Feature Listing: 1988 BMW 325i Convertible

It might not be the exact time of year one thinks of buying a convertible, but those of us living on the east coast of the United States experienced a bit of a warm snap in November. A welcome relief for those of us used to dealing with piles of snow. Time to buy a drop top, then? Maybe. If it’s a bit of the 1980s you’re looking to revisit, it doesn’t get much better than the iconic BMW E30 Convertible. This 1988 325i Convertible for sale in California is mostly original, looking sharp in the popular Zinnoberot over black leather, mated to what many consider to be one of the smoothest manual gearboxes in the business.

Click for details: 1988 BMW 325i Convertible on eBay

Year: 1988
Model: 325i Convertible
Engine: 2.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 131,381 mi
Price: Reserve auction

1988 BMW 325ic, clean title, All Original

Exterior

The exterior of the car is in excellent condition and rust free. The paint appears to be mostly original. A few of the ancillary plastic pieces such as the bumper plastic and side view mirrors appear to have been re-sprayed. The body panels are all original and still wear the matching vin stickers. No accidents, all the original caulking still in place. There are some rock chips and minor dings here and there which is to be expected with a 27 year old car. There is one scratch about 1.5 inches just before the rear passenger tail light on the rear quarter panel. Over all the exterior is in excellent condition. The convertible top is new and in excellent working order. The plastic window is crystal clear. All four rims are in excellent condition with new BMW caps.

Interior

The interior is in excellent condition. Perfect dash. All lights and windows are in great working order. The original BMW radio still functions properly. AC blows cold and heater blows hot. The rears seats were re-upholstered and look excellent. The front seats are in great condition with no rips or tears. The carpet is clean and in good condition. The door cards and rear panels are all in excellent condition.

Mechanicals

The car has 131,xxx miles. The odometer still rolls. The car passed smog earlier this month with no issues. The transmission upshifts and downshifts smoothly with no grinds in any gear. The engine pulls hard and runs very smooth. Idles perfectly and does not overheat. All gauges work properly. The car does not leak any fluids. The car stops straight with no “shimmies” or vibrations and pedal feel is very responsive. The suspension feels tight and handles nicely.

This is a great original example of a well preserved and maintained E30 Cabriolet.

Please contact me with any questions.

http://s170.photobucket.com/user/jua…y/1988%20325ic

Please contact me with any questions.

Even though E30 prices have seen a steep appreciation in recent years, the E30 Convertible is still a very accessible car for beginners in the collector car market. Not only are they relatively easy and affordable to service, but cost of entry isn’t as high as some models, namely the 325is and M3. The manual transmission in this 325i certainly makes this one desirable for the enthusiasts out there. As a former 1988 325is owner, I can attest to how great a sound these inline-six motors are capable of, which can only be amplified on days nice enough to drop the top.

-Paul