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1985 BMW 325e with Incredible History

Following on to the restored 318is that Aaron’s found, here is an improbable find. An E30 with just over 19,000 original miles. Yes, 19,000 miles.

The 325e had a short stroke version of BMW’s M20 inline six. This 2.7 liter “eta” (stands for efficiency in Greek) engine produces 121 horsepower. This was 29 horsepower shy of the more performance oriented 323i. This was the largest powerplant available in the E30 short of the uncommon 333i, which was only sold in South Africa. A more restrictive head, four main bearings instead of seven for less friction as well as a 5,000 RPM redline were hallmarks of the more efficient E30 BMW. By the end of 1988, the 325e would disappear from the lineup. The 318is would take over as the choice for those seeking efficiency, with a revised 1.8 liter, twin cam four cylinder engine.

1985 BMW 325e For Sale on Hemmings

The seller explains:

The first owner, Michael Hargrave was an insurance agent in Denver, Colorado and he bought the car new at Murray Motors (BMW dealer in Denver). Paddock Imports began maintaining the car when it went off warranty. Mr. Hargrave would cancel appointments for oil changes if it was raining outside, because he didn’t want the car to be driven in rain. The first owner respectfully requested that after Paddock Imports were done working on his car, and that a test drive was warranted, that he be present and in the car for the test drive–a little crazy for sure, but he loved this car. Mr. Hargrave sold the car to the 2nd owner, Jeff Hatcher who is a long time BMW enthusiast.

The body & paint is Absolutely perfect! The paint is a rare color, Antelope Beige. There isn’t a single ding, scratch, or nick on any portion of this car. The paint is thick and lustrous and has no spider webbing, orange peeling, or oxidation, it is just perfect. The interior also looks brand new! The dash doesn’t have a single crack or warp anywhere. Rare sport seats have been treated with Lexol monthly for over 20 years. Interior still smells new!! The dials, gear selector, knobs, etc. still look brand new. The steering wheel looks brand new. Headliner is perfect. Carpets are perfect. The wheels don’t have a single nick on any of them. The glass is perfect all original BMW glass and no chips anywhere. Mechanical: Recently tuned up and running great. Timing belt was replaced. Runs perfect. Not a single leak anywhere. Suspension: stock and tight as a drum. AC/Heat: both work perfectly. Ice cold in summer (even in the Las Vegas 110 degree heat) and blazing hot in winter. If you add this car to your collection, you will without a doubt have the lowest mileage and nicest E30 in existence, with the exception of a few in the BMW museum perhaps.

The E30 3 series has always held a special place in my heart because my first car was a 1988 325is. Although this one isn’t the hot version, this car is sure to be a great addition to anyone’s collection, or as a reliable, solid daily driver. If they still made new E30 BMWs today, I’m convinced people would still buy them. Just ask the man who owned one.

-Paul

2 Comments

  1. Aaron
    Aaron January 6, 2010

    Great find Paul, I wonder what a car like this is worth? As much as I like to futz wth cars I would have a really hard time altringthe original nature of this car.

  2. Lynn Prince
    Lynn Prince April 30, 2010

    Is this car still for sale? What is the asking price and its location?

Comments are closed.