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Exterior photo of 1988 BMW (E30) 325i Convertible

1988 BMW (E30) 325i Convertible

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 168,408 Miles

Engine: M20B25 2.5-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission

Exterior color: Cirrus Blue Metallic Exterior

Interior: Blue Leather Sport Interior

Additional features:

M Tech I 3-Spoke Sport Steering

Recovered Sport Seats

Recovered 2+2 Rear Seats

Refreshed Convertible Top

Crack-Free Dashboard

ZHP Weighted Shift Knob

Cup Holders

Limited Slip Differential

Z3 Steering Rack

H&R Super Sport Springs

Bilstein Touring Shocks

Performance Exhaust

Skid Plate

Projector Headlights

Continental VDO Stereo

BMW Premium Sound

Coco Floor Mats

Carpet Floor Mats

14-Inch Bottlecap Wheels

General Altimax Tires

Florida/California/Colorado Car

Clean Carfax

All Mx Up to Date

Background

1988 BMW (E30) 325i Convertible exterior photo

The 1984-1991 BMW 3 Series, known generationally as the E30, is the one model more than any other that earned BMW the Ultimate Driving Machine reputation. E30s are one of our specialty vehicles at Glen Shelly Auto Brokers. The population of worthy E30s was decimated when their values were at the bottom of the inverted bell curve of appreciation. Lower mileage, properly sorted, pristine examples like this one are extremely hard to find and have appreciated considerably in recent years. 1989 was arguably the best year of the E30. It had the late model M20B25 “i” motor, projector headlights, and a non-airbag steering wheel. Convertibles were usually well-optioned and commanded a significant premium when new. Yet, they represent one of the best buys in the current market, and are some of the most enjoyable E30s to drive. Properly sorted examples are like this one are extremely hard to find.

Summary

 exterior photo

This 1988 BMW 325i convertible is a properly sorted E30. Finished in Cirrus blue with a refreshed blue leather interior, and 168K documented miles, E30s like this are getting harder and harder to come by. Factory options include paint-matched bumper trim, sport seats, 2+2 rear seats, projector headlights, premium sound, and the limited-slip differential. Tasteful mods include an M Tech I sport steering wheel, ZHP weighted shift knob, aftermarket cup holders, a Continental VDO stereo, Coco floor mats, a Z3 steering rack, H&R Super Sport springs, Bilstein touring shocks, a performance exhaust, and skid plate to protect the oil pan. The seats have been covered with factory-grade leather, the dashboard is crack-free, and the convertible top has been redone—costly items that can often total more than the value of some entire E30s.

The Carfax dates to 1988, showing the original delivery in Miami, Florida in April of 1988. It moved to California in 1992 with 35K miles and has remained there until the current owner (who we are selling it on consignment for) brought it to Colorado in October of 2021. Recent relevant maintenance (done at 166K miles or less) includes the timing belt, water pump, radiator, fan clutch, spark plugs, valve adjustment, fuel filter and hoses, oil pan gasket, Z3 steering rack tie rod ends, Bilstein touring struts with H&R springs, alignment, engine and transmission mounts, transmission shift rod and selector seals. Open mechanical squawks (which we can or repair at the buyer’s discretion) consist of driver seat recline shocks, play in the shifter cup, a cracked high beam lens, a noisy blower motor, and inoperative air conditioning. Cosmetic flaws are minor and consistent with age and use. As it sits, this is an excellent example of a sorted E30 with lots of recent maintenance and upgrades.

Exterior

1988 BMW (E30) 325i Convertible exterior photo

The Cirrus Blue paint is in good condition and presents fantastically. Close inspection does reveal small imperfections; the worst are small paint chips and scratches. The paint gauges original, at between 3-4 mils from the doors forward, and 6-9 mils on the rear fenders and trunk lid, indicating those panels being repainted. There is no rust; common areas like the front fender seams, battery and jack trays, floorboards, and lower windshield are clean. All VIN tags are in place, the body and panel gaps are perfectly straight, and the Carfax is clean. All trim is present and intact, but there is some UV fade. The windshield is clear and crack-free. The convertible top is nearly perfect, and the rear window is crystal clear. The projector headlights are in excellent shape with the exception of a cracked passenger-side high beam lens. The fog lights are crack-free. The marker and taillights are in good condition. The retractable antenna only extends partially. The wheels have no bends or glaring defects, sans minor curb rash. They are wrapped in General Altimax tires.

Interior

 interior photo

The interior is in excellent condition. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet is in good condition and is protected by Coco floor mats, and an extra set of carpet floor mats. Clean E30 sport seats are hard to come by and front and rear seats are in excellent condition thanks to being recovered with OEM-grade leather. The dashboard is crack-free. The 3-spoke M Tech I steering wheel does have some wear, but it is presentable. All instrument cluster functions, including the odometer, work correctly. The 13-button onboard computer has correct backlighting, and all functions work. The Continental VDO stereo sounds great through premium sound speakers; it has modern Bluetooth connectivity. The heat blows warm, the air conditioning is INOP, and the blower motor chirps randomly. All window switches work, as does the central locking system. The convertible top cover opens freely. The trunk strut is weak. The tool-kit is complete. The original shocks are included, along with the factory radio.

Mechanical

 engine photo

The most important element in any BMW purchase is the previous owner’s stewardship. This E30 comes with a binder of records showing the recent maintenance documented above; all of this was done in the last 2,000 miles. Nearly all of the common E30 issues have been addressed at some point, with nearly every mechanical component has been replaced at least once. The result is a turn-key 325iS. The engine idles smoothly and pulls super strong to redline. The transmission does not slip and shifts smoothly. The drivetrain is quiet, with no excessive whine or vibrations. The suspension is firm yet compliant, with no creaks or noise. H&R lowering springs with Bilstein Sport shocks look and ride great; with the Bilstein touring shocks taking the edge off. This is a properly sorted, properly documented, and properly cared-for E30 325i convertible. Like any E30, it will need continued care and maintenance, and it deserves to be well-cared for by its new owner. We would like to find such a person who will enjoy it for years to come.

VIN Decode

 exterior photo

VIN Decode

  • VIN: WBABB2301K8861862
  • Type: BB23
  • Model: 325i – USA
  • Development Code: E30 C
  • Chassis: LIM
  • Steering: LL
  • Doors: 2
  • Engine: M20
  • Displacement: 2.50
  • Power: 168 Horsepower
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Color: Cirrus Blue Metallic
  • Upholstery: Blue Leather

Options

  • 209 Limited Slip Differential
  • 219 Leather Steering Wheel
  • 370 Softop Blue
  • 530 Air Conditioning
  • 540 Cruise Control
  • 551 (13-Button) On-Board Computer
  • 675 BMW Premium Sound
  • 925 Protection Package