Price: SOLD
Mileage: 187,000 Miles
Engine: M20B25 2.5-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Exterior color: Black Exterior (Schwarz 086)
Interior: Tan Leather Sport Interior (Natur)
Additional features:
3-Spoke M Tech 1 Steering Wheel
Limited Slip Differential
Leather Sport Seats
13-Button On-Board Computer
Alpine CDE-1648T Stereo w/ Bluetooth
BMW Premium Sound
Map Light Mirror
Projector Headlights
Fog Lights
14-Inch Style 5 Basketweave Wheels
Michelin Destiny Tires
Crack-Free Dashboard
Dashboard Cover Included
Carpet 325iS Floor Mats
Stock and Unmolested
California / Colorado Car
Clean Carfax
All Mx Up to Date
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. Unmolested and properly sorted 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, but 1988 models had the most features and the option to easily replace the “diving board” bumpers with plastic bumpers if desired—I love metal bumpers! 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. Properly sorted examples like this one are extremely hard to find.
This Schwarz over Natur Leather 1988 325iS was originally sold by BMW Concord of Concord California on October 24, 1988. The original service booklet documents regular oil changes and Inspection I and Inspection II services from pre-delivery inspection through April of 1995. Then, in July of 1995 with 80k miles on the odometer it came to Colorado, where it has remained ever since. The service booklet continues through 1997, and all work completed since 1995 is documented on a spread sheet totaling $24,000. It shows excellent stewardship, with regular oil changes, frequent maintenance and services. In 1997 the hood and trunk lid were replaced due to hail. The last timing belt service was done at 177k miles. In preparation for sale, we inspected the timing belt, did a valve adjustment and valve cover gasket, replaced the oil pressure relief gaskets, gave it a fresh oil change, and repaired a broken flex joint in the exhaust. The Schwarz paint is in excellent condition, as is the interior—detailed descriptions of both are below. The only modification from stock is a Alpine Stereo and a removable cup holder. A fitted dashboard cover has kept the dashboard crack-free and 325iS embroidered floor mats have protected the carpet. Fitted seat covers are also included, along with the original stereo, a complete tool kit, the wheel cap tool, and all owners’ manuals. This E30 is proof that proper stewardship is more important than specifically age and mileage. It has clearly received exceptional care by previous owners—if only they all had been owned like this one, the world would be a better place!
The Schwarz paint is in very good condition and presents fantastically. Close inspection does reveal small imperfections. The worst are small rock chips on the hood and the leading edges, a few small door dings on the passenger side door, and some light scratches to the driver’s mirror. 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, with the exception of the hood and trunk lid due to the previously mentioned hail repair. The records show the front valance being repaired in the late-‘90s, but it was an inexpensive fix so the damage was likely superficial. The body and panel gaps are perfectly straight and the Carfax is clean. All black-work and trim are present and intact. The lower front iS valance is crack-free and the rear spoiler is in exceptional condition. The windshield is crack-free, and the side glass is lightly tinted. The headlights, fog lights, marker lights, and tail-lights are crack-free, with the exception of one small crack in the right fog light and another hairline crack in the driver’s rear tail light. The retractable antenna works, but needs help to extend and retract fully. The wheels have no glaring defects, only minor curb rash. The center caps are present and the Michelin Destiny tires mounted have lots of tread left.
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 floor mats. Clean E30 sport seats are hard to come by and the front and rear seats are in very good condition, sans typical driver seat bolster cracking. Fitted seat covers are included as a way to mask this and keep the seats in their present condition. The dashboard is crack-free and a matching black cover is included to keep it that way. The 3-spoke M Tech I steering wheel is in very good condition. The shift knob and boot are also in excellent condition. All instrument cluster functions, including the odometer, work correctly, and there are no check panel or check engine lights. The 13-button onboard computer has correct backlighting and all functions work. The Alpine stereo sounds fantastic through the factory premium sound; it has a Bluetooth microphone wired near the check panel. The map light mirror works and there are no check panel lights. The heat blows warm, the air conditioning blows cold, and the blower fan works at all speeds. All window and sunroof switches work, as does the central locking system. The trunk carpet has no staining. The Velcro cup holder is removable, as is Granny’s tissue box, which is strapped to the back of the passenger seat—but I am going to insist that the latter remain in place.
This E30 has clearly always been correctly maintained, which is evident after only a short drive. The engine bay is super clean, and still has the original cosmoline protectant on most components. The timing belt was replaced at 177k miles and we inspected it in preparation for sale, along with the other work mentioned in the summary paragraph. No common E30 issues are present. The engine idles smoothly and pulls strongly to redline. The clutch does not slip, the take-up is correct and the shifter is tight—not the spoon in a bowl of spaghetti that so many are. The transmission and driveline are quiet and free of vibration. The suspension is firm yet compliant and the bushings are tight. The brakes are strong with plenty of life left. The records show the exhaust being replaced at 179k miles, the muffler is rust-free as a result. In Colorado we pay for and ensure it passes emissions.
This is a properly sorted and properly cared for E30 325iS. 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 a new owner who will enjoy it for years to come.
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