Price: SOLD
Mileage: 112,700 Miles
Engine: M20B25 2.5-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Exterior color: Brilliant Red Exterior
Interior: Natur Leather Sport Interior
Additional features:
3-Spoke M Tech 1 Steering Wheel
3:73 Limited-Slip Differential
Front Spoiler
Rear Spoiler
Leather Sport Seats
13-Button On-Board Computer
BMW Factory LED Slider Radio
BMW Premium Sound (tweeters non-functioning)
BAV Auto Performance Chip (original chip included)
M Leather Shift Knob
M Pedal Covers
Crack-Free Dashboard
Eibach Sport Springs
KYB Sport Shocks / Struts
Tinted Windows
Ansa Exhaust
BAV Auto 325iS Carpet Floor Mats
BMW All-Weather Rubber Floor Mats
14-Inch Style 5 Basketweave Wheels
Federal Tires
Colorado Car
Clean Carfax
All Maintenance 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. This plastic-bumper 325iS is the pinnacle of non-M3 E30s, and it features an aggressive front spoiler, rear deck lid spoiler, sport seats, an M Tech 1 steering wheel, 13-button onboard computer, sport suspension, 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 is it folks! A top of the non-M E30 market plastic bumper, red, late-model 325iS that is in exceptional condition. This Brilliantrot over Natur Leather 1990 BMW 325iS with only 112,700 miles found its way to us after being purchased from the fourth owner, a local PCA member. It is one of the finest E30s we’ve had at the Glen Shelly hangar! It features all of the standard 325is kit outlined above, as well as a BAV Auto performance chip, M shift knob, M pedal covers, lightly tinted windows, Eibach sport springs, KYB sport struts, and an Ansa exhaust. The Carfax goes back to 1992 and 19K miles in Atlanta, Georgia. It shows regular mileage tags documenting the mileage through the late 2000s to 84K miles when it landed in Bozeman, Montana. The records pick up here with detailed notes from the purchase indicating a high-quality re-paint, mechanical refreshing, and general condition. The documentation carries on from there to the present day showing frequent services and receipts for the upgrades noted above. Notable recent maintenance includes the oil pan gasket, timing belt service, valve adjustment, shocks, control arm bushings, spark plugs, transmission seals, clutch and flywheel, shifter bushings, power steering lines, coolant flush, water pump, fan clutch, and an air conditioning service. The majority of these items were done in the last six-thousand miles and totaled over $6,000. In preparation for sale, we inspected the timing belt, re-charged the air conditioning (it holds a charge for a few months or so), and replaced the 13-button OBC, LED slider stereo, and antenna mast. At some point aftermarket components were installed, which removed the front tweeter wiring. We installed the correct tweeters, but they are not hooked up. The remainder of the stereo system sounds great. We also addressed a few typical areas of corrosion in the lower windshield cowling (from an improperly installed windshield seal earlier in the car’s life), the sunroof panel, and driver’s mirror base. All other common E30 corrosion areas like the lower doors, front pinch welds, and battery/trunk boxes are rust-free. Extras include the original airbag steering wheel and an indoor car cover. This 325is has been well-maintained and tastefully updated to be one of the finest examples of an E30 we have ever offered for sale. The engine fires up quickly, the steering and pedal inputs are all direct, and the car handles exceptionally well. Extensive maintenance records and our own in-house sale preparations have this car ready to drive cross-country or reliably fire up weekend after weekend.
The Brilliantrot paint presents exceptionally well. According to the records it was a “show quality Glasurit” paint job that gauges with an average of 7-9 mils. Close inspection reveals small imperfections in the form of rock chips along the leading edges and a few small dings and scratches. The front bumper has rock chips on the lower air dam that are unavoidable with these cars. The rear bumper shows minor scuffing on both rear corners that could likely be buffed out. There is no rust or oxidation present, and we addressed the only troublesome spots preventatively; the paint match is nearly perfect. All VIN tags are in place and the Carfax is clean. The chrome window surrounds and black rubber trim are in very good condition with minor scuffs and minimal UV fade. All glass is clear and crack-free, with only minor pitting on the headlights and windshield and typical “BMW water spots” on the rearview mirrors. The rear taillights are clear with hairline cracks visible up close. The Roundel emblems show slight sun fade with exceptional color and clarity and add to the time capsule feel of this car. The wheels show light patina and minor curb/balance weight marks with full tread depth on tires we installed in August of 2021.
The interior is in good condition. It smells like a classic BMW and has no other odors and has never been smoked in. The carpet is in good condition and is protected by original BMW floor mats. Later model all-weather floor mats are also included. The front seats have typical E30 bolster wear and appear to be original, but are still in above average condition compared to the overall E30 population. The rear seat leather is very good and also presents only minor patina from light use. The driver’s side door card shows signs of use along the door pull and a few scuffs on the door card, the passenger side door panel is very clean. The dashboard is clean and crack-free. From what we can tell in the records, it was replaced sometime after 2008. A 3-spoke M-Tech I steering wheel has replaced the original 4-spoke airbag wheel (which is also included); it shows light patina on the rim and a very clean center. The M leather shift knob and boot are also in very good condition. All instrument cluster functions, including the odometer, work correctly. The 13-button onboard computer has correct backlighting and all functions work. The headliner is clean, taut, and mark-free aside from some small scuffs on the sunroof fabric panel. The original BMW Premium Sound system works, though the tweeters were missing when we acquired the car and we replaced them though they do not function. The heat blows warm, and air-conditioning blows cold, but does require occasional re-charging. All window and sunroof switches work; the driver’s window switch can take a gentle touch at times. The central locking system works. Two keys and the owner’s manual are included with the sale along with an indoor car cover.
This E30 has clearly always been correctly maintained, which is evident after only a short drive. The engine bay is clean, and the motor sounds great through the Ansa exhaust. No common E30 issues are present, the list of recent maintenance is extensive. The engine idles smoothly and pulls very strongly to redline. The timing belt only has 6,000 miles on it, and we inspected it for age-related condition, which was excellent. We’d recommend a replacement in the next two years based on age and current condition, not mileage. There are typical oil seeps (fuzz), but no leaks. We left these present in the engine bay rather than detail it to document the condition (when we buy an E30 we prefer to see an un-detailed engine bay). We are more than happy to clean this after the buyer’s inspection if desired. 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. There are no driveline vibrations. The Ebach/KYB sport suspension is firm yet compliant and the bushings are tight. It passes emissions in Colorado, which we pay for. This is a properly sorted, properly documented, 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.
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