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Curated Auction

1987 BMW 320i (E30)

At a Glance

1 Former Keeper | Low Mileage | Time Warp Condition

  • Mileage~34,627
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.0L
  • LocationLeatherhead

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

One for the purists – cars like this don’t come along very often.

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, and this is a very desirable 2-door coupé. This example is also fitted with the sought-after 2.0L straight-six powertrain, offering the driver an impressive ~129BHP back in the day.

This particular car comes to market with just one registered keeper after ~38 years and has covered an astonishingly low ~34,627 miles, backed by an excellent BMW service history. The condition also speaks for itself, as documented below, one for the collectors we think.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Darren the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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.

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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

As soon as we saw the BMW – we knew we had to have it.

Darren purchased the BMW from a family estate ~1.5 years ago, where it had been sitting in a garage, covered in dust. As soon as he saw it, he knew it was the perfect find; zero former keepers, low mileage, and an excellent service history. A little TLC was all it needed to return it to its former glory. That’s exactly what Darren gave it a thorough detail and the results, as you can see, are impressive; an original, well-preserved 1987 320i.

Unsure what to do with the car, Darren didn’t register it in his name to preserve its status as a one-owner vehicle on paper. Unfortunately, with no time to use or show it, he’s now selling the car in the hope it will go to an enthusiast who’ll continue to enjoy this iconic E30. He will be available to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Darren
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

It could have been designed with a ruler and no regard for wind resistance – but it’s so 1980s, and we love it!

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original ‘bottletop-style’ factory alloy wheels, all are in superb condition. There are some very minor marks on the offside wheel, but nothing major.

The car wears a full set of Bridgestone Ecopia tyres, all of which have plenty of tread remaining. Please see the image gallery for detailed shots.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in excellent condition overall. We did spot a small ding in the rear nearside door, but it’s light and could easily be removed we think. Other than that, no dings or dents were noted, and all panel gaps are even and consistent. The factory-fit sunroof operates as it should, and being a car with low mileage and kept garaged, we didn't observe any obvious corrosion etc.

We’ve provided high-resolution images and videos to support our observations, so please take the time to review all media for a comprehensive view of the car’s condition.

Paint

Finished in "Luxor Beige Metallic", the paintwork is in superb condition. A couple of very minor blemishes and minimal stone chips are present, but for the age and mileage, the finish is exceptional!

Images have been taken from various angles to present the car as it appears in person. Please assess these high-resolution images and videos to form your own opinion.

Glass and Trim

All windows are in excellent condition with no notable scratches or marks. The plastic chrome trim around the front and rear windows shows a small amount of tarnishing, but the metal chrome trim on the side windows is in excellent condition.

VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Finished with full leather, the E30’s interior is exceptionally well preserved.

Seats and Carpets

The "Nutria" leather seats are in excellent condition. If we’re being picky, there’s a very slight amount of colour wear on the driver’s bolster, but it’s minimal as pictured. The rear seats and all four door cards are also in excellent condition.

As expected for the mileage, the carpets are clean and tidy with no signs of excessive wear. The boot area is also in excellent order, and the original toolkit is complete.

Dashboard

The dashboard is free from damage, and all instruments work as expected. The odometer shows ~34,627 miles at the time of our visit, and no warning lights are displayed. The switchgear is in excellent condition, with all lettering intact and fully functional.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The four-spoke steering wheel is in great condition, with no signs of heavy wear, and the same applies to the automatic gear lever.

Please refer to the interior gallery for more images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Silky-smooth M20 2.0-litre inline-six – a fantastic option for the 3 Series.

Engine and Gearbox

The 2.0-litre engine fires up at first attempt and runs smoothly with no issues reported. The car comes with an amazing history file charting how it has been serviced over the years.

On the road, it pulls well through the gears, with no unusual noises from the engine or transmission. Watch the video to see and hear the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, there are no knocks or bangs from the suspension, and it rides smoothly, absorbing bumps with ease. The braking system performs as it should, bringing the car to a stop in a straight line with no judder through the pedal.

The Drive

The 320i offers a truly analogue driving experience. The silky-smooth inline-six delivers balanced performance, and the rear-wheel-drive chassis is responsive and communicative – making even everyday drives feel special. It’s not just about speed; it’s about driver engagement and enjoying the journey.

Electrics and Other

Everything is reported to work as it should. A Pioneer radio cassette is installed, believed to be either original or period-correct.

The BMW glovebox torch is present, and the cigarette lighter appears unused.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Just 1 registered keeper, 41 stamps for work in the book, a mileage reading of ~34,627, and excellent presentation to boot, this 320i has clearly been very well maintained.

The service history is excellent for the mileage, with stamps covering inspections, services, brake and coolant changes, and annual checks. The original owner's manuals and folders are present, along with invoices for various parts and work.

A one owner, low mileage 320i, it's certainly one for the purists and collectors – a genuine time-warp classic that’s sure to attract attention.

We’ve conducted our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and have also actioned a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional check by HPI that highlights whether the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our view of the car based on information from the seller above. As you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail – this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. Please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to assess the vehicle's condition.

Viewings are also welcomed for 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 valid photo ID before confirming.

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

Service History
Date Type Mileage
09.05.2024 MOT 34,600
11.05.2018 MOT 34,519
16.04.2018 Service 34,494
04.05.2017 MOT 34,323
04.05.2017 Service 34,317
03.05.2016 MOT 34,089
03.05.2016 Service/Cambelt 34,083
21.04.2015 Service/MOT 33,639
29.04.2014 MOT 33,309
29.04.2014 Service 33,304
09.05.2013 MOT 32,942
09.05.2013 Inspection 32,936
25.04.2012 MOT 32,561
18.04.2012 Service 32,536
21.04.2011 Service/MOT 32,153
22.04.2010 MOT 31,864
22.04.2010 Inspection 31,854
07.05.2009 MOT 31,521
07.05.2009 Service 31,515
01.05.2008 MOT 31,124
10.05.2007 MOT 30,729
10.05.2007 Service/MOT 30,722
28.04.2006 MOT 30,391
27.04.2006 Inspection 30,391
22.04.2004 Service 29,480
25.04.2002 Service 28,463
19.04.2001 Inspection 27,919
10.05.2000 Service 27,348
18.05.1999 Service 26,745
08.05.1998 Service 26,091
13.05.1997 Inspection 25,459
13.05.1996 Service 24,883
12.05.1995 Inspection 24,643
12.06.1994 Annual Check 23,695
13.05.1993 Service 22,565
10.05.1991 Inspection 16,368
21.11.1990 Inspection 14,327
03.05.1988 Inspection 3,994
06.08.1987 Service 1,361
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Key Details
  • Model 320i (E30)
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 12.05.1987
  • CC 1.990
  • Mileage ~34,627
  • History Yes
  • Colour Luxor Beige Metallic
  • Interior Colour Nutria
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # WBAAD420500509432
  • Engine # 21994110
  • Last Service 16.04.2018
  • MOT Exp: 08.05.2025
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 0 registered
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~1.5 years
  • Key Feature Low mileage, excellent condition,
  • Auction ID 2654
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Leatherhead

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a 320i like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Leatherhead

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