1985 BMW 316 Baur

First registered in 1985, this non-injection 316 E30 Baur Cabriolet is finished in Red over black leather interior, and is one of just 1,806 delivered to the UK, making it exceedingly rare. Safe to say you’re not likely to lose this in a car park…

According to the Karosserie Baur tag on the inside of the nearside door, the serial number of this example is B-44659-13. The first example built was tagged B-40001, making this example number 4,658. Whilst that is this 316’s ‘place’ in the overall production number of 10,865, only 1,362 exam-ples of the non-injection 316 TC2 were built, making this one of the rarer models produced. The ’13’ on the end of the tag denotes the roof code, which in this instance is Sonnenland Black.

Looking back through the vehicles history, it appears that this 316 E30 took some time off the road between 2012 and 2021, judging by the gap in its MoT history. That said, even prior to 2012, the MoT history all the way back to 2006 (when it began being registered online) is a sea of green, with only one or two advisories along the way, suggesting it’s been well-kept and fastidiously main-tained over the years.

The mileage is also noteworthy - between 2012 and its exam in 2021, the car covered less than 50 miles, and between 2006 and 2021 less than 6,000 miles, so its been used sparingly as well as be-ing kept in top condition.

With its coach-built bodywork, this is far from your average E30, though it will pass ‘under the ra-dar’ for those that aren’t aware of its importance and uniqueness in the E30 range.

The bodywork and paint on this example is in fantastic condition throughout, and the striking red paintwork is certain to draw plenty of attention. Case in point, during our photo shoot the photogra-pher was stopped not once but twice by passers-by to chat about the car, and earned a thumbs-up from a passing classic car driver whilst in traffic.

Looking closely, the chrome windscreen surround shows some patina and pitting, whilst the wind-screen also displays a noticeable chip on the driver’s side though this was not picked up on the most recent MoT exam.

The folding roof is in excellent condition, with only a few light marks to attest to its age. The roof fits perfectly and engages/disengages without fault, though the plastic rear window is beginning to cloud/discolour with age. Importantly, however, it remains free from damage or cracking.

Looking along the profile of this Baur TC2, there are no signs of any impact damage, mis-aligned panels or dents that we could see. Up-close the paintwork holds up to its apparent condition, with only some light stone chips and minor commensurate usage marks being visible, along with some heavier wear around the towing eye on the front bumper.

All four wheels present very well indeed, and are wrapped in matching Dunlop rubber.

Inside, the good news continues, as the cabin of this E30 presents just as well - if not better - than the exterior.

The seats are undamaged and look largely untroubled by the passage of time, with no rips, tears or heavy wear noted - even the outer bolsters are in great shape still, especially given their age.

Similarly, the door cards, carpets and centre console all present well, with only a few very minor age-related marks visible, signs that the car has been used and enjoyed sparingly and carefully over the years.

Up above, the inner lining of the folding Baur roof is in good shape, though vision out the rear is slightly restricted due to the aforementioned discolouration of the plastic rear window. The catches all engage correctly without fault, though the nearside edge benefits from being pulled down slightly when latching the roof shut.

Looking closely, there is a small crack in the upper dashboard, though this is purely superficial in its appearance.

Whilst the speedometer and tachometer both work correctly, the temperature gauge on the instru-ment binnacle is inoperable, and the fuel gauge fluctuates whilst on the move.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the badge that confirms this example as a genuine Kaross-erie Baur - built car is present in the inner nearside door shut.

In the engine bay, the 1.8-litre carburettor-fed inline-four presents well, though there is certainly po-tential for a fastidious detailer to bring the engine bay ‘up a notch’ in its appearance, should they wish to do so.

Whilst there were no obvious visual indications of any issues, we found that whilst the car would start and idle when cold, once warmed up it would start and idle, but as soon as the car is given any revs, once the RPMs drop the engine would just cut out with no warning when coasting or coming to a stop. The engine instantly restarts and will then idle until being revved again, though this is clearly an issue that requires rectifying sooner rather than later.

Other than the aforementioned cutting-out issue, however, the engine appeared to perform well, though we did find it stumbled/stuttered under strong acceleration, which we feel is either a fuelling or ignition issue, which is perhaps related to the above cut-out problem.

The transmission and clutch both felt remarkably tight and fresh, and once moving we were thor-oughly impressed by the way this E30 felt on the road.

Underneath, the chassis looks to be good in all the important places and the sills look nice and solid, though there is the usual surface corrosion and ‘bloom’ visible on exposed areas.

The most recent MoT exam - dated 13 September 2021 - shows a clean first-time pass with no ad-visory items.

Included with the vehicle is the V5 registered keepers document showing five former keepers, and a history of MoT certificates to help verify the indicated mileage.

For those looking for the drop-top experience without sacrificing rear 3/4 vision, along with having the additional rarity and provenance that comes with a limited-run, coach-built cabriolet, this E30 Baur TC2 is just the ticket, and is certain to draw plenty of attention wherever you take it.

Presented in wonderful condition throughout, but in need of some mechanical fettling to bring it back to full health, we estimate this delightful 1985 316 BMW E30 Baur TC2 to fetch in the region of £6,000 to £10,000 when the hammer falls.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abing-don; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Con-tact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.