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Closed Auction- Unsold

1986 BMW 325i (E30)

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  • Mileage~85,000
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.5L
  • LocationSalisbury

AUCTION CLOSED

1986 BMW 325i (E30)

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

Timeless 80s styling at its best, with legendary engineering, the E30 3 series has really made a name for itself over the years.

The second generation of the 3 series, also known as the E30, launched in 1982 and remained in production until 1994. Automotive press from around the world praised BMW for its handling capabilities, rear wheel drive and excellent chassis set-up. The model range included various body types, this is a very practical 4-door saloon model. This car is also fitted with the desirable and sought-after 2.5L straight-six powertrain which offers the driver a mighty ~171BHP to tap into.

This example is coming to market from 5 years ownership. Over that time it has been fitted a few tasteful modifications including the intricate BBS chrome wheels which will really set it apart from anything on the road. Finished in "Alpine White" with a classic blue cloth interior, it is about as 80s as it gets.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Ken the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The classic good looks of the E30 drew me in, it's been a blast to drive on the weekends.

Ken has owned a few classic BMWs in the past, and always enjoyed the E30. He was on the lookout for a sports car to use on the weekends as a "Sunday driver", and so he's covered less than ~2,000 miles in his ownership.

He reports carrying out some light work over his ownership, whenever the car has required it and mentions changing out the white wheels for BBS alloys that really suit the cars sporty stance. Ken will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Ken
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Classic BMW stance, with timeless lines and intricate BBS chrome alloys giving it that little bit extra to the standard look.

Wheels and Tyres

Equipped with 16" polished and intricate BBS wheels, each wheel looks in great condition. We love the classic sporty shape and stance these wheels give the car.

The wheels are wrapped in Aplos Performance 926's tyres, Ken mentions these we're all replaced together recently (tyres date stamped 2018) and mentions not many miles have been travelled on them.

Bodywork

The 4-door saloon offers such classic good looks. The bodywork on this 3 Series looks to be in great condition across each panel, all looking to fit with even gaps and doors hanging as they should.

Looking over the bodywork, we didn't observe any corrosion to note, even the lower part of the wheel arches look great. We have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in the popular and classic BMW colour of "Alpine White", it still stands out today and really suits the E30 shape. The paint has a smooth finish, even in colour, and deep in lustre. Having been dry-stored in a garage throughout Ken's ownership, the paint has been preserved to a very high standard.

There are a few very small marks to the leading edges of the doors etc, you have to look very closely to spot them. Again, please take time to review all the images and videos showing the paint from different angles and reflections, to assess the condition for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks to be in good condition all around, in line with the age of the car. The black trim/rubber seals look good too and are in line with the rest of the car. The chrome trim around the side windows is showing signs of typical wear for a car of this era.

Please view the images and videos of the glass and trim to see in detail.

Interior

Classic BMW interior, ergonomic and very functional, now with age it has its own charm too.

Seats and Carpets

A classic specification for the interior, blue cloth seats with deep bolsters to keep you in place. The interior of this car appears in good condition, especially for its age and mileage.

When inspecting the seats, we noticed very little wear, the carpets and door cards all look in good condition too, just some patina in the form of slight fading of colour that comes with age.

Dashboard

A familiar sight to any previous BMW owner, the black dash looks in great condition, in line with the rest of the interior.

All the switchgear looks to be present, with clear white markings for the controls.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with an original BMW four-spoke sports steering wheel, which makes manoeuvring the 325i a pleasure.

A BMW gearstick is present and both the wheel and stick are present in good condition, in line with age and mileage of this E30.

Mechanics

Naturally aspirated straight-six, combined with a slick 5-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive offers an extremely rewarding drive.

Engine and Gearbox

Equipped with the legendary BMW straight six 2.5L, the car became hugely popular when it comes to motorsports, mainly due to the rear-wheel-drive/front-engine layout.

Once we turned the key, the straight-six sprung into life and the car quickly came up to temperature settling down to a smooth idle shortly after, with no untoward noises. Take a look at the detailed media pack to see a closer view of the engine bay and underneath the car, it's a smart engine bay, reflective of the cars age and mileage.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension offers a firm ride to hold the car when pushed hard around corners, but soft enough to iron out the bumps on long cruises along the straight, offering the best of both worlds. The keen eye amongst you will notice an additional strut in place in the engine bay to improve the stiffness/rigidity of the chassis on this car.

The Drive

This is a car that’s ready to be driven with a long MOT, we went on a gentle run in the car around the local area, check out the video to share in our experience on the road with Ken.

Electrics and Other

All of the standard electrical fittings are said to be fully functional to Kens knowledge.

Please take a look at the images and videos for a detailed tour of this car's exterior and interior.

History and Paperwork

Becoming rarer by the day, this practical classic is ready to drive and enjoy over summer, the 2.5L straight six with manual gearbox in an E30 will always be a desirable choice.

This 325i has been with Ken for 5 years of ownership, garaged and only really going out in dry weather during that time. The car comes with some service history, and numerous receipts for maintenance work. Ken reports the car recently having work on the cars steering column to pass MOT. Historic MOT certificates are included in the paperwork along with the original handbook and a Haynes manual.

Ken will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
03.05.2022 MOT 85,136
22.04.2021 MOT 85,073
24.07.2019 MOT 84,861
23.07.2018 MOT 84,437
13.07.2017 MOT 83,987
26.08.2016 MOT 82,976
27.05.2015 MOT 80,359
22.05.2014 MOT 79,799
20.05.2013 MOT 76,875
05.04.2012 MOT 73,026
15.03.2011 MOT 67,487
19.03.2010 MOT 65,631
12.03.2009 MOT 64,447
13.03.2008 MOT 60,989
26.03.2007 MOT 59,354
11.04.2006 MOT 57,188
Key Details
  • Model325i (E30)
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date25.03.1986
  • CC2,494
  • Mileage~85,000
  • ColourAlpine White
  • Interior ColourBlue
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #WBAAE320X00900812
  • Engine #25873844
  • MOTYes. Exp - 02.05.2023
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers5
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandAplos
  • Tyre Age2018
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~5 years
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Auction ID437080






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
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3 Comments
jkclayton2003
jkclayton2003
2 years ago

Hi Ken, lovely car I was wondering if you’d be able to provide the registration so I could check insurance. Kind regards
Jordan

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  jkclayton2003
2 years ago

Hi Jordan,

If you look through the listing, the registration number is on all the paperwork clearly, and it’s on the majority of exterior photographs too. Do take the time to look through the extensive media we shoot which can help you to make a decision on the cars condition.

Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

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Vehicle Location

Salisbury

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