1987 BMW 320i

Basic Information and History

Here we have a Swedish-sold BMW 320i with 220,660 km on the odometer, a true classic that has been well taken care of over the years. The car was registered as new on November 25, 1986, at Bilhuset in Nyköping, and has since had 15 owners, according to data from the Transport Agency. Despite its age, this car still impresses with its driving pleasure and comfort, perfect for anyone looking for an authentic BMW experience from the '80s.

This car has been preserved in good condition over the years and still has much to offer. With its characteristic straight-six engine sound and classic design, it is a delight for both the eyes and those who love to drive. Ideal for someone who wants a reliable, well-maintained machine with history and charm!

Equipment and Options

M-tech seats in black leather, M-tech 1 steering wheel, and M-tech gear knob. These components are not factory-installed but have been added afterwards, yet they are still BMW OEM. The car does not have a sunroof, which is relatively unusual for this body style. It is also equipped with a check panel in the ceiling and power steering.

Condition

Overall good condition:

1. Rust: Rust is present on 3 out of 4 jack points (see pictures), but this has not been noted by the vehicle inspection. There are rust spots under the rear bumper next to the muffler (see picture); otherwise, the car is rust-free.
2. Paint: Some areas of the paint have been retouched, especially noticeable on the lower part of the trunk near the taillights and at the left rear fender edge. There are also a few minor dents on the body, including an outward bulge on the trunk and one on the hood. A few smaller dents are also present on the roof and doors. The car has 5-bolt BBS wheels from a contemporary 5 Series. In line with the aforementioned rust and dents, there are areas where the paint has been retouched. The front fenders have been replaced, according to previous owners.
3. Body: The car is in good unrestored usable condition (in my opinion) and gives a good overall impression. Rust is present on the jack points and rear bumper plate, but the vehicle inspection had no objections. Paint retouches are noticeable, including on the trunk. There are minor stone chips on the windshield, but no long cracks. Chrome details are in good condition; however, a chrome clip is missing at the C-pillar on the right rear (see picture). Door and fender trims have been painted black at some previous time, and the front hood emblem is worn. The right taillight has a crack (see picture).
4. Damage: There are edge scuffs on the left front, as well as paint peel and scrape marks on the right rear.
5. Tires: New tires from 2023, have traveled about 5,000 km.
6. Interior: The driver's seat backrest has damage to the leather at the entry point. The passenger seat cannot be folded down, and the seat frames need to be inspected as they often get stuck during adjustment. Entry sills are missing, and the rear door panels have poor fit at the top (see pictures). The dashboard has a crack, but a crack-free dashboard is included. The instrument lighting for the tachometer is not functioning. The car has an older car stereo with cassette, but the original "blank panel" is included.
7. Engine: The engine, an M20B25 with a 2.7 L displacement (externally identical to the original M20B20, only the displacement differs), is in good condition. It is "stroked" with a crankshaft from an E30 324TD. An extractor manifold is installed. The engine was purchased fully built and installed by the current owner. The original 320 engine is also available and can accompany the purchase if desired. A thermostat-controlled, as well as manually controlled, electric fan is installed.
8. Transmission: The transmission is in fine condition with no remarks. New drive shafts were installed in 2023.
9. Brakes and Modifications: The brakes are in good condition and were modified in 2020 as follows:
10. 540 brake calipers front
11. E36 M3 brake discs front
12. E46 328 brake discs and calipers rear
13. BMW E32 750 master brake cylinder
14. E36 hub front and E91 LCI hub rear.
15. The car works well, but the power steering pump can sometimes "whine" a bit.

Service History

The current owner has annually changed the oil with zinc additives and the filter. There is a service book, though not complete. The car was inspected on June 16, 2023, and several inspection reports from 2000 onwards are available, but not all.

Comment from the Current Owner

"I bought the vehicle in 2017 from a friend nearby; I had seen the car on the road and thought it looked nice. I then bought a 2.7L engine on a pallet which I installed in 2018. The car then went to various meets (only in the summer, of course) until 2020 when the rear axle was replaced with one that has disc brakes from a 325I (this 320i originally has drums at the back). The rear axle was completely renovated, i.e., blasted and fitted with new bushings. In connection with this, larger brakes were installed to mimic the braking capacity of a modern car. To facilitate this, the bolt pattern was changed from 4x100 (original) to 5x120. The remaining brake system also received an overhaul with some new pipes and hoses. A limited-slip differential from a 325i was also installed at the same time; this has not been renovated but works fine. The car has been used extensively during the summer months and has never given any trouble. The last long trip was to the west coast in the summer of 2023, covering about 1300 km."

Summary

Here we have a well-invested and tastefully modified Swedish-sold BMW 320i – a true gem for those who appreciate carefully executed upgrades. The car is a joy to behold with its elegant design and well-chosen aftermarket details while retaining its classic BMW character. Perfect for anyone seeking a car with both soul and attitude, where every drive feels like an experience.