1997 BMW 325 TDS

Finished in Morea Green with a turquoise interior, ‘325 TDS’ is a fine example of a BMW E36 325 TDS.

Yea, your pulse isn’t racing yet, is it?

It will be. Because this one is something special. Still in the hands of its first owner, it’s been part of a small collection, which explains the mileage.

Of 78 miles.

Yup, that’s right, it’s only covered 78 miles from new. It hasn’t ever been MoT’d either. 

Yes, but, we can hear you say: It’s still only a diesel 3 Series.

Yes, but it’s a diesel 3 Series with a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine under the bonnet. With 141bhp and 191 lb.ft of torque, the rear-wheel-drive chassis is driven through a five-speed automatic transmission to give a top speed of 133mph after passing 62mph in 10.4 seconds.

It’s luxurious too, and one of only 119 ever sold here. It’s also got the best possible registration number fitted to it.

Read on to find out why this is a E36 you’ve never considered owning until now.

The panel fit and alignment is exactly as it was when it rolled out of the factory back in 1997. With mm-perfect shutlines, it looks like it’s been carved out of a chunk of aluminium before being anodised Morea Green.

It’s utterly lovely. 

The black trim is still black and glossy too. The lamp lenses and glazing are all clear and undamaged. The badges are vivid and bright. It’s in showroom/museum condition – but then you’d guessed that by its provenance, hadn’t you?

That means the BMW original equipment 7Jx15 alloy wheels are free of kerbing, scuffs and other damage. They still wear their original Michelin Pilot 205/60R15 tyres and while the sidewalls are cracked with age-related perishing, they’re the originals and that means something.

It is still fitted with its original dealer numberplates, and even the fasteners on the underside of the front chin spoiler, the bits that *always* go rusty, are bright and free of corrosion.

It’s incredible.

As is the interior.

For example, the boot lid not only contains the unused tool kit but also the business card from Lewis BMW of Falmouth who supplied the car. The first aid kit is sealed too, and the spare wheel and tyres – a matching Michelin Pilot - has clearly never been fitted. The warning triangle is still there and lifting the (very good) carpet shows nothing other than solid, rust-free metal.

As for the cabin, it’s still in a showroom condition. Completely stock, the half-leather seats are still plump and clean and unmarred by even a suggestion of a crease.

Other goodies include lashings of walnut veneer, electric windows all round, a comprehensive trip computer, an electric sunroof, and air-conditioning. 

The glovebox also still has the original white torch in it.

There are Sport, Economy, and Winter settings on the gearbox and the gear lever still has the original warning sticker stuck alongside it. 

The only change to the factory specification are the red and green buttons on the steering wheel and the gadget screwed to the passenger side of the transmission tunnel. These are both part of a Race Logic gearchange system that allows the buttons to be used to change gear. The seller’s representative can’t remember how the system works but he has been in touch with the firm and they’re seeking advice from one of their retired directors, so all may be made clear soon.

If we’re being hyper-critical – and we do try to be as we know so many of you rely on the photos and descriptions in lieu of a visit in person – some of the fabric on the door cards has come loose. Presumably the glue has ‘gone off’ and let it ease away from the backing a little.

The engine bay is, well, it’s as glorious as everything else. You can see for yourself how good it is under there and ‘in time warp condition’ seems to be the appropriate phrase.

The underbonnet sound insulation, for example, is undamaged and clean. The full suite of warning stickers is still there too because they’ve been untroubled by heat cycles. Even the bolt and screw heads are free of corrosion.

Ditto the underside, which is straight and clean and free of serious rust. There is some very light surface corrosion here and there, there’s nothing there that couldn’t be permanently eradicated with nothing more intrusive than rust killer and paint.

The BMW has never been MoT’d and the recent Vehicle History Check is clear. 

This is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get your hands on one of the most under-rated BMWs of all time. Fast and frugal and beautifully equipped, the 325 TDS is the best E36 you’ve never heard of.

Essentially still brand new, this one is sure to draw an awful lot of interest. And yet, despite its many attractions, we can’t see the hammer falling much above £20,000 – and it may even fall as low as £15,000…

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Helston, Cornwall. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.