1991 BMW (E30) 325i SALOON

This BMW 325i saloon is a remarkably original and low mileage version of the E30 model, presented in very good order, and with just two previous private owners. Its engine is the 168bhp 2.5-litre M20B25 straight-six, with rear-wheel drive via the desirable five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 34,363 miles from new.

The clear HPI report on file shows 7 January 1991 as the date of first registration, notes four previous registered keepers. However, the car was owned by the Almondbury Garage BMW dealer in Huddersfield for two short periods of time, so in reality the car has had only three private owners - the second of which evidently kept the car in a collection for 24 years. The most recent private keeper acquired the car in 2016, and the car is now offered by the trade.

Its bodywork is reported to be in very good condition, with impressive shut lines and panel gaps throughout. The seller reports a few small car park dings on the nearside rear door by the handle, and a few other minor marks visible in the photo gallery, but otherwise the Brilliant Red paint finish looks superb all around the car. It is not known whether the car has been repainted in the past, but the seller’s view is that it looks very original and clean. It rides on a set of 14-inch BBS alloy wheels, which present well, though two of the rims would benefit from refurbishment in due course.

Inside, the original grey cloth upholstery is in excellent condition throughout, with no rips or tears in the fabric, and only signs of light use in line with the low mileage. The plastic and vinyl trim around the cabin is in good order, though some elements such as the rear door window winders have faded with time. It is equipped with electric front windows and an electric sunroof, which all work as they should. A period-perfect Panasonic car phone remains installed between the front seats, though it is inoperative. The grey carpets are in good condition, though there is some noticeable wear on the driver’s floor mat.

It is understood that the car was off the road for most of the time between 1996 and 2016. Once it was acquired by the most recent private owner, it was given a fresh MOT test and put back on the road. The last scheduled maintenance on file was carried out in January 2020 at 34,259 miles. This consisted of an Inspection II service, with renewal of the engine oil and filter, as well as a replacement fuel pump, air filter, battery, and spark plugs. The exhaust has also been renewed relatively recently.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 24 January 2020 at 34,259 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only a few advisories. There was a minor oil leak noted, some corrosion on the front brake pipes and coil springs, and play in the offside front of the steering rack inner joints. All four tyres were starting to perish, so these were all replaced in May 2020 with four new Nexen tyres in size 195/65 R14 all round.

Accompanying the car is lots of original paperwork and books, as well as receipts for work in the mid-1990s when it was with the first two private owners. The original tool kit, jack, spare wheel, and first aid kit are all present in the boot.

This BMW 325i is a practical and eminently usable modern classic, with very low mileage and only a few private owners from new. There are numerous SORN certificates in the history file to evidence its dormant status while off the road, and today the car remains incredibly original throughout. Fresh from a recent service, there are now only a few minor jobs to do, which the next owner can attend to in due course. Such well cared-for examples of the E30 are becoming very hard to find, so this represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire a remarkably clean example.