While the cars that I keep for many years are relatively scarce, my 1987 325is likely has a forever home. The E30 generation is one of the easiest modern-age classics to live with, befitting from decent reliability, simple construction, and a generally strong market of both aftermarket and OEM parts still available. The car shown here is one of the more desirable specimens outside of an M3 as it is a Sport Package equipped car which gives it a variety of sought-after factory options. Although it carries a salvage title, it seems like a good car overall. Find this 1988 BMW 325is here on eBay with an opening bid of $7,500 and no action yet.
Now, before you get up in arms about the salvage title, let’s go over this car’s key attributes. For one thing, it is, perhaps, the most desirable E30 year: it’s a 1988 model which comes with the preferred smaller bumpers, which was a major shift from the previous model like mine which still had the large metal “safety” bumpers. In addition, all of its various Sport Package trimmings are still accounted for, from the rear spoiler to the front fog lights to the basketweave alloy wheels to the interior upgrades. Oftentimes, these cars are pillaged by this point of their various desirable OEM parts. You do see some suspect details, however, like the distinct break in the depth of color in the black rear bumper trim, suggesting some part or panel has been replaced.
The interior is in excellent, original condition, with the factory sport seats, three-spoke M-Tech steering wheel, and Premium Sound stereo system components all accounted for. The dash isn’t even cracked, which typically happens to every E30 by this juncture. The Pearl Beige interior color is not the most desirable shade – ask me how I know – but it still presents quite well with original floor mats still protecting the carpets. The driver’s seat shows only nominal wear and tear, and with the passenger front bucket still looking quite tidy, I suspect this car didn’t see many passengers over its lifetime.
The M20 inline-six isn’t the most exciting engine, but it is fairly dependable once the timing belt has been changed. The 2.5L mill is torque-rich and has a decent higher end in “I” form, which this car is (versus “E” form, which is geared towards fuel efficiency.) A limited-slip rear differential makes it fun to hustle, and the chassis is easily tunable with a variety of aftermarket parts. The salvage title is a shame, but it’s likely due to this 325is being insured on a standard insurance policy versus an assigned value agreement, which means even a minor fender bender at this point in its life would render it totaled if insured like any other daily driver. If you can live with that black eye on its history file, you’ll likely find this to be a solid collector car for a reasonable price.
Also, intermittent check engine light. Otherwise a very tasty is…
I remember these in my later years of highschool and after. It was definitely out of my reach for sure. But I always like the design of the 3 series, and always thought the 6 and a stick would be a blast to drive. It is a shame about the salvage title. But the car really looks good overall, even with the work done on it. It’s clean, and its all there. I’m not knowledgeable at all with BMWs, but always thought they had a nice clean European design to them.
Here’s a link to the damage photos.
https://stat.vin/cars/WBAAA2308J8261823
A couple inaccuracies:
The later 88+ plastic bumpers actually weighed more than the earlier Aluminum diving board bumpers.
The 87’s were a one year only with the later 88 rear sheet metal but thinner/even lighter aluminum bumpers – and had year specific plastic surrounds.
For racing purposes, the earlier the body style, the lighter they were, by ’88, the E30 had bloated up several hundred pounds.
So in an ideal world, you would want the first year of the 325is (86-87). And even then you could shed a bunch of weight (and improve the looks) by adding on a set of Euro bumpers.
*I have driven/owned every shade of E30 out side of an actual DTM car – M3, Alpina, Touring, vert..etc. including a first year euro chassis 316 and the hallowed Italian tax dodge 320is..
These are great cars. The straight 6 is strong and reliable with good power output, while being fairly economical. I personally like the 90 and 92 models because they had timing chains instead of belts.
I had an ’88 325is that had the larger bumpers but the new tail lights, head lights, and smaller front spoiler than the ’87’s. Mine was red with black interior. Looked like this, but again, I had the bigger bumpers front and rear. Mine had a similar stance because I lowered it. Bought it brand new and kept it for 9 years and around 240,000 miles. Fun car, not the fastest, but still fun.
I’d be leery of that salvage title. It demands further investigation. I had my heart set on a 2015 ATS with the twin turbo and eight speed auto with paddle shifters but when I searched the VIN, it came up as a salvage title. That and the fact it was being sold out of someone’s driveway made me suspicious. If nothing else it complicates getting it re-titled.
From the pics submitted, I’d guess a proper repair was not done. The radiator core support seems to driven back from the accident. Note the bent upper radiator hose and the fact that the fan is not centered in the radiator. That bent hose alone will cause an overheat and engine damage. This is a ham and egg repair/parts replacement re-do. A shame.
This poor BMW will need proper front end repair before it will be safe to drive.
I had an 1988 325is with a 5 speed, Salmon Silver, 16K miles when I sold it and a car I wish I had never, ever sold.
Ended with 0 bids.