Price: SOLD
Mileage: 143.700 Miles
Engine: M20B25 2.5-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Exterior color: Salmon Silver Metallic Exterior (Lachssilber 203)
Interior: Black Leather Sport Interior
Additional features:
3-Spoke Sport Steering Wheel
Limited Slip Differential
H&R Lowering Springs
Bilstein Sport Shocks
Alpine CD Stereo
BMW Premium Sound
16-Inch BBS Replica Wheels
Colorado Car
Clean Carfax
Rebuilt Transmission
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. 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.
I purchased this 1989 325i convertible from a fellow E30 enthusiast. Prior to that it was one of Doug Paddock’s (of Paddock Imports) personal cars. Records from the previous owners go back to the year 2000 and show regular services and maintenance. The convertible top was replaced and is in excellent condition with a clear rear window and no tears. The front and rear seat leather was replaced with very high quality marine grade leather. It is by far the nicest leather I have seen in an E30, being soft to the touch, yet durable and UV resistant. The dashboard is crack-free except for one tiny crack in the parcel tray. It is well-optioned with the 3-Spoke Sport steering wheel, a 13-button on-board computer, Premium Sound, H&R lowering springs, Bilstein Sport shocks, and 16-inch BBS replica wheels. In preparation for sale we did a valve adjustment, valve cover gasket, spark plugs, thermostat, and a fresh oil change. The cooling system was overhauled at 143,000 miles. The transmission was rebuilt at 141,000 miles. The last timing belt was done in the last 30,000 miles. The transmission was rebuilt under the previous owner’s care; other significant items include the idle control valve, suspension, power steering system and rack, a lot of other small items. As it sits it is a turn-key car ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. It is one of the strongest pulling E30s we’ve had. It comes with a clean Carfax and we pay for emissions.
The Salmon Silver paint is in good condition and presents fantastically. Close inspection does reveal small imperfections; the worst are swirl marks on the trunk lid, a few small cracks on the lower hood, and a small dent in the center of the hood. 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 black-work and trim are present and intact, but there is some UV fade on the front bumper trim and discoloration of the window rubber lock-strip. The windshield is crack-free and the side windows are tinted. The convertible top has no rips or tears and the rear window has no cracks. The projector headlights are in excellent shape with no cracks or pitting, the low beams are protected by plastic covers, one has a small crack. The fog lights are crack-free. The marker and taillights are in excellent condition. The retractable antenna works, but needs help to extend and retract fully. The wheels have no bends or glaring defects, sans minor curb rash. Winter tires are mounted in the pictures, but summer tires are also included and can be mounted free of charge.
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 front and rear seats are in excellent condition thanks to being replaced with marine-grade leather. The leather is better than original material. The dashboard is crack free, except for one tiny crack in the parcel tray. The 3-spoke 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 Alpine stereo sounds great through premium sound speakers. It has a 30-pin iPod in cable in the center console. This is compatible with a modern iPod / iPhone with a lightning adaptor. The heat blows warm and the air conditioning blows cold. The fan works at all speeds. All window and sunroof switches work, as does the central locking system. The convertible top cover opens freely and the trunk shock is strong. Two keys, the owner’s manual and convertible top instructions are included.
The most important element in any BMW purchase is the previous owner’s stewardship. This E30 comes with 2-inch binder of records showing correct and frequent maintenance. 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.
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.
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