Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
The agility and performance of a BTCC racer in a premium saloon.
The BMW 3 Series has consistently created a benchmark for family saloons, ever since the first generation hit the roads 50 years ago. The premium range of compact executive cars has offered the perfect all-rounder for almost every type of driver, offering quality, driver-focused ergonomics and driving enjoyment. These attributes guided success in motorsports, thanks to the 3 Series' even weight distribution, stability and performance.
Based on the fifth generation E90 model, the 320Si offered the public a genuine taste of that motorsports pedigree. Created as a homologation special, for entry in the WTCC, the hand-built British 2.0-litre N45B20S engine produces ~170bhp and is unique to the 320Si. Notable for its high revving capabilities, the engine is mounted low and further back to improve the handling. The 320Si is fitted with larger disc brakes, light wheels, a larger radiator and an upgraded diff and gearbox. It's also kitted in the desirable M sport package, with a leather 3-prong sports steering wheel and sports front seats.
Limited to 2,600 units worldwide, just 500 RHD cars were produced for the UK market. This 2006 320Si has the benefit of maintenance and servicing by experts who specialise in taking care of the N45B20S engine. Finished in a luscious Le Man blue, this smartly presented example retains its original specification and has just ~54,224 miles on the clock. It comes from ~10 years ownership with our vendor and has been cared for by 3 previous owners, has 11 service stamps, two keys and a current MOT valid until November 2005.
This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Mike the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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Ask Owner
Hi Mike, thanks again for all the info, really appreciate the detail you’ve gone into!
Piers
Thanks Mike, really appreciate the detail in your reply!
One other question, have any of the advisories on the most recent MOT been addressed?
Thanks again!
Hi Piers
No trouble at all! None of the advisories have been addressed. My thinking there was to set the reserve at a suitable level to allow the buyer to get any work done at their leisure and choosing.
Taking each of the advisories noted:
(1) In terms of tyre tread depth, noting that the wheels would benefit from refurbishment, I would imagine the buyer would prefer to put on their preferred rubber at the same time. If the car fails to sell, I’ll likely have the alloys refurbished and put onto some new PS4S tyres (the cost of all of which I’ve factored into the reserve).
(2) In terms of corrision noted on the suspension components, I actually spoke to BM Sport about this when the car was serviced/MOT’d and their advice was that there was nothing wrong here from their perspective and that the MOT tester was being somewhat overzealous. You’ll note from the paperwork that the MOT station where the car was tested was changed, and the previous two MOTs noted no issues with these components (nor the subframe). The car has been garaged under cover during that entire period and has done minimal (summer) miles so whilst I’m not saying there isn’t some surface level corrosion (which you’d expect for a car of this age) I would consider it here to be minimal, which is why I haven’t carried out the work.
(3) In terms of the sub-frame, again this is largely the same story as for the suspension components (i.e. some surface level corrosion but noted as an advisory where it has not been picked up previously). Acknowledging that this is something I or the buyer would want to rectify however to be on the safe side, BM Sport quoted supply and fit of approximately 1k GBP (which has been factored into the reserve).
Just for full disclosure, I asked BM Sport to test the battery for me at the last service. It has about 180 cold cranks left, so is fine for now but is reaching the end of its life. The cost of a replacement has also been factored into the reserve.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any other queries. Thanks so much for your interest again.
Best
Mike
Hi,
Do you know if the cylinder liners have been upgraded at all?
Many thanks!
Hi Piers
Thanks very much for your interest in the car and for the question.
You’ve done your research into this one!
The cylinder linings haven’t been upgraded as there hasn’t really been a need for it. Pressure on all the cylinders is normal and during my ownership period I’ve been very careful to make sure that the car is properly warmed up before exceeding 3k revs. In addition I’ve made sure that it has regular servicing and only premium fuel (V-Power) and oils (Mobil1 or Castrol) to ensure minimal wear on the linings and that the internals are protected to the best of my ability.
I appreciate that some people have had to do this to other SI’s but, having spoken to a couple of mechanics who know the car, the reason problems arise is poor maintenance and the car being treated as a standard 320i when it comes to servicing (i.e not using correct spec oils, consumables and sundries).
Let me know if you have any other questions, thanks so much!
Mike