1993 BMW 316i

The first thing you notice is the color. It makes you pause. That’s different. And you’d be right. Lagunengrün—a shade BMW typically reserved for cars that were just a little more special. In this case, it’s applied to a rare Design Edition, delivered during the final production years of the E30 and equipped with desirable features such as original BBS wheels, beautifully appointed upholstery, and a tilt-and-slide sunroof. With just 47,000 kilometers from new, this is a dream car in remarkably original condition.

But before we dive into the details, let’s go back to the beginning. The Touring was never part of BMW’s official product plan. It started as a private project, when a BMW engineer converted his own 323i into a sporty wagon in his garage. The idea was disarmingly simple: what if we just extended the rear hatch? BMW saw the prototype, hesitated briefly—and three months later approved it for production. Sometimes, that’s how great ideas happen.

From that moment on, the E30 Touring entered the lineup: a sporty wagon with rear-wheel drive, short overhangs, and—let’s be honest—a beautifully proportioned rear end. BMW produced just over 100,000 examples up until 1993. But a Design Edition, with a five-speed manual and mileage like this? Those are exceptionally hard to find.

This particular Touring still wears its original paint, showing only the most minimal signs of use. The cloth sport seats are crisp and well preserved, the dashboard is excellent, and the original book pack—including the stamped service booklet—is fully present. And then there are the wheels: factory BMW items with an instantly recognizable, iconic design.

Under the hood sits the proven 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Not a race engine, but a wonderfully balanced companion—reliable, smooth, and light on its feet. Paired with the five-speed manual transmission, it delivers exactly the character you want from an E30: light, direct, mechanical. Not aggressive, but beautifully pure.

In this condition and specification, the car has become a true collector’s piece. The E30 Touring represents the last 3 Series BMW built in a truly “old-school” way: without intrusive electronics, with analog gauges, genuine steering feel, and that unmistakable E30 atmosphere you only understand once you’re behind the wheel. It still smells like the late ’80s (or early ’90s), you hear the characteristic relay clicks of the era, and the shifter feel is exactly right—light, precise, and satisfying.

The color completes the picture. Lagunengrün, paired with the sporty interior, feels fresh, authentic, and just a little different. And because this is not a modified or lowered example—but a highly original E30—this is exactly how you want one: unspoiled and correct.

Looking for an E30 Touring? A rolling reminder of how BMW used to build cars? Then here it is. In green. In near-new condition. Interested? Contact Gallery Aaldering today and experience this BMW for yourself. Worldwide export available—ask us about the possibilities.