1989 BMW (E30) 320i

This 1989 BMW E30 320i is a clean example of a stylish modern classic, presented in excellent condition and with a solid maintenance history. With the exception of an uprated stereo, this example remains unmodified and highly original. It is equipped with a 2.0-litre straight-six engine, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer currently shows 81,981 miles from new.

First registered in August 1989, this 320i has been in the vendor’s collection for less than a year, but has not yet been registered in his name. The previous owner acquired the car in 2012, and the log book shows six previous registered keepers before that.

To the best of the owner’s knowledge, the bodywork has never suffered any accident damage. He notes that it has had both front wings replaced, which were bought as new old stock items from BMW. The bonnet was also painted when the wings were refinished, due to a smattering of stone chips. One or two blemishes are now visible to the front bumper’s plastic trim, though the Cirrus Blue finish remains in generally very good condition. The vendor reports two small white marks on the roof.

While the body trims are largely undamaged, the offside fog lamp does have a slight crack, as does the top of the windscreen. However, the vendor notes he has chosen not to replace this, as all of the car’s glass is original from the factory. The car rides on multi-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, which are in good order on all four corners.

Moving inside, the interior is trimmed with Indigo cloth, which has no rips or tears, and still presents superbly. This 320i boasts cruise control, electric windows and an electric sunroof, all of which are fully functional. The only modification is an upgraded stereo system, fitted by Dream ICE in Hinckley in 2012, at a cost of some £1,200. The car now boasts an Alpine CDE-136BT system with Pioneer Slimline subwoofer and Rockford speakers. It has DAB radio and CD player, as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

The four-spoke steering wheel appears in remarkably good condition, as does the gear selector and dashboard trim. The only electrical issue present is a fault with the central locking system, whereby the driver has reported it works intermittently. Sometimes it will look all doors, while other times it will lock only the driver’s door, leaving the owner to manually lock the remaining three.

The last service was undertaken in February 2020 at 80,025 miles, where technicians at Boyslade Garage in Hinckley changed the engine oil and filter, before replacing a brake pipe and the brake fluid, as well as the nearside suspension arm and bush. In 2019, Boyslade Garage also fitted new front brake pads and a new cam cover gasket. At 74,567 miles, the same garage carried out the usual oil, filter and fluid changes, before replacing the exhaust silencer and gaskets, axle mounting bushes and exhaust brackets, as well as giving the brakes a through clean.

Hurst Automotive in Leicester serviced the car at 71,508 miles in 2016, replacing the brake and transmission fluids, as well as fitting a new cambelt kit, water pump, battery, alternator V-belt, power steering V-belt, distributor cap, distributor rotor, and cam cover, including seals and gasket. The car also received new rear brake pads and discs, rear brake sensors and handbrake shoes.

The most recent MOT test was on 13 February 2020, which resulted in a pass with four advisories to monitor a worn nearside suspension arm pin or bush, a corroded nearside rear brake pipe, and a minor oil leak – all of which have since been rectified. The vehicle rides on Avon tyres all round, in fitment 205/55/R15. The vendor describes their condition as very good, with plenty of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original BMW handbooks and service book, as well as a full BMW toolkit, torch, original spare wheel and jack. There are 13 stamps in the service book, with a file of corresponding invoices for the services carried out since the last stamped interval.

This BMW 320i saloon is a smart example of the E30 generation, which presents in highly original and unmolested condition. For a 31-year-old car, it also boasts relatively low mileage. Its robust mechanicals would make it an eye-catching modern classic daily driver, and it should also appeal to any BMW collectors.

Summary of service history:

• 26/07/1989 - PDI - Marston Motor Co BMW Yeovil
• 31/08/1989 - 1,241 miles - Running-in, Grassicks Garage
• 16/07/1990 - 6,736 miles - Oil Service - BMW Yeovil
• 16/07/1990 - 6,736 miles - Annual Check - BMW Yeovil
• 17/07/1991 - 12,719 miles - BMW Inspection 1 - BMW S.M.B Exeter
• 17/07/1991 - 12,719 miles - Annual Check - BMW S.M.B Exeter
• 21/07/1992 - 18,405 miles - BMW Oil Service - BMW S.M.B Exeter
• 21/07/1992 - 18,405 miles - Annual Check - BMW S.M.B Exeter
• 08/07/1993 - 19,760 miles - BMW S.M.B Exeter
• 21/05/1997 - 26,422 miles - BMW Inspection 2 - BMW S.M.B Exeter
• 21/05/1997 - 26,422 miles - Annual Check - BMW S.M.B Exeter
• 20/07/1999 - 32,971 miles - BMW Oil Service - BMW S.M.B Exeter
• 12/12/2003 - 38,946 miles - Metro Motors
• 30/07/2004 - 39,346 miles - Metro Motors
• 26/08/2005 - 42,068 miles - Metro Motors
• 12/01/2012 - Mileage not recorded - The Car Mart
• 12/04/2013 - 62,232 miles - Guy Salmon Jaguar
• 17/07/2013 - 65,811 miles - Hurst Automotive
• 25/01/2016 - 71,508 miles - Hurst Automotive
• 19/02/2019 - 74,567 miles - Boyslade Garage
• 13/02/2020 - 80,025 miles - Boyslade Garage

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.