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Exterior photo of 1987 BMW 325i Sedan

1987 BMW 325i Sedan

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 163,800 Miles

Engine: M20B25 Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission

Exterior color: Cirrusblau (Cirrus Blue) Exterior

Interior: Pacific Blue Leather Interior

Additional features:

Rebuilt 4:10 Limited-Slip Differential

Bilstein Sport Shocks

H&R Sport Springs

Ireland Engineering Strut Brace

M Tech II 3-Spoke Steering Wheel (Recovered)

Rear Seat Headrests

13-Button OBC

Continental VDO Retro Modern Stereo w/ Bluetooth

Premium Sound

R134a Air-Conditioning

OEM Tape Deck Holder Center Console

Coco Floor Mats

Blue BMW Carpet Floor Mats

14” Basket Weave Wheels

Nankang Crosssport SP-9 Tires

Exceptional Condition

Records Dating Back to Original Purchase

Extensive $14K Recent Service at Korman Classics!

Clean Carfax

Background

1987 BMW 325i Sedan exterior photo

The 1984-1991 BMW 3 Series, known generationally as the E30, is the one model, more than any other, that earned BMW its Ultimate Driving Machine reputation. E30s are one of our specialty vehicles at Glen Shelly Auto Brokers. We have restored, rebuilt, and sorted many E30’s over the years. The 1987 model year was an important model year for the E30; it was the first year of the M20B25 “i” engine. The “i” motor had a higher redline and produced more power than the fuel-economy-focused M20B27 “e” motor. The 325iS was the top of the line model (aside from the M3); they all came highly optioned from the factory, with desirable features such as the 13-button OBC, premium, and limited-slip differentials. But the 325iS was never offered in a four-door sedan. Many 1987 325i sedans were proportionally highly-optioned as an alternative that included the same kit as the 325iS and other extras like rear headrests and heated seats. As a result, the 1987 325i sedan is a relative secret in the E30 world. Some of our favorite E30s have been 1987 325i sedans; they are often more unique and one of the best E30s produced.

Summary

 exterior photo

This Cirrus Blue 1987 325i sedan is one of those—in fact it’s one of the best E30s we’ve ever had here at Glen Shelly! Cirrus Blue is an excellent color in the E30 palette, and is period-correct over the Pacific Blue leather interior. It is highly optioned with some nice upgrades, including an M Tech II steering wheel, re-covered front and rear blue seats, rear seat headrests,13-button on-board computer, Continental VDO stereo, premium sound, H&R sport springs, Bilstein sport shocks, an Ireland Engineering strut brace, and a 4:10 limited-slip differential.

It was originally delivered by Crown BMW in Greensboro, North Carolina, in June of 1987 with just three miles on the odometer. Included in the 3-inch sleeved records binder is the original sale paperwork, window sticker, and temporary tag. Since then, it has been fastidiously maintained by BMW dealers and independent German mechanics throughout their tenure; every minor gripe was addressed. In 2018 the second owner continued with a very detailed maintenance routine. In the two and a half years he owned it, the timing belt and water pump were replaced, along with the clutch, tie rod assemblies, lower control arm bushings, power steering hoses, drive shaft flex disc, transmission seals, rebuilt the shift linkage and installed a short shifter, installed fresh brake pads and rotors, stainless brake lines, Bilstein Sport shocks/H&R sport springs, front sway bar end links and bushings, and rebuilt the differential to 50% lock-up and installed a 4.10 ring gear. The work was completed by Vintage BMW specialists Korman Classics and totaled over $14,000! Fresh tires were installed in 2018, as was an Ireland Engineering strut brace (which is included, but not currently installed).

We purchased it from the second owner in 2021 and sold it to a local E30 enthusiast. Under his tenure, the seats were professionally refinished in the original Pacific Blue leather and have made an already exceptional E30 absolutely extraordinary. In 2021 at 162K miles, he had a timing belt service, valve adjustment, spark plugs, and oxygen sensor replaced. Last year he also had the blower motor replaced. The most recent oil change was at 163,071 miles. The cosmetic condition matches its mechanical pedigree and is detailed below. This is a chance to own one of the most well-sorted, well-optioned, and unique E30s on the market.

Exterior

1987 BMW 325i Sedan exterior photo

Cirrus Blue, accented by diving board bumpers and classic 14” basket weaves, is a perfect E30 combination. The paint is not original, but it is a high-quality respray that is very presentable with no notable imperfections. All trim is present and in excellent condition; the chrome trim surrounding the glass has moderate UV fade but remains presentable. The body is straight, with no notable dents, dings, or scratches. Imperfections consist of minor dents in the roof and another in the passenger right front fender. All VIN tags are in place. The Carfax is clean. The bumpers and their associated trim are in excellent condition; the trim appears to have been refinished. There is no notable rust, having spent its life being meticulously cared for in the South East. All common spots like the battery tray, floor boards, fenders, and lower windshield cowling are clean. The windshield is BMW glass that is clear and crack-free, with no notable pitting. The rest of the glass is original and in excellent condition. The sealed beam headlights are clean with minor pitting. The taillights, marker lights, and turn signal covers are all clear and crack-free. The radio antenna works correctly. The E30 basket weave wheels are in decent shape, but all have some curbing. They are wrapped in Nankang CrossSport SP-9 Tires with 2018 DOT dates and 85% tread remaining.

Interior

 interior photo

The Pacific Blue Leather is a great interior color for E30s, a welcome departure from the monotony of Black and Beige of the typical E30. Overall, the interior of this example is in excellent shape; the carpet is clean, and it smells like the day it left the factory. The front and rear seats have been recovered in the correct Pacific Blue leather, which was sourced from a specialty shop in California. The dashboard is excellent and has no significant cracks; it has the smallest sliver of a crack on the passenger side defrost vent, but it is not noticeable without very close examination. All instrument cluster functions work; the brake lining bulb is out. The stereo is a Continental TR7412UB-OR, which looks period-correct but adds modern features. The M Tech 2 steering wheel is recovered, and looks and feels fantastic. The window and sunroof switches work, as does the central locking system. The heat blows warm and the air conditioning blows is functional. The trunk carpet is clean and the tool kit is complete. The owners’ manuals and several keys are included.

Mechanical

 engine photo

We have extensive records from all owners showing regular oil changes, services, and fastidious routine maintenance. As detailed in the summary paragraph, it has also been subject to recent servicing of many big-ticket items, including the clutch, timing belt and water pump, shifter, suspension, and rear differential. The end result is a turn-key E30; we could find little to gripe about on our inspection. The engine starts on command, idles smoothly, and pulls strongly to redline. There are no notable leaks, drips or spots. There are slight typical E30 seeps, but nothing that needs addressing at this time. The clutch take up is correct, and the shifter is tight and precise—not the spoon in the bowl of spaghetti that some E30s are. The suspension is tight, and the brakes are strong. There are no driveline or wheel bearing vibrations. This is an excellent example of a true survivor E30 that has been subject to excellent stewardship, and it shows. We would like to find a new owner who values and cares for it as it has been. We ensure it passes and pay for emissions in the State of Colorado.

VIN Decode

 exterior photo

VIN Decode

  • VIN: WBAAD1304H8830033
  • Prod. Date: 12.10.1986
  • Model: 325i
  • Generation: E30
  • Body Type: 4 doors
  • Type Code: 1413
  • Engine Code: M20
  • Power: 168
  • Fuel Type: Gas
  • Displacement: 2.50
  • Dirve Type: RWD
  • Steering Side: Left
  • Color: Cirrusblau Metallic (L0189)
  • Interior: 0204 (P0204)
  • Transmission: Manual

Options

  • 209 Limited-slip differential, 25% locking action
  • 219 Deluxe headlight
  • 286 Light alloy wheels
  • 401 Sliding/vent roof, electric
  • 411 Window lifts, electrical
  • 497 Centre armrest in rear
  • 498 Headrests in rear, mechanically adjustable
  • 530 Air conditioning
  • 540 Leather-covered steering wheel with multifunction keys
  • 551 On-board computer II with remote control
  • 675 Rear seat area audio system