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1984 BMW 323i (E30)

Sold Price

£8,100

  • Mileage~67,747 on clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.3-litre
  • LocationHerne Bay, Kent

SOLD

1984 BMW 323i (E30)

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Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

A timeless driver’s classic; agile performance, a lively 2.3L inline-six, and unmistakable '80s style.

The BMW 323i (E30) is a standout example of classic German engineering, representing the perfect blend of style, performance, and driver-focused dynamics that made the E30 3 Series an automotive icon. Launched in the early 1980s, the E30 quickly established itself as a benchmark for compact executive cars, praised for its sharp handling, balanced chassis, and engaging rear-wheel-drive layout.

The 323i, in particular, elevated the E30 experience with its 2.3L inline-six engine, delivering smooth, linear power and an effortlessly responsive drive that rewards both spirited cornering and relaxed cruising. With its timeless, boxy styling, precise steering, and well-proportioned proportions, the 323i remains instantly recognisable and highly sought-after among enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Coming from just under a year's ownership with our vendor, well specified from the factory, this E30 benefits from a sunroof and electric windows. A great feature is the overhead driver’s panel, mounted above the rear-view mirror, allowing easy control of the lights and dipped beams, as well as monitoring fluid levels. The true charm of this E30 however, is the original, unchanged, aspect of more classic BMW driving - low mileage and unmodified - complimenting its heritage.

With a reputation for durability, mechanical simplicity, and an enjoyable driving experience, the 323i is a true classic - a car that continues to impress decades after its original release, both on the road and as a prized addition to any collection, it is MOT and road tax exempt.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting James 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.

Meet the owner

Driving this is pure joy - smooth engine, balanced drive, and classic styling makes every journey unmistakably BMW.

The current owner, James, has cared for the car for just under a year. It’s a car that turns heads for all the right reasons, something James cherishes, he said, “Its stunning looks and 80's style really make it stand out. It's tight on the road and the performance has never let me down. I love how original it remains,” he says.

Parting with the car comes with mixed emotions as he said, “It’s a reluctant sale as I’ve not had it for long but I mainly purchased it for the road tax and MOT exemption. It’s been an excellent, solid car with no issues for me".

James adds, "I haven’t used it much since upgrading to my new car, and unfortunately, it’s unlikely to see much use again".

James would be happy to answer any further questions about the car in the comments section below.

James
Vehicle Owner

James saved £1,440* when they
sold their BMW with us.

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Exterior

Sharp lines, compact proportions, and timeless boxy styling. Subtle yet purposeful, it’s a design that remains effortlessly cool decades on.

Wheels and Tyres

The 14” multi spoke alloy wheels and BMW centre caps appear in lovely condition. We noted no real issues with these and they were nicely in keeping with the car.

The front of the BMW is fitted with Nexen tyres. To the rear, the car is on Dunlop's, date coded from 2006. Tread spec to the front and rear is 195/60.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

Panels align well and we could see no visible distortion to these areas. Shut lines and panel gaps look great and both doors, bonnet and boot opened and closed well, exactly what you would expect from BMW engineering.

There was a slight sign of age on the lower part of the front drivers side, where there was a note of wear to the panel edge.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The 'Opal Green Metallic' (Opalgrün-metallic) paint looks in great shape, particularly given this car is ~42 years old. A classic finish for the E30.

There were a couple of blemishes to the lower part of the car, around the front end and we noted a few slight marks on the front edge of the roof. Nothing major here, and we had to look fairly close to spot these.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The windscreen and windows displayed really well and showed with BMW etching on the side and rear glass. Front and rear lights all appear in very good condition, and we could see no sign of scratching to the finish here.

Badges and emblems are present and correct, but do show with some wear, particularly the rear badge.

We didn't note any issues on the seals on the exterior and these areas showed to be in-line with the rest of the condition of the car.

There are a few signs of age to the lower part of the black trim to the exterior.

To the interior, door cards showed really well, with only a few minor marks on the trim. The headlining of the cabin looked excellent.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

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Interior

Inside the cabin combines clear instrumentation, a purposeful layout, and a connection between driver and machine.

Seats and Carpets

The seats showed really well and were supportive, there was a slight sign of age to the driver side bolster, overall though, this is an interior that has been well respected over its years. The rear showed the same condition, no major concerns and a lovely place to be.

Looking over the carpet sections, the mats showed to be in good condition, just a little cleaning to the drivers side would be of benefit. Looking underneath these, the main floor sections showed without concern.

Checking over the boot, this section showed no concerns and was clean and tidy with no issues.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

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Dashboard

The black dash across the centre console appears in brilliant shape, clean, tidy and well presented.

Black dials with white needles looked excellent and were all functioning as expected. The odometer showed with ~67,747 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all appear to be in great overall condition, with surfaces free from fogging or scratching.

We noted no issues with any warning lights and the gauges and dials were all functioning without concern when starting up the car.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The black BMW steering wheel is in excellent condition, with no signs of major damage or wear.

The auto shifter is also in great condition, showing only minor signs of use. We noted slight areas of marking to the trim in front of the lever, but nothing troubling.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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Mechanics

At its heart sits an inline-six, delivering that unmistakable BMW soundtrack and effortless, smooth, performance every time you press the throttle.

Engine and Gearbox

The BMW performed without concern when running and out on the road and felt tight during the drive. Looking over the engine bay, the presentation was very good and the sound-deadening on the inside of the bonnet had no issues.

The auto gearbox worked through its paces without issue. We took the car on a drive around some local roads with the owner to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting up and more detail in the engine bay.

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Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or other issues from the suspension when we were on the road, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. Looking over the underside of the car during our visit, noted no major issues.

The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey, and brought the car to a stop without a problem and with the kind of stopping power you'd expect. Overall the car performed as to be expected with no concerns.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

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The Drive

The E30's were very popular when first released, and still draw a crowd now. The 2.3L M20 delivered ~143 BHP - resulting in a top end of ~130 MPH and 0-60 in ~9.0 seconds from factory, making this lovely model a decent performer.

The car handles well, going through the motions out on the road without complaint. The car is a relaxed and comfortable place to be with an inviting ride and balanced level of control.

Gear changes sounded slick with the steering precise and road-holding felt sure footed.

Our On the Road video gives an overview of the car on some local roads and how it performs whilst driving.

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Electrics and Other

During our time with the vehicle we noted that all switches, dials, and gauges appear undamaged and are in great condition.

The E30 was well equipped from factory with optioned sunroof and electric windows. Also featured is a drivers interface positioned above the rear view mirror. This enables the driver to adjust the lights, dipped beams and check fluid levels - a lovely '80s touch.

The BMW is fitted with a classic Pioneer cassette stereo. A warning triangle and tool kit are stored in the boot along with a spare wheel.

We weren't able to fully test all of the functions when visiting the car, although James told us everything was in working order as far as he was aware.

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History and Paperwork

A low mileage, untouched and cherished E30 - classic motoring doesn't come much more original than this.

A full service was completed in November 2025, works included a full car check, full service and coolant flush through. Oil filters were changed, along with sump plug, new engine oil, spark plugs, air filter and coolant.

The car's original owners handbook and service booklet is included as part of the final sale, it is MOT and road tax exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
17.11.2025 Service 67,385
25.08.2025 Service 67,385
26.09.2024 MOT 67,288
13.02.2024 MOT 67,258
30.06.2023 MOT 67,016
05.09.2018 MOT 66,982
25.09.2017 MOT 66,512
13.09.2016 MOT 65,970
03.09.2015 MOT 64,187
12.09.2014 MOT 63,142
24.09.2013 MOT 62,057
20.09.2012 MOT 60,799
15.09.2011 MOT 59,481
09.09.2010 MOT 57,994
08.09.2009 MOT 57,089
18.09.2008 MOT 56,221
20.09.2007 MOT 55,106
21.09.2006 MOT 53,891
05.02.1990 MOT 23,549
Key Details
  • Year1984
  • Model323i
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date24.01.1984
  • CC2,316
  • Mileage~67,747 on clock
  • ColourOpal Green Metallic (Opalgrün-metallic)
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimFabric / Cloth
  • Chassis #WBAAD820800515023
  • Engine #0515023
  • Last Service17.11.2025
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers4
  • Tyre BrandNexen and Dunlop
  • Tyre Age2006
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~10 months
  • Key FeatureOriginal Car
  • Vehicle RegistrationA970 HPJ
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeSaloon
  • Auction ID3442







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Ask Questions
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5 Comments
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Admin
4 days ago

*** RESERVE MET *** The car will be sold to the highest bidder tonight. Good luck! Adam – TC

Ziggyuk
Ziggyuk
6 days ago

Looking at the MOT history – I noticed some fails in recent years relating to corroded brake pipes – something noted on multiple occasions. May I politely ask if they have been replaced or are you aware of any repairs? It’s definitely a expensive process so you would have receipts (if they were done).

Forbsie
Forbsie
11 days ago

Are the tyres old ? can you tell me the date om them

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Vehicle Location

Herne Bay, Kent

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