1997 BMW E36 323I

Equipment

Madeira Violet Metallic paintwork, Light Grey leather upholstery, 16-inch alloy wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, Heated sports seats, Sports leather steering wheel, M Sport suspension, Rear parking sensors, HiFi loudspeaker system, Automatic air conditioning, Automatic air recirculation control (AUC), Cruise control, On-board computer, Front central armrest, Electric sunroof, Self-dimming rear view mirror, Rear head rests, Body-coloured bumpers, Front fog lights, Heated windscreen washer nozzles, Alarm system, Fire extinguisher, BMW toolkit, BMW first aid kit, Warning triangle, Spare keys, BMW floor mats, Sales brochures.

Exterior

With its retro coupé body styling, six-cylinder engine, manual gearbox, and factory M Sport suspension, this low mileage 323i is a very attractive prospect indeed. The car has just been treated to a full detail and the original Madeira Violet paintwork looks superb. Even on close inspection everything is first-rate, from the paint and bodywork to finer details such as the headlights, taillights, glass, and trims. She’s pin-sharp along both sides and there are no scuffs or scrapes to the bumpers. The 16-inch alloy wheels are also perfect with matching Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres all round. A cherished example in surely unrepeatable original condition, ready to show.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

A fantastic contrast with the paintwork, the Light Grey upholstery gives a bright and airy feel within the car. Much like the exterior the condition inside is exceptional. We have seen many E36s with light-coloured interiors over the years and more often than not the leather is heavily worn, discoloured, or overly shiney, but there are no such issues here. The original leather sports seats feel notably soft and supple with no marking or stains to report. The carpets are also clean and are pleasingly still protected in the footwells by the original BMW floor mats. Highly spec’d with a number of factory options the car additionally boasts a leather sports steering wheel, automatic air conditioning with AUC, seat heating, cruise control, HiFi loudspeaker system, on-board computer, electric sunroof, and a front central armrest. The alloy spare wheel is still located in the boot along with the complete BMW toolkit and first aid kit – even the original BMW torch is present and correct in the glovebox.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 2.5-litre straight six is as smooth as ever and paired with the 5-speed manual gearbox it really is the driver’s choice. The engine bay is remarkably clean and tidy, the car clearly having been well maintained throughout its life. The last service was completed in 2023 only 1,200 miles ago but for the new keeper’s peace of mind a fresh service and MOT will be carried out upon sale.

History File

This beautiful Madeira Violet 323i was first registered in February 1997. Originally supplied by BMW GB it has driven only 54k miles in the hands of just 4 keepers. The current owner purchased the car back in 2013 and we’re pleased to report that he has really kept on top of the maintenance. During his ownership it has been looked after by marque specialists, PMW Ltd, who have not only serviced the vehicle but have also refreshed the M Technic suspension with all-new shocks and springs, etc.

The accompanying History File is complete with original handbooks, E36 sales brochures, a raft of maintenance invoices, MOT certificates, two spare keys, and the current V5C showing only 3 former keepers. The service book is stamped with the following entries:

31/01/1997 – PDI

22/10/1997 at 12,600 miles – Alan Kerr BMW

19/06/1999 at 18,375 miles – Ocean Torbay BMW

23/05/2009 at 29,832 miles – D. Lance Motor Engineer

18/02/2010 at 33,718 miles – D. Lance Motor Engineer

25/07/2011 at 43,439 miles – D. Lance Motor Engineer

10/01/2013 at 46,391 miles – Lilly & Constable BMW

17/12/2013 at 47,580 miles – PMW BMW specialists

12/12/2015 at 49,285 miles – PMW BMW specialists

23/12/2017 at 50,347 miles – PMW BMW specialists

04/01/2021 at 52,064 miles – PMW BMW specialists

07/01/2023 at 53,025 miles – PMW BMW specialists