We met the owner of a highly original BMW 3 Series model who couldn’t resist the charms of a highly original 3 Series Touring model. Living on the outskirts of Mullingar in Co. Westmeath, Padraic O’Riordan has just retired from a long and illustrious career in the motor industry. His passion for cars is evident in the impressive collection of nearly 100 cars he has owned over the years, many of them beloved BMWs.

Without divulging too much, Padraic shares, “I continue to own a number of vintage, classic and retro-classic cars, and at the moment my collection includes a 1996 BMW 7 Series 728i (or model code, E38) and a powerful V8-powered 1999 BMW 5 Series 535i.”

Lovely as those stately saloons are, Padraic admits that the BMW closest to his heart is a more modest, yet charming, 1990 BMW 318i Touring estate. This “E30” model was the second generation of the iconic 3 Series, launched in 1982, and the first to offer an estate body style, which was introduced in 1987. Padraic’s well-preserved example must be one of the latest of its kind, as the next 3 Series, the E36, debuted in 1990.

The BMW 318i’s humble 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine may only produce 113hp, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. It was no speed demon even when new, and by modern standards, it’s certainly not a powerhouse. However, Padraic was captivated by its pristine, original condition, not its performance.

As he recounts, “I found it through a friend, who had taken me to look at a Mercedes SL, but the moment I laid eyes on this pretty little BMW, I knew I had to have it. It’s completely original, having been fastidiously maintained by the last owner, with a complete BMW dealer service history, including every invoice.” Padraic is only the second owner, and the car hadn’t even covered 100,000km when he acquired it.

The interior is as pristine as the day it rolled off the assembly line. It comes equipped with a complete book pack, three original keys with keyrings from the original supplying dealer, BMW Park Lane in London. When the first owner purchased this beauty, they opted to splurge on a BMW factory towbar, fitted mudflaps, and air conditioning.

Despite the car’s remarkable originality and immaculate condition, Padraic refuses to keep it hidden away in a museum. As he proudly proclaims, “It drives superbly. This car was built like a tank, and it shows – not a single rattle or squeak can be heard.” Padraic’s infectious enthusiasm is palpable, as he adds, “I absolutely love it!”

“Other than annual servicing every year regardless of mileage, and a set of four new Avon tyres, it has required no work at all. It presents in exceptional condition with no rot or dings, although there are two scuff marks on the black trim on both front and rear bumpers.”

Frankly, we’re grateful for those, as they reveal this car is still used as intended. And long may it be so for Padraic.