1971' BMW E3 2500

BMW’s range of saloons falling under the E3 factory code, took luxury saloon car motoring to a whole new level. They were a game changer and set new standards for the luxury sporting saloon car market.
The E3 truly rattled the cage of Mercedes giving the same levels of build quality and refinement but now with a truly sporting nature for the driving enthusiast. For the drivers lucky enough to experience these cars when new, there was no going back. One could argue that the sporty experience of these saloon cars and great sales figures, made the BMW board at the time, take note. They realised that there was a large number of drivers who expected high levels of luxury, refinement, usability, superb driver ergonomics with the ability to cover ground at great speed and pay a premium for that experience. Arguably, BMW E3 saloons could be remembered as the birth of the super-saloon.
The M30, straight-6, over-head camshaft motor used in both the E3 and the E9 range of cars, was superbly smooth, giving plenty of horse-power, oodles of torque and great fuel economy. Its first incarnation in 2. 5 litre form being the smoothest of them all and now an engineering legend.
The owner of this lovely 2500 is a great chum of Classic Heroes. Four years ago, he asked us to carry out a pre-purchase inspection of this car. After some research it was discovered a 2500 competed in the 1971 Monte Carlo Rally, giving this car a guaranteed entry to the current Historic Monte Carlo Rally.
The car was one of the most original and unmolested examples we had seen for many years. Most importantly the bodyshell was extraordinary. Original, unrestored and utterly corrosion free. It was with great excitement that we
were able to report that the car had all the right integrity and levels or originality, enabling him to proceed with the purchase. The 2500 would be part of a growing collection of special cars and would sit alongside his already prepared rally Datsun 240 Z.
After delivery to the Classic Heroes workshop a program of age-related maintenance, mechanical future proofing and enhancements was drawn up to ensure that this 2500 was utterly turn-key and prepared for the 2020 event. It had to be a zero compromise, want for nothing, mechanical restoration. The following work was carried out in preparation, so one can imagine our immense disappointment when it was announced that the event would be cancelled due to Covid travel restrictions.
Inspection II service
New battery
5-speed gearbox conversion
Conversion of headlights to HID and HID
Rebuilt front brake calipers
Bespoke Cocomat floor mats
Installation of rear seat belts
Distributor O ring
Prop-shaft coupling
Washer pump
Fuel tank O rings
Radiator
Viscous Fan clutch conversion
Wiper blades
Coil
Rotor arm
Braided brake hoses
All coolant hoses
Heater Hoses
All fuel hoses
Header tank and cap
Fuel pump
Door catch grommets
Water pump
Thermostat
Interior light switch
Rebuilt alternator
Belts
Voltage regulator
Window seals
Replace all shock absorbers with Bilstein’s
Replace exhaust manifold gaskets
All suspension bushes
Ball joint gaiters
All steering tracks rods
All tyres
Adjust front wheel
Sump gasket
Timing chain tensioner seal
Differential mounting
Brake servo hoses
Rear light lens gasket
Clutch master cylinder
Clutch slave cylinder
Brake master cylinder
Additional n/ s mirror
Specification:
BMW 2500
Verona Red
Black Vinyl interior
6 previous owners
65, 000 Miles
Full-service history
5-speed manual gearbox
The car will pass through the Classic Heroes workshop prior to hand over to the new owner. We will be carrying out an annual service, new brake fluid and coolant, new MOT and final PDI ensuring it wants for nothing.
This 2500 will be handed over with all spare keys, original service wallet, handbooks and amazingly, the original and fully stamped service book. Still installed is the original Blaupunkt radio and chassis and motor are matching numbers.