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.