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1990 BMW 320i SE (E30)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£8,000

  • Mileage~123,037 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.0-litre
  • LocationNuneaton, Warwickshire

SOLD

1990 BMW 320i SE (E30)

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Introduction

Glyn Parry
Professoinal Consigner

Iconic styling, racing heritage, and revolutionary engineering – the E30 has always been, and still is, a sought-after model.

The second generation of the 3 Series, also known as the E30, launched in 1982 and remained in production until 1994. Automotive press from around the world praised BMW for its handling capabilities, rear-wheel drive, and excellent chassis set-up. The model range included various body types, and this is a very desirable 2-door coupe model. This car is also fitted with the sought-after 2.0L straight-six powertrain, offering the driver an impressive ~129BHP back in the day.

This example is coming to market after ~30 years of ownership, and during that time it has had a new clutch, bodywork actioned, and has been regularly MOT'd to keep the car roadworthy - it also has a current MOT valid until 25.07.2025.

Finished in "Calypsorot Metallic" with a classic grey cloth interior, it is about as 90s as it gets.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Harry the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

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

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

This 320i SE has been my pride and joy for the past 30 years.

Harry's friend had a black 320i and harry liked it so much he asked local dealer Godfrey Hall to let him know if they get one in stock, he fell in love with this one when he saw it. Equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, finished in the striking colour of Calypsorot Metallic, and fitted with Cross Spoke alloys, Harry has done his best to keep this 3 Series as original as possible. Harry loves the way it drives, with power and ease.

It's clear to see the car has been well looked after during Harry's ownership. Unfortunately Harry is unable to drive anymore due to a loss of vision, he told us 'It is a reluctant sale, and I’ll be heartbroken when the car goes. However, I hope the BMW can go to someone who loves and enjoys the car as much as I have'.

Harry will be happy to answer any questions about his car in the comments section below.

Harry
Vehicle Owner

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

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Exterior

The E30 offers iconic boxy lines with rare and eye-catching Calypsorot Metallic paintwork.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15" wheels, finished in silver, look in good condition.

The wheels are fitted with Jinyu Gallopro tyres, and these also appear to be in good visual condition - they are dated 2018 with a good amount of tread remaining and no visible cracking or signs of age on the sidewalls.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this BMW E30 looks in good condition, with all the panel gaps around the car appearing to align very well. During our visit, we didn't spot any obvious dings or dents around the bodywork. Harry told us the car has had 2 front wings in his ownership.

On closer inspection we noticed a very small dent to the offside A-pillar and some very minor visible corrosion on the nearside rear inner arch.

We've provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. 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.

Paint

Finished in 'Calypsorot Metallic', the paint is applied with even coverage and colour across each panel. While we did notice the occasional very small area of wear to the sunroof panel, you'll have to get really close to notice this.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this BMW 320i SE looks good. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration, both windscreens and rear side windows even had the number plate etching, suggesting they are original.

The window seals also look good and align with the overall condition of the car.

The bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds are all in good condition as well.

Interior

Extremely stylish while being highly functional - BMW ergonomics at their best.

Seats and Carpets

The grey cloth seats look great in this example and have held their shape very well over the years, as you would expect with cherished and careful ownership. Harry always reports protecting the seats with seat covers, and we believe that's why they look better than most cars of this age.

A similar story is told with the door cards and carpets.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Dashboard

The dashboard in this BMW shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs, and with no warning lights displayed.

The odometer showed a reading of ~123,037 miles during our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A leather wrapped original E30 steering wheel is fitted.

This original steering wheel is in great condition and the black leather gear stick shows some signs of use but still looks good too.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

Mechanics

Equipped with the well respected M20 engine, the fuel-injected straight-six offers a highly rewarding driving experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The 2.0L straight-six M20 engine from BMW is regarded as a reliable unit, and easy to work on. On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well, the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without fault. As the car is currently SORN, we were unable to take the car on a journey out.

Harry reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth manual five-speed gearbox powering the rear wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, and for a closer look underneath the E30 and the smart highly original engine bay.

Harry reports the car benefited from a new clutch in 2015.

Suspension and Brakes

Both the suspension and brakes appears to be in good condition, and Harry reports the car provides a smooth journey whenever he has taken it out.

The Drive

An icnoic, responsive and enjoyable drive is offered with the 3 series coupe from the '90s.

Harry has loved using the car for road trips around his hometown on sunny weekends.

Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Harry reports that, to his knowledge, all of the electrics are functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

The car has an aftermarket stereo unit fitted.

History and Paperwork

~30 years with the current owner and low ownership makes this Calypsorot Metallic E30 coupe highly desirable to BMW enthusiasts.

The car is being sold after ~30 years of ownership by Harry. It has maintained much of its originality, featuring the desirable 2.0L M20 engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The car is finished in Calypsorot Metallic and is equipped with 15" wheels. Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports and servicing this BMW 320i SE E30 has received over its life. The E30 comes with a current MOT valid until 25.07.2025.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

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
26.07.2024 MOT 123,032
23.10.2019 MOT 122,910
08.11.2018 MOT 122,399
25.10.2017 MOT 122,073
01.11.2016 MOT 121,582
03.12.2015 MOT 119,369
03.2015 New Clutch 11,720 (Inaccurate Reading)
27.11.2014 MOT 116,776
12.11.2013 MOT 114,066
21.11.2012 MOT 11,464 (Inaccurate Reading)
01.12.2011 MOT 108,347
10.2011 Service & Bodywork 106,000 (Inaccurate Reading)
23.11.2010 MOT 106,346
27.11.2009 MOT 103,004
25.11.2008 MOT 100,331
22.11.2007 MOT 96,453
Power Steering 94,000
20.11.2006 MOT 92,109
Cambelt 90,000
27.06.2001 Service (MD) 68,333
24.10.2000 Service (MD) 62,510
01.12.1998 Cambelt 54,891
04.10.1996 Service (MD) 43,861
22.02.1994 Service (MD) 31,407
31.01.1994 Annual Check (MD) 31,166
09.08.1993 Service 27,791
11.11.1992 Service 20,718
24.03.1992 Service 13,193
25.03.1991 Service 6,553
16.08.1990 Service 1,183
03.07.1990 Pre-Delivery Inspection
Key Details
  • Model320i SE
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.08.1990
  • CC1990
  • Mileage~123,037 on clock
  • HistoryPresent
  • ColourCalypsorot Metallic
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #WBAA52050AE96838W
  • Engine #24674842
  • MOTYes. Exp - 25.07.2025
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers2
  • Tyre TreadGreat
  • Tyre BrandJinyu
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~30 years
  • Key FeatureOwnership
  • Vehicle RegistrationH559 XUL
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeCoupe
  • Auction ID2070