1991 BMW 320i (E30) Saloon

Highlights

• A classic E30-era 3-series

• Desirable straight-six 320i

• 4 door practicality

• Eye catching wheels and H&R lowering springs

• Head-turning Calypso Red

Overview

A well-renowned, said to be ‘bulletproof’ engine, classic 3-box design and the iconic quad-lamp front end, the E30 320i has a lot going for it, and that’s before you add in the practicalities offered by a four-door example, such as the one we have here. It’s almost as if the modern classic gods have shined their holy spotlight on this era of 3-Series as the ultimate classic daily driver. 

This particular example makes daily driven life easier thanks to its 4-speed ZF gearbox and, whilst it may not be the purist driver’s choice, you’ll be thanking yourself for the auto ‘box if you find yourself crawling around towns or built-up areas, rather than having to rev-match on downshift when approaching traffic for the 50th time that morning.

Finished in the classic shade of Calypso Red, this E30 is also largely original, with the only modifications being new wheels, H&R lowering springs, a wood-rimmed steering wheel and one or two other aesthetic modifications, but no noted mechanical upgrades or changes. It’s smartly presented and in very usable condition, which means the next owner can get on with enjoying it.

History and documentation

• Registered 10 Jan 1991

• Original steering wheel present

• Full document pack

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• This 320i was looked after by marque specialist Stourbridge Automotive ltd between 2015-2018

• Service invoice dated 2015 @ 127,345 miles

• Springs/shock absorbers on all four corners replaced in 2016

• Cambelt replacement at 128,641 miles in March 2016

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 16 June 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

Interior

• Cream leather interior with black trim in good condition for its age and mileage

• Aftermarket wood-rimmed steering wheel (original included)

• The leather seats present well, with no rips or tears noted

• Up above, the headliner also looks to be in good order throughout

• The door cards and high-traffic areas show some signs of dirt build-up and wear from years of use

• We note some damage/staining to the centre console, particularly to the handbrake surround trim and to the gear selector surround

• The centre console window switches are heavily worn

• In the footwells, the carpet is typically worn and shows a few stains along with soiling from general usage

• Evidence of leather dye or other cleaning product stains on the rear seatbelts

• Overspray is visible on the rear door chrome trims

• A chip is noted in the windscreen

• The ‘check / inspection’ light is illuminated on the instrument cluster

• In the rear, the boot is tidy with no heavy stains beyond typical wear-and-tear for the vehicle’s age

• The matching spare wheel is under the floor

• OE jack included

• The seller notes that all systems ‘function as they should do’

Exterior

• Attractive Calypso Red paintwork that the seller notes has been previously resprayed

• The paintwork presents relatively well overall and contrasts well against the gold BBS-style wheels

• The headlights and rear lights look to be free of any damage or heavy clouding

• Polished ‘shotgun’ style exhaust tips

• The front end and lower bumper area wear a light smattering of stone chips

• Looking closely, the paintwork is beginning to flake/crack around the drivers door lock barrel 

• Elsewhere, there are some light abrasions to note on the door edges and around the handles

• Paint runs are visible above both side indicators

• A number of the window rubbers are starting to perish with age

• There appears to be some damage to the nearside sill just ahead of the rear wheel

• All four wheels present well with no heavy damage or kerbing to note

• 2023-dated HiFly tyres

Mechanical

• 1990cc M20 straight-six engine

• Four-speed ZF automatic gearbox, sending power to the rear wheels

• Under the bonnet, the cam cover has been repainted in blue, and the bonnet insulation is missing

• H&R lowering springs and Sachs dampers fitted in 2016

• Other than the above, we can see no sign of any modifications or issues 

• No reported mechanical issues, though the ‘check engine’ light is illuminated, as noted above

• The latest MOT inspection was notably free of any advisories

Summary

A five-door classic for the whole family to enjoy, finished in arguably one of the best colours for the E30-era 3-Series, and benefiting from an advisory-free MOT until summer; there’s a lot to like about this E30, and the benefits of its minor imperfections are that you can use and enjoy this 3-Series without worrying about adding miles to the odometer or ruining a showroom-condition car. It also makes the ideal base for someone that is either looking to personalise and upgrade a 320i to make the ‘ultimate’ E30, or for someone that wants to bring one of these classic icons back to as-new condition.

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 Preston, Lancashire.