- Seller: Gerard F
- Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Mileage: 197,432 Shown
- Chassis #: WBAAB5407G9679449
- Title Status: Clean
German cars enjoy a well-earned reputation for build quality. From the humble original Beetle to range-topping offerings from Mercedes and Audi, the level of fit and finish is typically impressive. BMW is no stranger to such praise, and their cars remain a benchmark against which others are measured. That brings us to this 1986 BMW 325es. It is an original and unmolested classic that presents nicely for its age. It has no immediate needs, meaning a new owner could slip behind the wheel and experience the pleasure a genuine driver’s car provides. The owner doesn’t want to part with this gem, but a lack of space has forced his hand. Therefore, he has listed the 325es with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
This 325es is part of the company’s E30 range that appeared in North American showrooms from 1984 until 1991. The variety was extensive, with something to cater to all tastes and budgets. This classic has a sporty touch that is accentuated by its stunning Cinnabar paint. It retains an impressive shine, but the owner admits it isn’t perfect. The clearcoat has begun peeling on the rear quarter panel, and there are some blemishes. Addressing it would not involve a complete cosmetic restoration and is a task a reputable shop could perform relatively cheaply. The panels are straight, with gaps as tight and consistent as you might expect from BMW. The original owner ordered this Bimmer with an electric sunroof, but pressing the switch results in little more than a click. It sounds like the unit could be jammed, or there is a problem with the motor. Getting it operational would be welcomed by those preferring fresh air to air conditioning. The trim and alloy wheels are in good order for a genuine survivor, and there are no visible glass issues.
Powering this little classic is the 2.7-liter SOHC six-cylinder powerplant, producing 121hp and 170 ft/lbs of torque. Those preferring an engaging driving experience will welcome the five-speed manual transmission that allows them to extract the best from a sweet little motor. These cars aren’t at home on a drag strip, but cruising all day at (or above) freeway speed will cause them no stress. The owner purchased this BMW from a friend and was irresistibly drawn to it for its originality. It is common to see these cars slammed, fitted with bigger wheels, and many received exhaust systems that brought the engine note close to the threshold of pain. This car has avoided that fate and recently received a timing belt, water pump, and a tune-up. It runs and drives perfectly, with no vices or issues. The only problem that requires attention is within the fuel system. The tank runs dry when the gauge is still reading a ¼. The owner is happy to discuss this with interested parties, but I’d be unsurprised if the culprit were the sender.
I’ve previously discussed how an interior can reveal much about the life any car has led. This is particularly true if the vehicle in question features cloth trim in a pale shade. That description perfectly describes this BMW, but the news is positive. The overall condition is good, with only stretching and wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat bolster as faults worth mentioning. Replacement seatcovers are available, but installing a set of high-quality slipcovers would hide this relatively minor defect while preserving the car’s originality. Otherwise, there are no other visible problems. The dash looks good, but the seller it has a dash cap installed over the original dash. The owner installed a nice JVC radio/CD player with USB and aux input, but I can’t spot any other modifications. The air conditioning blows, but there is a leak in the system that requires attention before the A/C is ice-cold. Otherwise, this gem features power windows and a chunky leather-wrapped wheel.
I’ve always liked the E30 BMW range because the styling is crisp and clean. The fact that it was also the platform from which the original M3 was derived cements its reputation as a giant killer. This 1986 325es is a wonderful little classic with no pressing needs. It could be an affordable option for a first-timer entering the classic world, but the bulletproof reliability and inherent fuel economy could make it a practical daily driver or commuter option. Otherwise, it is a sweet little classic that would reward its new owner when they enthusiastically pointed it at a twisting ribbon of tarmac. That last reason alone makes it worth pursuing it further. The rest is icing on the cake.
Bid On This Auction
- Quester48! bid $4,500.00 2023-09-22 13:05:58
- DavidL bid $4,100.00 2023-09-22 13:01:27
- Quester48! bid $4,000.00 2023-09-22 12:59:59
- DavidL bid $3,800.00 2023-09-22 12:56:52
- Quester48! bid $3,700.00 2023-09-22 12:54:17
- DavidL bid $3,600.00 2023-09-22 12:48:29
- Quester48! bid $3,500.00 2023-09-22 12:13:31
- frank d bid $3,400.00 2023-09-22 11:57:40
- DavidL bid $3,100.00 2023-09-22 11:50:44
- frank d bid $3,000.00 2023-09-22 09:21:08
- DavidL bid $2,000.00 2023-09-21 10:29:05
- Jeremy bid $1,600.00 2023-09-19 05:10:09
- DavidL bid $1,500.00 2023-09-18 10:23:07
- 2DBL02 bid $950.00 2023-09-17 17:09:48
- MadMike05 bid $750.00 2023-09-17 16:59:02
- 2DBL02 bid $400.00 2023-09-15 09:58:40
- Jeremy bid $250.00 2023-09-15 04:22:10
A nice looking and fun driving rig. I took my E39 540 6 speed out for a dance today, always puts a smile on my face! Best of luck with the auction.
I remember when these were the Shee-ot!
121HP? OK, an 86 Mustang had 200HP, but hey, you cheat a little, other guy not paying attention, maybe you beat him to the next light.
and again, no Oil Pressure Gauge?? ,my 84 Crown Vic had one. My 89 C1500 Truck had one (and 210 HP) I thought these were “Driver’s Cars”??
The ES model was not a high performance model, and I don’t believe that oil pressure gauges were considered necessary. There is an oil idiot light, and the sending unit has a tendency to fail and cause mild panic.
Yeah, the ES was about the worst idea BMW ever has. The IS model is the one to have. This motor was low compression, didn’t rev very well and was slanted towards the “Green Party” for extra fuel mileage, at the expense of what BMWs were know for. Exhilaration.
I believe it was for BMW’s CAFE numbers, to offset those V8s.
I seem to remember the car mags of the day said putting a 325is head on a 325es block produced something better than the 325is. But that was a long time ago
That said, I wouldn’t change anything on this. I’m already imagining flying out and driving it home…
This car is the first toy you would purchase if you were a stock broker back in the early 1980s. If you had one of these and worked in my office, you were well on your way to making it any investment business.
I had an ’87 IS bought secondhand in 1988 with 19000 miles. Rear end actually failed and was replaced under warranty by the dealer. I made the obvious mistake in retrospect trading it in for a brand new ’95 318ic. Still driving that convertible with 349000 miles though with a second engine.
I agree the ES is low powered but at least it has the optional IS air dam and trunk ‘spoiler’ lol
I’d like to find a similar condition IS though
I had one, it was a fun little car and easy to work on compared to today’s BMW, I sold mine back in 1992 with about the same amount of miles on it. This one looks like someone is going to get a fun toy.
this beemer reminds me of “men’s fashion”. How much has the suit/tux changed over the centuries? This red rig harks back to the 2002(ti, tii, etc) 1966.
“…the platform from which the original M…”
I thought this was the M
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M1
(which is up there, 4 me, w/the 507 & 350SL).
To me these are the perfect BMW, sporty without being garish, tidy, simple, and appealing styling along with obvious engineering strenth. To me it’s a German Honda of the 80s, or Honda is a German BMW. Both tidy and good looking.
Since that time, BMW has wandered far from their simple, pleasing looks with modern product looking ponderous, heavy, and quite unattractive. Sales are still strong based on the legacy of this era BMW. Someone obviously appreciated and took care of this 3 series as is evidenced by the good condition, despite the mileage. As I always say, I hope it’s preserved as is!