1990 BMW 325i E30 Touring

Background:

Compact, high-quality rear-wheel-drive saloons were in short supply in the 1980s, and consequently, BMW's E30 3-Series quickly stood out as something special – being lightweight, refined, and offering unparalleled driving pleasure. The range-topping M3 is now rightly one of the most sought after sports cars of the last 30 years and can command in excess of £100,000.

It was only right that BMW produced an estate version, which, in line with their other models, was simply called the 'Touring'. These cars are hugely sought after now, given the current taste for more practical 'wagons'. Rarity also plays a part, as only 5% of the E30s produced were Touring models.

The Car:

Here we have a beautiful Diamante Schwartz 1990 BMW 325i Touring, fitted with the perfect combination of a 2.5-litre BMW six-cylinder engine and a manual gearbox. Supplied in August 1990, this highly desirable estate model was specified with a huge number of optional extras from the factory, including leather sport seats, heated front seats, air conditioning, an electric tilt-and-slide sunroof, electric windows front and rear, Mtec steering wheel and gear knob, a factory tow bar (which has never been used or had electrics added), headlight washing wipers, along with a rare extendable boot cover. The specification has been further enhanced with the addition of a modern Blaupunkt stereo, offering both USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Over the last 34 years, the car has had only five previous owners, all of whom have contributed to an impressive service record with 30 stamps in the service book. One recent owner was the BMW specialists 'Autobahn'. They owned and maintained the car for 14 years and also added the valuable registration number, A13 AHN, which is included in the sale (and reads as 'Autobahn' on the car).

The car was reconditioned in the summer of 2020, only 6,000 miles ago, with extensive works carried out, including the replacement of all fluids – engine, gearbox, differential, coolant, brake fluid, clutch and power steering. The valve clearance was adjusted, along with the fitting of a new timing belt and all auxiliary belts. The water pump and pipes were also replaced, adding extra peace of mind. Drivetrain and suspension work included new engine mounts, new anti-roll bar links, new front wishbone bushes, new polyurethane rear bushes, new rear suspension tops, new Mtec slotted and drilled discs, new brake lines, new brake pads and shoes for the handbrake, new tyres and refurbished wheels.

The car is sold with a fresh MOT and it’s worth noting a couple of small advisories that cropped up during the course of the test - the prop shaft rubber is beginning to perish, the brake pad sensor wire is broken and there is some corrosion to the rear jacking point and inner sill. The vendor also advises that the air-conditioning needs re-gassing and that there are some small spots of rust on the sunroof. Nothing major, but an excellent opportunity for a future owner to add value to the car.

Summary:

A rare and sought after BMW in a highly desirable spec, all powered by that perfect BMW six-cylinder engine.

Location: Dorset

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional