The E30 chassis of BMW’s 3 Series is a longtime favorite of automotive enthusiasts, thanks to well-balanced attributes and distinctive styling. This 1990 BMW 325i began its life in Japan, but after being imported into the United States in 2016, it is currently available here on eBay.
This E30 coupe is available in Fernandina Beach, Florida with a clean and clear title in the seller’s name. It is an M-Technic II model, which includes aerodynamic effects, stiffer suspension, improved brakes, and a limited-slip rear differential.
The exterior seems to be in excellent shape, with a sterling silver metallic 2-tone paint scheme from the factory. It’s hard to find any imperfections with the vehicle when looking around it.
Inside the cabin, there’s a grey cloth interior scheme – somewhat of a rarity in the states. All of the seats, including the front sport seats, appear to be in great shape. Despite being a Japanese-spec model, its steering wheel is on the left-hand side.
The car had an automatic transmission when the seller purchased it, but during their ownership, they swapped this E30 to a 5-speed manual transmission, which also uses an aftermarket aluminum flywheel.
Under the hood, you’ll find BMW’s tried and true M20 inline 6-cylinder engine. This example uses the 2.5-liter M20B25 variant, which has 82,000 kilometers on it, a figure that translates to roughly 51,000 miles.
There is also some literature from the sporty coupe’s time in Japan – certainly an interesting sight for any BMW fan.
Prices for this beloved compact car have been climbing in the past few years, especially as supply dwindles for clean examples. The Buy it Now price for this Japanese-spec 325i is $17,500, though the seller will entertain reasonable offers. Do you think that’s the right price for this rare E30?
Left hand drive is seen as special in Japan, a kind of status symbol I believe I have read somewhere?
That’s correct. We’ve seen quite a few LHD luxury cars over there on our visit to Japan last November, especially MBZs, BMWs and Porsches.
Well it’s cheaper than e30 M3 but no where near as special not to mention those M3 keep going up & are better investment. This E30 is a novelty I think $10-12gs would good price after inspection.
This one was on Bring a Trailer not long ago and was only bid up to $12,500. The right price is somewhere between the high bid and the current ask, maybe around $15k. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-bmw-325i-47/
The article indicates this was sold new in Japan. Even it was sold with USA specifications, with the intent to import it to the USA later, a potential buyer needs to see all the DOT, EPA, and ICE paperwork for it’s importation and certification.
Especially if the car is not currently licensed in a USA state [ note- it is not displaying USA state license plates.]
Unusual – Japan drives on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car…..