BMW 320i Baur
ENGINE 1990cc/6-cyl/OHC POWER 125bhp@5800rpm TORQUE 123lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 121mph 0-60MPH 8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD five-speed manual MoT February 2020 ODOMETER 120,738 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
BMW’s legendary ‘ultimate driving machine’ advertising strapline really does apply here. It drives beautifully and seems hardly bedded in at 120,000 miles; it has obviously been mechanically well-maintained. The engine sounds eager rather than obtrusive, the car pulls well and it drives exactly as it should. It’s quite high-geared, so you’re often piling on the revs a bit, but the engine feels smooth and shows no sign of pinking or hesitation. Handling is spot on, too, feeling neutral and well controlled. Even poor road surfaces fail to elicit any sort of rattling, shaking or other unpleasant surprises; the recently overhauled suspension is obviously doing its job well. The gearshift is a delight to use, the brakes powerful, the clutch light and the steering communicative.
BODYWORK CHECK
This BMW underwent restoration work in 2016 and looks smart in its deep, lustrous silver paintwork. There is some minor surface corrosion on the sills – presumably where the underseal has lifted – and a small amount of surface rust on the lip of the wheelarches, but it looks as though it would be easy to sort and there is no bubbling corrosion. The brightwork has survived well but there are a few scrapes on the moulded bumper corners. The BMW looks completely sound underneath and the ripple-free panels fit perfectly. The allimportant hood isn’t new but is perfectly serviceable and all the window glass is good.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
All is present and correct in here, right down to the very 1980s cassette tape holders. Everything seems to work, including Munich’s ‘swingometer’ fuel economy indicator. The seats aren’t worn or damaged, the door trims have survived well and the carpets are generally good apart from a bit of damage to the left of the centre console. The Kenwood DAB stereo is a recent fitment, and works correctly.
UNDER THE BONNET
You wouldn’t really call it show-prepared under here, with some surface corrosion on the brake servo, etc. However, it all looks honest enough, the levels are where they should be and the fluids are clean. There’s no evidence of any leaks or seepages. The radiator and associated hoses have been replaced recently and the suspension has been overhauled.
THE CCW VIEW
This BMW comes with plenty of service history, it’s a delight to drive and will happily cope with anything 2019 could throw at it – the six-cylinder engine and five-speed gearbox see to that. There are some minor paint issues and the car would benefit from a thorough valet and detailing session, but it looks honestly used rather than tatty.