BMW E30 320i
63
ENGINE 1991cc/6-cyl/OHC POWER 123bhp@5800rpm TORQUE 125lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 124mph 0-60MPH 9.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-26mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT March 2019 ODOMETER 50,595 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The six-cylinder thrums into life willingly and settles down to a refined whisper. It pulls well and there’s sufficient available performance to keep up with modern traffic. Shifts from the four-speed automatic gearbox are seamless, the brakes efficient (if not amazing – this is an Eighties BMW) and the slightly heavy yet feelsome steering slop-free. There are no undue knocks or rattles over poor road surfaces, and no tramlining under braking. Ride comfort is very good and it feels mechanically on-point.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Calypso Red metallic paint looks fantastic and is beautifully even across the car. We could find only minor stone chips on the nearside front wing and the bonnet and the shut lines are exactly how the designer intended them to be. If you like your Original Equipment Manufacturer fare, then you’ll be pleased to note that this car still has its BMW optional extra mudflaps fitted. The gorgeous 15-inch alloy wheels are absolutely perfect and shod with Uniroyal tyres at the rear and Pirellis up front, all of which have a reassuringly deep level of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is in just as great a condition as the exterior. We looked hard but the only real issue we could find was a minor scuff on the driver’s seat bolster. The rest of the Anthracite cloth upholstery is in perfect condition, with no creases or marks to sully the impression that this Beemer has been doted upon. There are no marks on the headlining and the folding roof is in excellent condition inside and out. There are no scratches or marks on the M Technic steering wheel and the Panasonic radio/ cassette player works perfectly. All the tactile parts of the car – door pulls, indicators, gear lever – look absolutely brand new.
UNDER THE BONNET
It’s very clean under the bonnet, with no signs of corrosion anywhere. The fluids are all up to the maximum mark and none show any current or historic leaking. A look at the service history reveals that its four owners have treated this car to annual servicing at largely BMW main dealers and specialists. Recent invoices for a fresh steering rack and timing belt kit in 2017 are to be found within the thick paperwork file – which also backs up this car’s relatively low mileage.
THE CCW VIEW
The 3 Series convertible coming into its own as one of the icons of the 1980s means that finding a decent, unmolested example can be a challenge. This one is fantastic, and in our opinion fully justifies the asking price. It’s likely that this will be seen as a bargain price in a few years – could the E30 convertible become as covetable as a Pagoda roof Mercedes?