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BMW E3 2500

Mileage: 47,000 Top Speed: 121 Year: 1972 0 - 60: 10.4 MOT Expiry: May 2011 BHP: 148 Tax Expiry: Exempt Transmission: 4 Speed Manual Exterior Colour: Tundra Green Engine Capacity: 2494 Interior Colour: Beige Cloth Engine Configuration: Inline 6

BMW E3 2500 | £7,995

Mileage: 47,000

Model History

Introduced in 1968 and sold through to 1977 the E3 ‘New Six' sedan was praised by reviewers as ‘delightful' and ‘superb', some concluding as ‘one of the world's best buys'. The roomy sedan had 4 doors and handled well which was a sharp contrast to the luxury Mercedes of the time. In fact the introduction of the E3 was designed to pry some of the large luxury car class market away from Mercedes Benz. In the process the model established BMWs reputation as a relevant maker of sporting luxury sedans, something that it still excels at today in the form of the 7 Series.

The two initial models were the 2.5 L 2500 and 2.8 L 2800 with their names denoting from the engine size and suffix ‘L' or ‘I' to indicate long wheels base or fuel injection. Both inline six engines used twin two-barrel Zenith carburettors until the introduction of the fuel injection models.

A two door version was also produced alongside the sedan, known as the E9 coupe. Both the E3 and E9 were the first time BMW had used E codes to designate production cars, a tradition that has been widely accepted by car magazines and enthusiasts alike to reference the manufacturers' models.
 

Equipment

Power Steering, radio, rear arm rest, heated rear screen.

Exterior

This lucky E3 has been cherished by its last owner for the last 30 years and really is in immaculate condition. There is no rust in any of the usual places (inner wings, glove box, rear suspension turrets etc) and no sign of any poor repairs. All panels on the car are original and the underside has been wax oiled leaving it protected and in perfect original condition. All the period stickers are still present under the bonnet and in the glove box, the car really is in time warp condition and has been the recipient of some very pleasing comments at 4 Star and around our local area.

Interior

It really is like going back to 1972, the beige cloth seats are unmarked and the original carpets are also unworn as they have been protected with rubber over mats. The dash board is as new and still has its factory radio called the ‘radio mobile' in perfect working order all be it with only medium and long wave! All the switch gear works as it should other than the clock which has stopped and the interior fan does not blow air (both of which we are working on!) 

Engine & Transmission

This E3 is fitted with the 2.5 litre straight 6 with twin carburettors that are still perfectly balanced. It fires into life on the first turn of the key and idles smoothly; it never feels strained and is very quiet and unobtrusive as you cruise down country lanes. The 4 speed manual box is light and precise with quite long ratio's that allow for comfortable motorway cruising in 4th gear. 

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

This car was supplied new with 14" steel wheels with chrome centre caps which are all in very good condition and the tyres have plenty of tread. It benefits from assisted disk brakes all round. 

History File

The car was first registered on the 24th May 1972, the first owner then kept the car for 8 years till it was sold to the current owner on the 13th November 1980 being first registered in his company name then transferred to his personal name in 1982. The car comes with its original document holder that includes the owner's handbook, radio operating instructions and European service station guide. Unfortunately the service book has been lost but there are 12 old MOT certificates and a bunch of old tax disks dating back to 1982. After inspection it appears the clutch has been replaced recently along with the rear diff mount. The car drives like new, the ride is controlled and the engine smooth, it all suggests it has had a much papered life.