1991 BMW E30 325I SE

Equipment

Calypso Red metallic paintwork, Grey leather upholstery, 15-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, Factory Shadowline exterior trim, Genuine sports seats, 318iS front splitter, Rear lip spoiler and side skirts, M Technic leather steering wheel (rare 370mm), Quicker Purple Tag steering rack, Power steering, Schrick camshaft, 2.7 cylinder head, 6-branch manifold, Shadowline exhaust, Bilstein B7 dampers, Eibach lowering springs, Boot-mounted battery, On-board computer, CD player, BMW premium rear speakers, Rear headrests, Rear window sunblind, Leather gear knob, Electric sunroof, Electric windows, Electric door mirrors, Complete BMW tool kit, BMW first aid kit, Full size spare wheel, Central locking, Spare keys.

Exterior

This E30 looks fantastic in its factory colour of Calypso Red Metallic with Shadowline trim. Whilst not 100% perfect (there is some lacquer damage to be found on the bonnet and boot lid) the paintwork presents to a good useable standard with a deep shine having just been treated to a full machine polish in-house. Both sides of the car are nice and straight with good shut lines and a deep, uniform colour to every panel. The wheel arches, sills and door bottoms are very solid with no corrosion to be found, as is the underside. The 15-inch BBS alloy wheels have been refurbished and correctly finished with a polished lip.

Interior

The light grey sports seats still feel supportive and remain in good order with no rips or tears to be found. Always a pleasant surprise, the original BMW overmats are still present in the footwells. The smaller and much rarer 370mm M Technic steering wheel feels superb in-hand when driving and the upgraded steering rack is sharp and precise. The leather gear knob and handbrake grip have all worn very well, as have the dash and centre console with no damage to report. The boot area is very tidy with a clean carpet, full tool kit, first aid kit, and a spare BBS alloy wheel.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The engine bay presents in very good original condition throughout, with no corrosion issues or signs of previous poor repair. Upgrades include a 2.7-cylinder head, 6-branch manifold, and high performance Schrick camshaft. These improvements make for a very quick car indeed, with strong acceleration throughout the rev range. During the test drive we were very impressed with engine performance and handling. A genuine BMW Shadowline exhaust is also fitted (very rare to find these days). 

History File

This BMW E30 325i was first registered in August 1991 and supplied new by Wiggins Winchester Ltd. It was then sold to its second owner in 1993 by BMW Wood of Bournemouth Ltd (invoice still present). The original service booklet is stamped up until 68k miles, 2006. Since then, there is a collection of invoices outlining more recent work, as well as MOT certificates to confirm the mileage. Most recently it has been inspected by our local workshop who repaired the central locking, replaced the washer pump, wiper blades, timing belt and tensioner, starter motor, and carried out an oil service and brake fluid change. To summarise – this is a solid, rust-free, and very useable example that’s ready to be driven. It has benefitted from some very desirable upgrades, resulting in a superb driving experience with plenty of performance on tap.