The BMW e30 model has long enjoyed an enthusiast following. The flagship M3 was developed directly from motorsport where it racked up numerous racing accolades, which in turn saw significant popularity in the road-going models and variants of the second-generation BMW 3 Series.
As with many classic cars, the e30 has passed through its dip in desirability and lower values, to emerge as a highly sought-after ‘youngtimer’, which have resulted in steadily rising prices. The enduring design and high build quality make these an ideal classic car choice.
The convertible was particularly noted at the time for its fully open cockpit, a step on from BMW’s Baur targa-style cabriolet. In the folded position, the new convertible hood of the e30 completely retracted from sight and sat under a neat cover, offering a stunning four seat soft-top tourer.
This particular 1988 cabriolet, in metallic royal blue with blue hood, classic BBS wheels and chrome bumpers is a very presentable example. Following its emergence from dry storage, the car has been through a recent recommission, resulting in a mechanically sound and lovely driving classic, ready for its next owner.
The cabriolet’s current owner has had the car for 5 years, having bought it as a strong six-cylinder example of the ever-popular cabriolet. The car is known to have spent a number of years in the same area of the South-West, near Plymouth, where the current owner also resides. Across its lifetime, this car has had 12 owners, which given its age and popularity across the decades, is very common for these e30 3 Series.
By his own admission, the current owner is a serial BMW enthusiast and collector, estimating his back catalogue now stands at something in the region of 300 BMWs owned over the years. Knowledgeable and particular about the brand’s various models, the owner acquired this 320i as a longer-term addition and to improve on its sound condition by way of a light recommission and bodywork restoration.
However, owing to a lack of time to enjoy the car and the enthusiast market picking up for all engine variants of the e30, it is now time for this cabriolet to provide miles of open-top smiles to a new custodian.
The documentation accompanying this BMW is reflective of the maintenance undertaken to keep this e30 in good mechanical condition. Equally, the professional bodywork repairs rectifying the common areas of corrosion are also documented as evidence of expert attention.
While the paperwork provides a good overview of significant work and parts, it is by no means a complete history and does not include a fully stamped BMW service manual. Books and manuals do accompany the car, together with receipts for the recent recommissioning work, including a new cam belt, exhaust manifold gasket and MOT. On the subject of MOT, the latest test noted no advisories.
Although this is not a full BMW service history, the paperwork does provide a story of a well looked after and maintained car, including a new blue soft-top hood.
Original and honest is the best way to describe the interior. Generally, the upholstery, carpets, trims and fittings are all in a used but good condition. The most notable signs of age and use are on the driver’s seat, which is reflective of the mileage and the driver naturally being the most common occupant. The wear in the seat is detailed in the photo gallery below.
The current owner’s focus has been on the ensuring the car is mechanically sound and addressing the areas of bodywork requiring restoration. The interior was left as an honest representation of the car and provides an opportunity for further improvement. A good interior valet would no doubt quickly lift the visual appearance of the upholstery.
The interior controls, heating and switches are reported as all working correctly and in a good visual condition It has also recently had a new heater and resister, using genuine BMW parts. There is an aftermarket Pioneer CD head unit, which is in keeping with the interior styling of the period.
Glass throughout the car is all clear with no notable unsightly scratches or marking.
As mentioned, there is a relatively new blue soft-top hood which is clean and clear of any marking.
The recommissioning work included bodywork restoration undertaken by South Coast Restorations, which saw both rear arches rectified for rust and the front driver’s side lower wing receiving new metal. All areas were treated and repainted and present in excellent matching condition.
The rest of the bodywork is solid and in good shape, having recently received a full machine polish, leaving a lovely shine across the entire car. The only notable small area of rust now remains at the rear, under the rear valance. There is some bubbling under the paint around the driver’s side wing mirror but does not detract from the presentable condition of the car.
The underside has light surface rust commensurate with age, but importantly the jacking points are solid.
All lights, trims, plastics and fixings are all in very good condition with no notable damage and the only missing part appears to be a small plastic cap, on the hood cover trim. The chrome trim and bumpers are all in great shape and have minimal signs of pitting and clean up to a lovely shine, complimenting the deep blue bodywork.
The front end including the bonnet, lights and bumper all have very few stone chips. Door shuts, sills, wings, inner wings and valances appear in a good solid condition. The replacement blue soft-top hood is in fantastic condition.
All four silver alloy wheels, present extremely well with only a few minor marks. All tyres appear in very good condition, with plenty of remaining tread.
The Mechanics
As highlighted before, the focus by the owner has been on the mechanical and running condition of this e30, which has resulted in the car driving really well, with no known mechanical gremlins.
The engine bay is free from any signs of leaks or excess oil and the battery is reported as new.
This six-cylinder 320i sounds smooth and picks up well. When driving, the car appears to have no notable issues regarding starting, manoeuvring, stopping and shutting off the engine. Equally there are no rattles or squeaks from the suspension, which can be an issue on the 3 Series of this era. The attention to mechanical servicing certainly looks to be reflective of its current running condition.
The BMW e30 is without doubt a desirable period in the BMW story. While the M3 and 325i were the early favourites, the 320i still features the famed six-cylinder engine and mated with a manual gearbox, as this one is, it is easy to see why these smooth ultimate driving machines are so popular as a truly usable classic car.
Eye-catching design, open-top summer fun and practical for four, this cabriolet is a great solid example to enjoy and further improve upon, only adding to its desirability and value as the years roll on.
Concours it is not, but honest, reliable and in great shape, this 320i presents a brilliant opportunity to own a genuine piece of BMW history. This is the perfect way to enjoy those big blue summer skies.
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1988 BMW e30 320i Cabriolet
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