommissioned by Hero Motor Company in March 2024 and after a year of use daily use by Ian the current owner, stress testing every aspect of the car, it received its first main dealer stamp in almost 30 years at Group 1 BMW in Reading at 4,771 miles.

Now being sold to make space for a new project, this E36 TDS will be handed over with all spare keys, tools, original radio, service wallet, all handbooks, manuals, original sales invoice and document file and 1 years MOT.

BMW E36 325 TDS Saloon

Date of Production: 02/07/1997

First Registered: 19/09/1997

Mileage: 5,120 miles

Automatic Transmission

Engine Capacity: 2498cc

Fuel: Diesel

Exterior Colour: Moreagruen Metallic

Interior: Turquoise Upholstery & Half-Leather

Sports Leather Steering Wheel

Fine Wood Trim

15” Alloy Wheels

Air-Conditioning

Heated Door Mirrors

Heated Door Locks

Colour Coded Bumpers

Electric Sunroof

Front & Rear Electric Windows

Rear Sunblind

Warning Triangle

First Aid Kit

Auto-Dip Rearview Mirror

Smoker Package

Armrest Front

Sports Seat

Centre Armrest Rear

Headrests Mechanically Adjustable

Headlight Cleaning System

Parking Distance Control (PDC)

Fog Lights