Turns out E36 perfection has 188,000 miles on it
By Matt Bird / Monday, October 11, 2021 / Loading comments
In a world where more car buying decisions are being made online, so the need for good quality adverts increases. If the chance of cars being seen in person reduces, so the detail and professionalism of the listing must go up, to better convince buyers. Or so you’d think, of course; still there are thousands of car ads that feature poorly shot images, or not enough detail, or basic errors. And this with used cars currently worth more than ever.
Anyone frustrated by sub-par listings of late should take a look at the advert for this BMW 328i. In fact, do a lot more than take a look; set aside some time, study it in detail and appreciate just how much love has gone into getting this old 3 Series as good as it can possibly be. It’s a lovely way to spend 15 minutes.
A striking car advert provides lots of detail about the highlights of a vehicle; the very best ones aren’t afraid to divulge what’s less than perfect, too. As PHers we’re probably all willing to travel for the right car, but nobody want to do that journey twice – once for inspection and again for collection. That this classified goes as far to mention scratches on the inside of the boot and small bit of tailgate rust that hasn’t got worse in two years, it certainly implies thoroughness.
And those are the bad bits; suffice it to say they’re well outweighed by the good. This 1998 328i SE Touring manual (with factory fitted Sport Pack) isn’t standard, but it would be hard for anyone to object to the modifications when this is the result. The upgrades include E36 M3 wheels, Eibach lowering springs, Powerflex bushes, Goodridge brake lines and some engine work, with 242hp and 225lb ft of torque resulting. Furthermore, it’s not like regular maintenance has been skimped for the sake of modifying, either, with fluid services, new discs, a replacement rear subframe and some paintwork in the two years with the current owner. There’s plenty of history from before their ownership, too.
If ever there was a car to prove that buying decisions should be made on condition and not mileage, this 328i is it. So what if the seat bolster isn’t perfect? It’s well on its way to 200,000 miles. The expensive bits have been maintained (or upgraded) seemingly without much care for cost, which is what we all love to see when it comes to modern classics. And the Touring is clearly owned by someone who really loves it – only a lack of space is forcing the sale. How good must their other three cars be if this is the one that goes?
To find any decent E36 now is a struggle, the model never achieving the iconic status of the E30 yet sufficiently old (the last ones were made more than 20 years ago) to require dutiful care. It’s ultimately meant a lot have been neglected, so even an average 328i Touring would be interesting. That it’s one of the best presented cars in the classifieds – leave alone with almost 190,000 miles on it – marks this E36 out as something special. For just £7,995, too. The only challenge for the next owner, surely, will be finding enough time to drive it.
See the original advert here
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