320i automatic coupe 1990

[qwertyu]

MOT January 2022

Expansion of London's Ultra Low Emissions Zone forces the sale of my beloved Glacier Blue 320i coupe - a fine unmolested example of the classic E30 with the legendary 2.0 litre, straight-6 engine.
Acquired in 2014, I have used it as my 'everyday' car for work and leisure adding about 5000 miles each year. The engine is tight, and combined with a smooth automatic box (ZF 4 HP 22), rarely revs above 3000rpm. The gear box was serviced a few years ago and the rear oil seal and guibo were replaced this year.

I have replaced all the peripherals that are bound to fail after 100,000 miles including the radiator, steering rack, water pump & timing belt (this year at 135, 000 miles), both wishbones, gearbox mounts, fuel pump, rear suspension bushes and differential as well as both brake discs and drums - all through an independent BMW specialist. Many thanks to the writer/s of the brilliant E30 Wiki which has been a great source of information in understanding and maintaining this car.

The interior is clean (no smoke, no dogs) apart from a worn driver's seat which requires re-upholstering. The manual sunroof is rust-free and well-maintained. My struggles with the heating system are documented in the Technical Help section of the E30 Zone. For the record, I couldn’t face removing the dashboard so I have a very simple binary heating system: full on or full off! I’m sure this could be fixed as there is clearly a mechanical fault with one of the flaps, or their linkage, behind the radio. The heater certainly works, chucking out enough heat to defrost a couple of large frozen Bavarians when it’s full-on! The car was originally built with aircon which I have had disconnected. I was quoted £1000 a few years ago to re-fit it with a modern CFC-free version.

The underside is solid apart from some rust around the nearside back wheel arch which needs attention. The front “jacking points” (as they are incorrectly called) were replaced and welded for the last MOT but otherwise I have had no issues with rust.

Serviced annually (every 5000 miles), this much-admired motor comes with a new battery, four decent tyres and a spare. If I had a garage or a driveway, I would not be selling. However, I've just acquired an E46 320i that meets the ULEZ, so she’s got to go!

£6990 ONO