Lot details
Registration No: J3 CTB
Chassis No: WBABA52080EJ35257
Mot Expiry: Dec 2012

Now in its sixth generation, BMW's 3 Series is an automotive phenomenon and unique among the world's executive expresses. Since succeeding the 2002 model in 1975, it has generally accounted for thirty percent of the company's annual car sales, is the bestselling car in its class, almost as well known in America, Asia and Australia as it is in Europe, and has frequently outsold such cheaper rivals as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra, not to mention that car's successor, the Insignia. The 3 Series model line began with the E21 that was offered as either a two-door Saloon or factory sanctioned two-door Cabriolet manufactured for BMW by Baur. Power initially came from a choice of three versions of the company's four-cylinder M10 engine. Then, two years into production, the first M20 six-cylinder powered options were unveiled, with the 2.3-litre 323i boasting an output of 141bhp and disc braking at all corners. The model's second incarnation, the E30, took to the roads in 1982. It had a far better drag coefficient than its predecessor (down from 0.46 to 0.38), offered more space from slightly reduced overall dimensions and less weight. During its ten-year production run it could be purchased in no less than five body styles, namely - two- and four-door Saloon, five-door Touring (ie Estate) and two-door Convertible. The engines ranged from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit (316i) to a new 2.5-litre six-cylinder one (325i). Temporarily dropped in 1985, the 318i reappeared in 1991 sporting a new DOHC powerplant. Suspension was independent all round by MacPherson struts, lower wishbones and coil springs at the front and semi-trailing arms and coil springs at the rear. Steering was by rack and pinion.

This right-hand drive BMW was manufactured in 1991 and started life as a 318i Convertible. Since then, we understand that the 1.8-litre engine has been supplanted by a 2.5-litre one, making the car an altogether more powerful proposition - the unit is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and the specification includes power steering. The E30 is finished in Blue and the four-seater interior trimmed in Grey leather. The vendor considers the BMW's bodywork, paintwork, interior, engine and gearbox to be in "A1" order. It is now being offered complete with a large history file comprising both paperwork, DVD and fresh MOT.