1996 BMW 3 SERIES

This E36 has been in the same private ownership for ten years and used exclusively as a warm-weather car — driven from May through October each year and laid up in a dry, dust-free garage for the remaining six months. This seasonal-use pattern is reflected in the mileage: just 101,548 miles over nearly 30 years, confirmed by the DVSA's continuous odometer records.

Condition Overview: The car presents well for its age. The Atlantic Blue Metallic paint retains good depth and gloss; there are a small number of minor stone chips to the front end and light scuffs to the alloy wheel rims — both typical for the mileage and age and honestly declared here.

The cream/light-grey leather interior is clean and largely free from heavy wear. All major electrics function correctly, including climate control, and central locking.

Roof: The hood was replaced approximately eight years ago and remains in good condition — no fading, staining, or lifting at the seams. The hydraulic hood mechanism operates, with a little bit of manual help, and fully seals.

Audio / ICE: A Kenwood head unit with USB, CD, MP3 and Radio connectivity has been fitted, giving modern audio capability without compromising the classic interior feel. The four standard speakers are retained.

Mechanical: The M52B20 engine starts readily and pulls cleanly throughout the rev range. The ZF 4-speed automatic gearbox is fully functional and offers both Sport (S) and Economy (E) modes via console buttons — allowing the driver to tailor shift points to driving style. A new VARTA battery was fitted in 2025. An aftermarket cone air filter is in place.

Key Positives:

 10 years single-owner, May–October seasonal use with dry winter storage

 DVSA mileage verified — 101,548 miles confirmed across multiple MOT records

 Full MOT history available: passes back to 2006, no failures on record

 MOT valid to 6 May 2027 — passed 6 May 2026

 Replacement hood approximately 8 years old — excellent condition, fully sealing

 New VARTA battery (2025)

 ZF automatic gearbox with Sport and Economy mode selection

 Kenwood head unit with USB — original speakers retained

 Dual-zone digital climate control operational

 Cream / light-grey leather interior — clean and presentable

 Original BMW tool kit present

 Space-saver spare wheel included

 Sunroof (operational) with a little manual help

Honest Disclosures:

The following items are declared in full so you can inspect and price accordingly. None prevent the car from being used or constitute MOT failures — they are advisories or cosmetic points.

 Rear brake pipe with surface corrosion — advisory since 2014, monitor and replace in due course. Cleaned and protected at last MOT.

 Front brake hoses replaced during last MOT.

 Anti-roll bar link/bush surface corrosion — current advisory

 Front lower suspension ball joint: slight play — current advisory, worth monitoring

 Minor engine oil seepage noted at inspection — recurrent low-level advisory since ~2017

 Power steering pipe: slight seepage — advisory since 2017

 Minor windscreen chip outside Zone A (not MOT relevant)

 Light alloy wheel scuffs consistent with age and use

 Stone chips to front end — minor

 Central locking disabled. Key operated only.

 Mixed tyre brands: Avon Sport HiResponse and Davanti 205/60 R15 — all within legal limits

 Aftermarket cone air filter fitted

Full DVSA MOT history is available online via the government's vehicle enquiry service (search registration L77 HSP). The car has passed every MOT without failure since records began in 2006 —only advisories have been noted. The most recent MOT was carried out on 6 May 2026 and is valid until 6 May 2027.

Viewing is welcomed and encouraged. The car is presented honestly — please inspect thoroughly before making an offer. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent BMW specialist is entirely supported. Cash or bank transfer on collection.