- Seller: Bob W (Contact)
- Location: Hereford, Arizona
- Mileage: 57,500 Shown
- Chassis #: WBABB231XLEC20885
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2.5-Liter Inline-6
- Transmission: Automatic
If you have been hunting for a modern classic that balances usability, style, and a fun overall experience, the BMW E30 3-Series is a great option. They are fun to drive, modern enough to be easy to live with but not overly complicated, and they look great. The convertible adds open-air appeal to that formula, and clean examples have become increasingly difficult to find. This 1990 BMW 325iC is finished in red over tan leather, shows 57,500 miles, and has benefited from recent cosmetic and mechanical work. Located in Hereford, Arizona, it is now offered at auction with a reserve.
Power comes from BMW’s 2.5-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller states that work under current ownership included fluid changes, a new fuel pump, and removal, cleaning, and replacement of the injectors. The car is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power locks, power side mirrors, an onboard computer, and an aftermarket CD stereo.
The exterior is finished in its original shade of red but was reportedly repainted in 2021. Details include 14-inch bottle-cap wheels, fog lights, dual exhaust outlets, and a beige convertible soft top. The seller notes that the replacement soft top was fitted in 2022, which is an important update on any E30 convertible. The photos show a clean, attractive presentation with the classic E30 proportions that have aged so well.
Inside, the cabin features tan leather upholstery, front sport seats, and a matching rear bench. The seller states that the seats were reupholstered in 2022, and the photos show a tidy interior with clean door panels, carpets, dashboard, and center console. The automatic shifter, factory instrumentation, climate controls, and aftermarket stereo are all visible in the gallery. While not a 325is, convertibles received many of the desirable sport parts, making them a great value.
This 325iC was initially delivered to BMW Auto Center of Houston, Texas, and reportedly remained registered in Texas through the seller’s acquisition in 2023. It is offered with a clean title. Known issues include an airbag light that stays on and an inoperative right-side mirror. These cars are well supported, with lots of documentation and parts supply.
The E30 convertible has moved beyond used-car status and into the modern-classic world, especially when mileage, condition, and presentation are strong. This example offers the right look, attractive colors, recent upholstery and soft-top work, and the fantastic 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine. For someone seeking a clean, usable E30 convertible that has already received meaningful attention, this 1990 BMW 325iC deserves a closer look.
Bid On This Auction
Hansjörg Graf bid $3,750.00 2026-07-13 05:35:33
JR49 bid $3,500.00 2026-07-06 10:56:12- Hansjörg Graf bid $3,250.00 2026-07-06 09:28:14
- JR49 bid $3,000.00 2026-07-05 09:05:09
Craig M bid $100.00 2026-07-05 08:50:58
The ultimate tanning machine.
Nelson, they sure are. Back in the day my wife had an ’89 325iC and I drove it from the Bay Area down to Pismo Beach with no shirt. When I got to Pismo there was a white stripe across my bright red chest.
THE MOST MEANINGFUL SERVICE WOULD BE A TIMING BELT! And remember that the timing belt has a mileage interval AND a time interval. We had the exact twin to this car traded in at our BMW dealership. While in the service department for it’s used car check-up and servicing. We recommend doing a timing belt as a preventive service. The used car manager declined on as a, cost issue. (It also needed brakes tires and other items) Being a convert, and being September it sat on the lot until the following June. (By that time the interval for the timing belt had past.) The new owner drove it about a week when the timing belt let go causing alot of engine damage. The used car manager blamed the service department, but because we had written proof that we had recommended the belt replacement, the used car department paid for the repairs. (I NEVER saw a timing belt repair be inexpensive! But as a maintenance item it is not a terrible expense.)
I love to drive these cars. They are well balanced, tight and do nothing bad. One of my best memories was when BMW had an introduction event for the 325 at Laguna Seca Raceway. Not only did we get to use the BMWs on the track. But also completing cars. Mercedes, Saab, Audi, 300ZX, etc. When we got done, none of the “competing” cars had front tires left on them. (I’m fairly confident that the inflation had been left at “as delivered” PSI. Where the BMWs had their tire pressures increased. But still a full day of fun!
I’M ONLY 55 MILES FROM HEREFORD AND WOULD LIKE TO SEETHIS BEFORE BIDDING. IS THIS POSSIBLE?
Absolutely. Provide a phone number/email address and I’ll contact you immediately (provided BF allows it).
Just remember that if the timing belt breaks. BMW stands for Break My Wallet!
Of course, seeing as we’re all car guys, you could do it yourself. I changed the timing belt on my wife’s 1989 325iC many years ago and it was relatively straight forward. It was quite reasonable saving the labor. The bonus of doing it yourself is you save a bundle on labor, which is ridiculous at best and thievery at worst.
I was about to ax if the timing belt was a “do-it-yourselfer”. Fixing your own rides also “bonds” you to the car. I repair my cars and motorcycles whenever the need arises.
Is the top manual or push button. Had a 92 – 318 loved it .
Hector, the top is manual. I once owned a 1995 Mercedes E320 cabriolet and spent a fortune dealing with the over-engineered impossibly complicated soft top. Never again. I had also read in the past where the early E30 with the power top had numerous problems as they had not been engineered extensively enough. The beauty of the E30 manual top is its simplicity and ease of raising/lowering it.
BMW was still building good cars into the 90s. Plastic and over-complicated whizz-bangery hadn’t found their way much into the engine bay yet. That all started changing when The Roundel introduced VANOS, and far worse was on its way. This car is beautiful, and would be the perfect classic to own..to look at, drive and even do the repairs.
We had a 1987 E30 325 IS. One “step” below the M3 at the time. Fabulous car. Of course it wasn’t a slushbox as I’m a 5 speed guy but you can’t beat them for balance and driveability. Had the rear end replaced under warranty!!!! as we bought it used in 1989. Traded ut to the dealer as part of the purchase of a 1995 318 IC because gas had gone to a dollar in Calunicornia! Dumb dumb dumb.
While I loved our 95 E 36, I always regretted parting with the E30..
I’d love another E30 with a 5 speed but thats not for everybody. This looks like a well cared for example ( also endorse the timing belt replacement) for peace of mind :)
Not bad, but work to be considered. Lower control arm bushings shredded, steering rack appears to leak, but nevertheless it looks promising. But have some spare cash and a knowledgable mechanic at hand.
regards from tyrol.