1998 BMW 323i Cabriolet (E36) Manual

Highlights

• Outstanding history

• Wonderfully original throughout

• Truly a time-warp example

• Not a single MOT advisory since 2011!

• Under 34,000 miles

Overview

Arguably the apple of every middle-class salesman, saleswoman or executive’s eye in the 1990s, the E36-generation BMW 3-Series was introduced in 1990 and lasted right through to the turn of the millennium, ranging from the frugal-minded 316 all the way up to the roaring M3.

Whilst the love for the M3 in particular is well-documented amongst enthusiasts and collectors alike, every so often a car that was once considered an everyday sight on the road comes to market in a condition that would make any salesman or collector hot-under-the-collar, and this E36 323i cabriolet is one such example.

Purchased new by BMW enthusiasts, this E36 has been cossetted, pampered and cherished throughout its lifetime, and presents in time-warp condition throughout, having covered less than 34,000 miles since new. 

Given the tendency for E36s to try and, well, dissolve, it is also pertinent to point out that this E36 has had only ONE advisory on its digital MoT history (in 2011, for a worn suspension component) and not a single failure recorded on the government’s digital MOT database; outstanding!

With enthusiasm for ‘ordinary’ or non-performance modern classics going from strength-to-strength (just look at shows such as Festival of the Unexceptional to see what we mean) it is now time for these low-mileage, low-owner and pristine examples such as this E36 to have their moment in the spotlight. 

Whether it’s a nostalgic trip back to your childhood riding around in your parents’ E36, or a drive down memory lane having owned one in the past yourself, we have no doubt that this listing will prove popular amongst collectors, enthusiasts and those looking to relive their younger years alike.

We hate to say it, but… find another!

History and documentation

• Registered 07 Oct 1998

• Supplied by Batemans BMW of Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Oct 1998 (PDI), Feb 2000 @ 7,980 miles, Dec 2000 @ 17,509 miles, Apr 2002 @ 20,565 miles, May 2004 @ 22,652 miles, May 2005 @ 23,059 miles, May 2006 @ 23,610 miles, May 2007 @ 24,074 miles

• Printed service history spreadsheet showing the following services in addition to the above: Jul 2009 @ 25,250 miles, Oct 2012 @ 27,050 miles, Apr 2014 @ 27,755 miles, Jun 2015 @ 28,536 miles, May 2016 @ 29,293 miles, Apr 2023 @ 32,111 miles

• The above document also notes that the car was SORN between 2019 and 2021

• Full document pack

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 04 Sep 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Private plate included in the sale

• Original purchase invoice present, confirming a list price of £30,455 in 1998

• Historic photographs of the car at various local shows and a small magazine feature

• HPI clear

Interior

• Optional Black Leather interior in excellent condition

• Fully electric folding roof

• Centre arm rest (optional extra)

• Aftermarket floor mats

• Both front seats have acquired a pleasing patina with age, but have evidently been well-kept and are free from any damage

• The dashboard does not show any sign of cracking or sun damage

• Even the high-traffic areas such as the various switches and buttons on the dashboard look to be virtually factory-fresh

• There is the lightest of wear visible on the steering wheel and gearstick, but even this is negligible and wouldn’t be worth mentioning for any other calibre of vehicle

• Perhaps the only item worth mentioning in the cabin would be that one of the trim clips (according to the owner) on the nearside ‘C pillar’ of the soft top has failed

• If we were being very particular, we’d suggest giving the carpet a good hoovering, but that really is about it!

• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• BMW ‘Bright Red’ exterior which presents wonderfully

• Original BMW rear mud flaps and dealer registration plates

• Looking along the flanks of the car, we can see no obvious dings, dents or mis-aligned panels, nor have any been reported by the seller

• There is a small indentation to the front offside bumper black trim

• We note one or two larger stone chips on the front bumper and bonnet

• There is a small (largely hidden) graze on the lower outside corner of the front bumper

• Up above, the folding roof looks to be in excellent shape with no rips, tears or damage

• The plastic rear window has discoloured slightly with age

• All four wheels present very well, with minimal imperfections and no kerb rash

• The seller notes that the tyres would benefit from replacement owing to their age

• Overall, an outstanding, time-warp example 

Mechanical

• 2.5-litre BMW M52 straight-six engine, producing 168bhp

• Five-speed manual gearbox, sending power to the rear wheels

• The front brake pads were replaced in 2019

• Under the bonnet, the trims and engine bay are in near-pristine condition

• No reported mechanical faults or issues

• We’d point out that this E36 has not had a single MOT advisory since 2011

Summary

The phrases ‘time warp’ and ‘showroom car’ can be bandied about a little too often these days, but in this case, we feel they are both wholly appropriate. With just 3 recorded keepers from new (technically two, due to the original owner(s) divorcing, necessitating a V5 change of keeper) this is a near-showroom example of the timeless E36 Cabriolet, and an unmissable opportunity for any nostalgic BMW enthusiast or collector to get as close as possible to owning a brand-new E36.

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 Bentham, Lancaster