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Sold

1989 BMW 320i (E30)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£12,720

  • Mileage~78,624
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.0L
  • LocationRaglan

SOLD

1989 BMW 320i (E30)

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Video #2

Introduction

Glyn Parry
Professional Consigner

The E30's success continued with the launch of the convertible, the renowned driving experience opened up to a new market.

Launched in 1982, the E30 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 one being the very desirable and warmer weather-ready cabriolet version. In 1987, a major update came to the E30 range; external styling changes included redesigned rear lights, front bumper, and a reduction of chrome trim, along with extended rust protection, increased interior cabin space and improved suspension set-up.

The BMW E30 has fast become a popular classic to own, and it's easy to see why. This rather lovely 1989 BMW 320i Convertible comes to market after ~30 years family ownership, recently inherited by the late owners brother-in-law. It presents in remarkable condition having clearly been cherished and maintained by a former mechanic, and comes in a lovely specification of "Malachite Green Metallic" with a beige leather interior and all important manual gearbox. A reasonable ~78,600 miles on the clock and an MOT running through to next April, this is a car that a new owner won't be disappointed with.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Andrew 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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

This classic BMW convertible belonged to my brother-in-law David who sadly passed away during the summer, it was his pride and joy.

Andrew's brother-in-law David purchased this lovely 1989 BMW 320i in 1993 from the second owner. Andrew tells us "David was a life-long car enthusiast and it was no accident that he became a motor mechanic. He could bring any engine back to life; but he specialised in classic cars and was an expert in tuning engines. It was a tribute to him how many of his customers attended his funeral, along with several of the vehicles which David had had his spanners on over the years".

The car presents in very good condition as a result of careful ownership over ~30 years. Being a mechanic by trade, he maintained the car himself, and stamped the book with his regular services as documented. Andrew will do his best to answer any questions on the car in the comments section.

Andrew
Vehicle Owner

Andrew saved £2,160* when they
sold their BMW with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The convertible option gives the legendary coupe a sleek, smooth look that became a 1980s favourite.

Wheels and Tyres

The original "Bottle-top" wheels are in good condition with just some very minor age-related marks, some of which could possibly be removed with deep cleaning. The Continental tyres all matching and have an excellent amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The bodywork on the BMW is excellent. We did not spot any dings or dents to mention; the only thing we need to point out is the tiniest amount of blistering on the edge of the driver's side wheel arch. The panels align well and appear to have a matching gap. Looking at the car’s underside, this also presents well with minimal signs of surface corrosion, in particularly good condition are the sills which are extremely clean.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in "Malachite Green Metallic", the paintwork is very good condition in the main. There are some age-related stone chips and swirl marks in keeping with the age and mileage, but these could possibly be reduced with a full detail. Generally, it presents very well and looks superb when the sun hits it.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition with no chips, cracks or noticeable scratches other than minor age-related ones. All of the seals appear to be in good order too. The headlights, fog lights and indicators are free from any chips or splits in the lenses. The rear lights are also in good condition with no damage.

The roof, when up, sits nice and tightly. This could have possibly been black when new but may have faded slightly over recent years. The main thing to note is there is no major damage to it that we noticed.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Leather sports seats finished in beige are a perfect colour to compliment the Malachite Green exterior.

Seats and Carpets

The sports leather front seats are in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear, even in the high-wear areas such as the bolsters, and the rear seat is also in great condition. The door cards are in good condition with no damage; but these would benefit from a clean. The carpets are in good condition, with some light marks which should be able to be shampooed clean. Also fitted are a set of factory BMW mats, which have signs of use but are in good order.

Inside the boot, the tool kit is complete, the original first aid kit and the warning triangle are in place, along with the spare alloy wheel. It is also worth noting that the boot floor is nice and dry with no signs of corrosion. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is free from any splits, cracks or other damage. The instrument cluster is also in good condition, with no warning lights displayed when the car runs. The odometer shows a reading of ~78,624 miles, which does tally up with the service booklet and MOT history.

The glovebox contains a BMW service reset tool along with a working, yes working, BMW torch. Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original three-spoke leather steering wheel is in good condition with no signs of excess wear other than some light shining to the rim.

The gear stick has a minimal amount of age-related wear in keeping with the mileage. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The 2.0 litre straight-six is a wonderful workhorse with a great soundtrack, it has ample performance and we think it is well suited to the convertible.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine bay presents exceptionally well in all areas, and there were no signs of any leaks noted above or below. There is a sticker showing the timing belt was replaced on the 23.03.23 at ~78,422 miles. With the flick of the key, the BMW fires up without hesitation, and no issues have been reported with the running of the car.

The 2.0-litre six-cylinder pulls strongly through the five-speed manual gearbox, which has a smooth change, and there were no untoward noises coming from the transmission.

Suspension and Brakes

The BMW sits just as you would expect and looks fantastic, just as BMW intended; no knocks or bangs were heard coming from either corner of the car, and it handles as you would expect.

Stopping the 320i quickly is easily done, thanks to the car being well-maintained by David. When out on the test drive, it stopped in a straight line with no issues reported.

The Drive

The E30 BMW is a fantastic car loved by many people, and this 1989 320i example is a true survivor from the late 1980s. In pretty much original condition, you can experience the wonderful 320i in all its glory, made extra special by being the convertible version. What's not to love about this German classic?

Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear in the 320i appears to be in good condition, and everything we tested worked as it should with no issues. There is a Pioneer radio cassette fitted, which is on a snatch plate (remember those).

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

VIEW ALL
Video #2

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~30 year family ownership, just ~78,600 miles on the clock and 34 stamps in the book including a cam-belt replacement this year, it suggests the 320i has been a very well cared for example.

All original owner's manuals are in the folder, along with the well-stamped service booklet. An MOT was carried out on 18.04.2023, and as mentioned earlier, a timing belt was fitted in March. The car has a full set of keys, including the additional security lock fitted to convertibles, which usually get misplaced.

A lovely low-ownership 1989 BMW 320i Convertible in what looks to be very original and excellent condition. This car is perfect for any fan of cars from the late 1980s to early 1990s who wants to take a trip down memory lane in the fantastic E30 320i Convertible.

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
19.04.2023 MOT 78,434
03.2023 Cambelt 78,400
07.06.2021 MOT 77,744
20.05.2020 MOT 77.611
03.09.2019 MOT 77,076
11.09.2015 MOT 77,027
09.09.2014 MOT 76,430
23.05.2013 MOT 76,233
23.04.2012 MOT 74,956
05.04.2011 MOT 73,842
30.03.2010 MOT 73,038
23.09.2009 MOT 72,484
26.03.2008 MOT 70,640
02.2008 Cambelt 70,500
01.2008 Annual Check 70,000
07.09.2007 Service 69,000
23.03.2007 MOT 68,958
09.03.2006 MOT 68,120
22.12.2005 Service 68,038
07.2004 Service 66,593
04.03.2004 Service 65,500
28.09.2003 Service 65,393
01.2002 Service 62,000
10.11.2001 Service 61,150
03.2001 Discs/Pads 58,647
10.12.2000 Service 57,500
09.2000 Exhaust 57,300
01.03.2000 Service 55,590
05.12.1999 Service 54,248
07.1999 Water Pump 53500
01.11.1998 Service 51,300
10.1998 Plugs 51,099
06.1998 Belts Service 50,000
06.11.1997 Service 48,054
23.06.1996 Service 43,430
28.01.1996 Service 42,800
09.1995 Service 42,500
18.06.1995 Service 41,100
01.01.1995 Service 39,800
01.12.1994 Inspection 39,000
10.03.1994 Service & Cambelt Tensioner 36,500
14.10.1993 Service 35,200
21.01.1993 Annual check 28,077
Service 22,309
18.12.1991 Annual Check 19,413
13.08.1991 Service 14,850
22.10.1990 Service 8,464
23.11.1989 Pre delivery Inspection
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model320i Convertible (E30)
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.12.1989
  • CC1,990
  • Mileage~78,624
  • ColourMalachite Green Metallic
  • Interior ColourBeige
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WBABA12060EB66390
  • Engine #22274696
  • MOTExp: 18.04.2024
  • HPI ClearYes
  • Former Keepers3
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~30 year family ownership
  • Key FeatureExcellent history and lovely condition
  • Auction ID1736
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos








Vehicle Sold

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8 Comments
ANDYSMILES
ANDYSMILES
1 year ago

Hi, when clicking the location map it does not go to Raglan, Wales. Is the car near Mayfield in the SE of UK?

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  ANDYSMILES
1 year ago

Hi Andy,
The car is in Raglan, Wales, I’ve just updated the map link.
Thanks,
Colin.

AndrewRa
AndrewRa
Seller
1 year ago

As Kulraj has commented, the family have now removed the reserve and it is now open season. This car will be sold. Don’t miss out! Good luck everybody.

Kulraj Salh
Kulraj Salh
Admin
1 year ago

Auction Update – The seller AndrewRa has removed the reserve on the auction, this car is now on sale with “No Reserve”. Good luck if you’re involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Davida
Davida
1 year ago

Does it have AC?

AndrewRa
AndrewRa
Seller
  Davida
1 year ago

No I am afraid not but you can always put the roof down!

cd6411
cd6411
1 year ago

Hi Andrew,
What a fantastic vehicle the 320i is!!
Can I ask you whether the roof is a manual or electric operated and also whether there is a hard top also?
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Conor

AndrewRa
AndrewRa
Seller
  cd6411
1 year ago

The roof is manual. It is in good working order and, as Trade Classics mention, surprisingly unmarked for an 1989 car. No hard top – they are too much faff in my opinion!

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Vehicle Location

Raglan

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