THE CAR THAT DEFINED BMW

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PRIVATE Sale

1972 BMW E3 2500

This vehicle is now available as a private sale - you can make an offer by the Buy It Now button below.

Buy It Now

£15,900

  • Mileage~73,311 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.5L
  • LocationChulmleigh

FOR SALE

1972 BMW E3 2500

Now available for sale

Video #2

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

BMW focused all its attention on the luxury car market and crafted the dashing E3 - a what a fantastic example we have here for you.

The "New Six", also known as the E3 was introduced as a full-size luxury saloon by BMW from '68 and produced until '77. All the models used the new M30 straight-six engine and helped to further solidify BMW's image and reputation of developing and manufacturing luxury, sporting saloons.

The E3 offered all the power and comfort you could need in a full-sized saloon, the entire car was incredibly well-engineered and a hit among the public. The 2500, offers a pokey 180bhp, 0-60mph in 9s, and a top speed of 127mphs, impressive statistics for a car developed throughout the '60s.

This example has been cherished by John for the past 34 years, he's kept a strict maintenance regime and carried out some preservative care of the bodywork throughout his ownership while keeping the car as original as possible. This is a fantastic opportunity to take over the batten from John and continue to maintain and improve over time.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

Driving my E3 over the past 34 years has been a much more comfortable and luxurious experience than my previous and more sporty BMW 2002's - it's been tough decision to sell and I'd love it to go to someone that thinks as much of it as I do.

John purchased the car 34 years ago, after coming across this E3 2500 in his local newspaper, the Thames Valley Trader. He had previously owned a 1502 and then a 2002 and after a test drive of the E3, John decided it would be his next ideal car. He describes it as driving a big comfortable armchair when compared to the '02s he has previously owned and mentions the engine is just as intoxicating and smooth when warm.

After moving to Devon, John doesn't enjoy driving the E3 down the tight country lanes, and therefore the only mileage it is getting is back and forth to the MOT test centre each year, John would rather see the car being enjoyed and treasured by a like-minded BMW fan.

When John first purchased the car, the front arches showed signs of corrosion, and with a background in engineering, John got straight to work fitting genuine front wings and painted them in matching Riveria Blue. During the '90s, John SORN the car and carried out repairs to the rear wheel arches. Later in 2017 he handed the car over to Fritz Bits in Somerset to touch up his handy work. John further fitted blanking plates in the front arches, a modification found in the later E3's, which prevented the build-up of dirt and mud.

Over the years John also reports fitting replacement dampers, however, he has tried extremely hard to keep this car as genuine and original as possible. In 2014, the rear bumper were changed from an E3 3.3i example, the only difference being the bumper has 'over-riders' which the original 2500 did not have. John reports the figures from BMW Car Club mention only ~20 E3's are registered currently on the UK roads, making this a rather rare classic.

John will be more than happy to answer any of your questions you may have in the comments below.

John
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

One timeless and elegant design which is carried through the BMW model range still today, penned by Wilhelm Hofmeister himself.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with its original steel wheels with chrome hub caps, which look great on this luxury saloon. John reports the car wheels have been refurbished in the past and we agree they still look good today. We did notice to odd small indent on each of the chrome hub caps.

The wheels are wrapped in Kumho Solous KH17 on the front right, and Kumho Ecowing on the other corners of the car. The tyres are dated between 2013-2019 and appear to have a good amount of tread left.

Bodywork

Over John's ownership, he's done his best at keeping corrosion at bay, which is rather common for these cars. He replaced both front arches and the rear bumper with genuine BMW panels.

The bodywork looks generally good for the age of the car. Across the bonnet, we found a number of stone chips that have already been touched up with body-matching paint. John pointed out three small dents that he unfortunately gave to the car: drivers side rear wing, rear of the car, down the near side, immediately beneath the passenger side exterior mirror and rear off side window pillar.

As you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail, so please sit back, have a cuppa and review everything to make a condition assessment for yourself. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids.

Paint

Finished in an Elegant BMW Rivera Blue, a great choice of colour for the E3 2500, the paint looks generally good across each panel.

As John had changed the the front arches, the wings appear faded and matted, these are the panel John has painted himself and would benefit with a little TLC - not an expensive fix and being a darker colour will be easier to match.

John reports the rest of the paint is original, the way he wished to keep it over his ownership.

Please take a look at the detailed photos and videos for a close-up angle of the paintwork.

Glass and Trim

The glass and trim all look very good and well cared for over the years, the brightwork appeared great on our visit. John reports that the brightwork is original.

We have captured high-resolution photos and videos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the exterior.

VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

An exquisite premium cabin with remarkable build quality and comfort, as shown with this example.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in very good condition for their age and retain their shape well, although the driver's side has a little wear on the seat material.

The carpets appear good throughout.

A delightful interior with some luxurious touches.

Dashboard

As with the rest of the interior, a very well cared for example with a clean and smart dashboard and instrument cluster.

The retro radio and air controls can be found in the centre console.

The dashboard is free from cracks or tears, please view the images to see the dashboard in more detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A large yet sporty BMW steering wheel greets you as you climb inside the cabin.

Both the steering wheel and gearstick are in good condition - we didn't observe any excessive signs of wear and tear.

We have captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior.

VIEW ALL
'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Setting a new standard in class at the time of reveal - the M30 straight-six powerplant was praised worldwide.

Engine and Gearbox

Fitted with the revolutionary M30 straight-6 engine, the E3 2500 isn't short on power, as it pumps out a whopping 180bhp and will reach a top speed of 127mph.

The engine bay presented extremely clean, with all the mechanical parts neatly visible with no signs of concern. The car has been meticulously serviced by John over his 34 years of ownership.

John reports both the engine and gearbox are smooth in operation.

Please view the cold start video to see the car fire up the first time and take a closer look around the engine bay and see underneath the car.

John reports making an adaptation to the oil filter mounting and filter canister to take on the later and more updated E3 oil filter setup.

Suspension and Brakes

Maintenance on the brakes and suspension has been carried out in line with the schedule, John tells us, ensuring that everything works as expected.

John mentions that the brakes calipers sometimes seize purely due to lack of use, and says the dampers have been changed over his ownership - please take a look at the previous receipts in the paperwork and history section to see all the work carried out.

The front discs on the car are solid and replacements are no longer available – genuine or pattern. The only new discs available are ventilated discs. John tells us that with a car of this age he have learnt to buy parts which are beginning to be difficult to source. If the car sells, the buyer will have first dibs of the collection of spare John have amassed.

The Drive

A luxurious planted and powerful drive is offered in the E3. John and his wife would use the car for family holidays and commute, however struggle to drive it down the narrow Devon country roads today.

John loves getting in the car and describes it as cruising along in a large comfortable armchair compared to his previous sporty little 2002.

Electrics and Other

The car is fitted with a retro Radiomobile stereo system and speakers. While John prefers listening to the purr of the engine, the radio worked last time John checked - just before our visit. Additionally, the dashboard clock doesn't work and never has in John's ownership. John tells us 'Since, to my mind, a clock is a non essential embellishment, I have never felt inclined to get it working'.

John tells us that to their knowledge all electrical items work as expected apart form the clock and radio mentioned above.

VIEW ALL
Video #2

History and Paperwork

One premium saloon which oozes class and elegance, this rare Rivera Blue BMW E3 2500 is a true classic with a whole host of provenance.

John has owned this elegant E3 since 1987 and has not covered many miles during their ownership. The car comes with a host of stamps from the servicing history and MOTs to back up the mileage. Many of the records of maintenance and service work on the car were kept in John's head only. he carried out servicing in accord with the MOT schedule, other work as required.

The car comes with a 2x sets of keys and its BMW Classic certificate.

John will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

Checks carried out by us:
- V5
- HPi checked and clear

Service History
Date Type Mileage
29.10.2020 MOT 73,300
30.10.2019 MOT 73,253
06.11.2018 MOT 73,222
09.11.2017 MOT 73,196
09.11.2016 MOT 73,094
21.09.2016 Oil & Filters 72,973
09.11.2015 MOT 72,618
26.08.2014 Oil & Filters 72,079
25.11.2014 MOT 72,174
19.11.2013 MOT 71,369
19.11.2012 MOT 71,095
15.11.2011 MOT 70,618
20.01.2010 Oil & Filters 69,281
19.11.2010 MOT 70,139
18.11.2009 MOT 69,113
18.11.2008 MOT 66,644
20.11.2007 MOT 64,684
07.06.2007 Oil & Filters 63,277
15.11.2006 MOT 62,440
28.11.2005 MOT 60,315
18.06.1988 MOT 58,224
22.06.1987 MOT 53,330
11.08.1986 Service 50,526
12.08.1986 MOT 50,526
05.08.1988 MOT 47,498
09.08.1984 Service 44,331
26.07.2983 Service 40,597
05.08.1981 MOT 35,180
26.07.1979 Service 26,221
16.08.1977 Service 21,540
26.06.1975 Service 15,080
18.06.1974 Service 12,355
31.07.1973 Service 7,914
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • ModelE3 2500
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date06.09.1972
  • CC2494CC
  • Mileage~73,311 on clock
  • HistoryExtensive
  • ColourRiviera Blue
  • Interior ColourCream / Brown
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #2182674
  • MOTYes. Exp - 27.11.2021
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - clear
  • Former Keepers1
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandKumho
  • Security SysStandard
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned34 years
  • Key FeatureLoving Ownership
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos





Ask Questions

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Insurance Quote


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*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

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Vehicle Location

Chulmleigh, North Devon

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