Description

With a history of creating limited production, performance focused, but affordable alternatives to their high end performance model, the M3, BMW inadvertently created its own niche of future classics during the 80's and 90's in models such as the E30 318is and E36 318is. In 2006 BMW did the same again with the introduction of the 320si, a true hand-built motorsport homologation special edition built to satisfy FIA requirements for a manufacturer to race within the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and British Touring Car Championships (BTCC).

With just 2600 examples built worldwide, the UK set to receive only 500 examples (finished in either White, Sapphire Blank, Carbon Black Metallic, Japanrot, Titan Silver or Le Mans Blue) the 320si was far more than your average 320i saloon as its heart, the 2 litre engine 16 valve engine, was built exclusively at BMW Plant Hams Hall in the UK alongside the BMW-Sauber Formula One team programme engine production. It included a new crankshaft with stroke decreased by 2 mm, cylinder diameter was increased up to 85 mm, strengthened pistons a raised compression ratio (11:1), cast Iron sleeves were replaced with aluminium sleeves. In addition, a new cylinder head, cast at the Formula 1 foundry at BMW’s Landshut Plant, was used with larger valves and reprofiled camshafts and without the standard 'Valvetronic' the engine was punching an additional 23bhp over standard, with 173bhp / 200Nm available in the road version and 275 bhp for those cars in the race series. With the engine mounted lower down and further back in the engine compartment, as well as featuring an utterly gorgeous BMW Motorsport Carbon-fibre cam cover, the cars centre of gravity was much lower, helping to improve road holding and there's no wonder the 320 si dominated the 2006/07 WTCC.

Delivered through Halliwell Jones BMW in May 2006 this stunning 320si has only had 2 former keepers and comes with following impressive specification:

Le Mans Blue metallic exterior
M-Sport interior finished in Grey Dakota Leather
6 speed manual gearbox with M-Sport short-shift gear-knob
320si model specific BMW Style 216 18" Motorsport alloy wheels, made by BBS (tyres showing 5/6mm)
M-Sport multi-function steering wheel
320si model specific Piano black wing mirror covers
Cruise control
Auto lights
Rain sensitive wipers
Anti-glare rear view mirror
Park Assist (PDC)
Aluminium interior trim inserts
320si model specific sill steps and Limited Edition 320si Start / Stop button
Polished exhaust tip.

Beautifully presented the Le Mans Blue the bodywork is great condition, she's free from any damage and as we've carefully detailed the paintwork, she could easily pass for a much newer car. With our usual eye for detail we've also had our wheel specialist fully refurbish the Style 216 BBS / BMW Motorsport alloys, going even as far as sourcing the correct 'BMW Motorsport' decals, along with new wheel centres. The Interior too presents to a very high standard, the leather M-Sport seats (with electric bolster adjustment) look fantastic, no wear to the leather, supple yet very supportive, she has brand new grey overmats and with its 320si Limited Edition engine Start / Stop button you know you're sitting at the wheel of a rather exclusive car.

Mechanically the car doesn't disappoint either. The vehicle file contains invoices for in excess of £8k including a new engine supplied / fitted by BMW and servicing at PDI, 18257 miles, 30548 miles, 30744 miles, 36757 miles, 42981 miles, 51041 miles, 53615 miles, 57097 miles, 59660 miles, 71361 miles and 75797 miles. Needless to say driving this car is a delight too. Once up to temperature the driver can being to explore the free-revving 173bhp engine and enjoy the sublime road-holding, though should you wish to drive like the 320si WTCC / BTCC champions Andy Priaulx / Colin Turkington we think you'd best leave this to the track!

With less than 300 examples now known the 320si is a rare and appreciating classic. Our example not only presents wonderfully, she comes with 2 keys, clear HPI and is supported with the all important meticulous service history records showing this car has been cherished at the level to keep this motorsport derived limited edition in 'tip-top' condition.