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Exterior photo of 1987 BMW 325iS

1987 BMW 325iS

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 156,300 Miles

Engine: M20B25 Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag G260)

Exterior color: Alpine White Exterior

Interior: Pearl Beige Leather Interior

Additional features:

3:73 Limited Slip Differential

Early iS Front Valance

iS Rear Spoiler

Z3 Close-Ratio Steering Rack

Eibach Springs

Bilstein B8 Sport Shocks

13-Button OBC

Alpine CD Stereo w/ Bluetooth

Premium Sound

Tool Kit

Full R134 Air Conditioning Conversion

UV-Inhibiting Window Tint

14-Inch Style 5 “Basketweave” Wheels

Falken Azenis RT615K Tires

Excellent Condition

3-Owner Colorado Car

Clean Carfax

Extensive Maintenance Records

Recent Service

Background

1987 BMW 325iS 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. Everyone here has had at least one. 1987 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 featured an aggressive front valance, rear deck lid spoiler, sport seats, an M Tech 1 steering wheel, 13-button on-board computer, and a limited-slip differential. The end result was a significant improvement over the base model 325 and arguably one of the best driver-focused E30s produced.

Summary

 exterior photo

This 1987 BMW 325iS is a collector-grade E30 in exceptional condition, it has been a personal car within the Glen Shelly fold for the last two years. Finished in Alpine White over a Pearl Beige sport interior, it is a classic E30 color combination. Stock options include all of the E30 325iS kit outlined above; tasteful modifications include a modern Alpine stereo, Eibach springs, Bilstein sport shocks, a close-ratio Z3 steering rack, and UV-protectant window tint. Its production date was December 18, 1986, with the Carfax picking up in April of 1995 at 46,410 miles (the Carfax shows 4,641, but the zero was likely dropped as the next entry two years later is 51,311). The records date back to 1998 and support the subsequent mileage intervals listed on the Carfax. The records show correct and proper ownership following “old-school” maintenance intervals including regular fluid changes, timing belt replacements, an R134a air conditioning conversion, brakes, fuel pump, oil leaks and more. It came to us from the second long-term owner who had owned it since 2002 and approximately 100,000 miles. We gave it an extensive service including a fresh timing belt, cam seal and guide O-ring, water pump, valve adustment, spark plugs, drive belts, transmission seals, shifter cup, tranmission mounts, oil change and air filter. After that we addressed a host of cosmetic short comings including repainting the hood and replacing the front grilles, removing the front and rear window glass and installing the UV-protectant tint, then replacing the front and rear window lock strips. We also replaced the driver’s side door seal and power antenna at the same time—all with OEM BMW parts. The end result is an exceptional E30 325iS that stands out among its peers and will bring endless smiles to its new owner. We’d like to find a deserving home for the next chapter of its story.

Exterior

1987 BMW 325iS exterior photo

Alpine White over Beige leather is a classic combination for 80’s BMWs, and perfectly accents the chrome early model “diving board” bumpers and the early-model IS “cow-catcher” air dam. The hood, front fenders, and trunk lid have been replaced; VIN stickers are present on all other panels. The paint is in great shape; it is glossy and looks excellent. The panels are very straight, with no notable dings or dents. The glass is very clean; the windshield has minor pitting, but no chips. The headlights are sealed beams, they have no chips or notable pitting. The taillights are perfect; the sidemarkers are clear and crack-free except for the driver’s front, which has a small crack. There is no visible rust; all common areas like the windsheld cowling, battery tray, and floor boards are clean. The 14” basket weave wheels all have minor curbing; they are wrapped in Falken Azenis RT615K tires with 2018 DOT dates and 85% tread remaining.

Interior

 interior photo

The Beige Leather interior on this 325iS is absolutely a highlight. The headliner and carpet are both free of stains and tears. The front seats have been recovered and look fantastic, with no notable wear. The rear seat appears to be original, and is nice with some minor creasing. The dashboard is excellent, with only two hairline cracks in the parcel tray that are only visible upon close inspection. The instrument cluster operates correctly. The M-Tech 1 steering wheel has some leather wear. The steering column stalks and switches operate as they should; the symbols have minor fading. The 13-button on-board computer has correct backlighting and all functions work. The early style “mushroom” shift knob is in excellent condition. The power windows and sunroof operate as they should. The trunk carpet is clean and the spare tire and tool kit is present.

Mechanical

 engine photo

We have extensive records dating back to 1998 sleeved and organized in a binder. It has always benefitted from regular oil changes and frequent maintenance. When you are buying an older BMW, you are buying the stewardship of the previous owners, and this one has great history. The M20 starts on command, idles smoothly, and pulls strongly to redline. The clutch take up is correct, it does not slip, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The Eibach Sport Spring/Bilstein sport shock setup is a classic combination for E30’s, and for good reason; it tightens up the handling without compromising ride quality. The last major service was in 2019 at 154,000 miles, with the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and cam seal replaced, along with a valve adjustment and fresh drive belts, transmission seals, transmission mounts and an air filter. This is a very well maintained E30 that none of us would hesitate to drive across the country in.

VIN Decode

 exterior photo

VIN Decode

  • VIN: WBAAA1308H2321316
  • Prod. Date: 12.18.1986
  • Model: 325i
  • Series: 3
  • Generation: E30
  • Body Type: 2 doors
  • Type Code: 1113
  • Engine Code: M20
  • Power: 168hp
  • Fuel Type: Gas
  • Displacement: 2.50
  • Drive Type: RWD
  • Steering Side: Left
  • Color: Alpinweiss (L0146)
  • Interior: Perlbeige Leder (P0206)
  • Transmission: Manual

Options

  • 209 Limited-slip differential, 25% locking action
  • 281 BMW light alloy wheels, round spoke styling, chromed
  • 325 Rear spoiler
  • 401 Sliding/vent roof, electric
  • 410 Window lifts, electric at front
  • 481 Sport seats for driver and front passenger
  • 530 Air conditioning
  • 540 Leather-covered steering wheel
  • 551 On-board computer II with remote control
  • 675 Rear seat area audio systems
  • 704 Sport Suspension
  • 708 M Sport leather-covered steering wheel II