Sold
Car & Classic

1988 BMW 320i Convertible E30

Sold for

£10,000

Ended 5 Aug 2026

Data from Car & Classic, updated on 10 Oct 2026

Year
1988
Mileage
103,294 miles
Gearbox
Manual
Engine
2000cc
Colour
Red
Location
Essex, United Kingdom

Specification

Fuel
Petrol
Steering
Right Hand Drive
Auction house guide
£8,500 – £11,500

Previously listed

Other auctions of this same vehicle.

This vehicle has been to auction once before

Description

Highlights

  • Three former registered keepers
  • In current ownership for five years
  • Service history dating back to pre-delivery in 1988
  • Accompanied by original owner's manuals, sales certificate and build stamp

The Appeal


The E30 really proved BMW's intent to perfect the driver's car. Beautifully balanced and offering straightforward comfort rather than blistering performance, this was a car that rapidly picked up admirers, especially in well-to-do executive circles. This example, picked out in Zinnober Red with chrome bumpers and a black soft-top, is a particularly striking, handsome classic.

It remains in unmodified condition throughout, riding on 15-inch BBS 'Style 5' alloy wheels and retaining its factory equipment. The resprayed bodywork presents well, though the interior shows some wear including tears to the front seats and a few inoperative electrical items. A documentation file accompanies the car, including MOT certificates and maintenance invoices alongside the original sales paperwork.

Key Information

  • Mileage: 103,294 miles
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • MOT status: Expired June 2025
  • Technical specs: 2.0-litre straight-six petrol, five-speed manual
  • Paperwork: Original owner's manuals, sales certificate, build stamp, registration plate, collection of MOT certificates and maintenance invoices

Service History:

  • May 2025 - 102,635 miles - Pro Auto Ltd
  • June 2022 - 101,689 miles - Christian Cars Ltd
  • Apr 2021 - 100,688 miles - Christian Cars Ltd
  • June 2016 - 87,198 miles - Autobarn BMW & Mercedes-Benz Specialists (Cambelt, brake fluid, coolant)
  • Dec 2011 - 85,330 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Jul 2008 - 82,006 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Mar 2006 - 75,387 miles - Monkmoor Motors (Cambelt)
  • Oct 2004 - 73,748 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Sep 2003 - 62,401 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Nov 2000 - 56,553 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Aug 2000 - 55,639 miles - Monkmoor Motors (Cambelt)
  • Sep 1998 - 49,801 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Aug 1996 - 44,070 miles - Unrecorded
  • Feb 1996 - 43,005 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Jan 1994 - 34,058 miles - Brown & Son BMW
  • Mar 1993 - 31,167 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Mar 1992 - 27,369 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Oct 1990 - 20,836 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Mar 1990 - 13,991 miles - Monkmoor Motors
  • Mar 1989 - 7,432 miles - Beechwood Garage Ltd
  • Sep 1988 - 1,555 miles - Black & White Garages (Continental) Ltd (Running-in)
  • Jun 1988 - Pre-delivery - Black & White Garages (Continental) Ltd

The Detail

  • Thoroughly serviced in April 2021 at 100,688 miles, where engine oil, filters, spark plugs and emission control kit were replaced
  • TerraClean service carried out in January 2018 to address carbon build-up
  • Cambelt last replaced in June 2016 at 87,198 miles, along with brake fluid and coolant
  • Resprayed paintwork presents well, with minor marks on the bumpers and boot lid
  • Some age-related fading to the front BMW badge
  • Light water staining on the seats caused by rain ingress while the roof was open
  • Significant tear on the passenger seat shoulder and a split in the driver's seat headrest
  • Surface wear noted on the gear knob
  • Rear-view mirror detached due to perished adhesive and not yet re-installed
  • A piece of loose trim beneath the steering wheel has been removed to prevent further damage
  • Cigarette lighter is missing
  • Passenger-side electric window is inoperative
  • Electrically adjustable aerial is inoperative
  • Tyres believed to be approximately six years old with around 10mm of tread remaining
  • Fitted with an aftermarket Continental DAB and Bluetooth-enabled stereo

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.

Comparable sales

Sold prices from auctions that ended in the last 24 months. Chart shows the last 12 months. The latest 18 sales carry details. Prices in GBP.

Median sold price

£10,834

Sold range

£3,100 – £32,500

Sold lots

51

Price trend

Falling

Sold 8% below the E30 median

Jan 2026Apr 2026Jul 2026Oct 2026
See all results

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