Lot 512: BMW 320i Convertible

BMW revised its passenger car engine policy for the 1980s, introducing small-capacity sixes in preference to enlarged fours, having found that the latter could not be made to match the former for smoothness. There were other benefits too, the new 1,990cc six proving more flexible, more powerful and more economical than the superseded four of identical capacity. The chassis was upgraded to cope with the improved performance, gaining disc brakes all round and wider tyres, thus endowing the 320 six with an enhanced sporting 'feel' when compared to its four-cylinder predecessor. 'With this new engine and gearing, the 320 has shaken off the former fussiness and impression of being a car with no top gear. It gains smoothness, refinement, performance and economy, all in one bound of improvement, which represents a very useful achievement,' concluded Autocar magazine. This right-hand drive 320i convertible is finished in black with grey fabric interior and has the five-speed manual transmission. First registered on 11th September 1986, the car has had four former keepers and currently displays a total of 153,013 miles on the odometer. It comes with a file containing partial service history and sundry bills for work carried out. The latter has included a new cam belt (at 110,711 miles) and a new clutch at approximately 100,000 miles, while the hood and Targa top were replaced in 2005. The vehicle is offered with current MoT and Swansea V5 registration document. An engine bay fire extinguisher and Pioneer stereo system are the only notified deviations from factory specification.