One-owner 1987 BMW 325is

As this car sat waiting to be written up in my million-tabbed browser, I happened to drive behind a very similar but non-“is” white 325i today. Even in standard trim, the elemental intent and cleanliness of the E30 3-series is very sharp. As editor Paul pointed out, a little white 3er would be a great compliment to the big mean black 5er in the garage. That may not happen until I fully realize my dream of a large car-barn. Even when that does happen, no E30 of mine will have an automatic, an incongruous option on an “is.” Beyond that, the car hides its miles well and while the white on red may not be for everyone, I think it looks great here.

Year: 1987
Model: 325is
Engine: 2.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 187,800 mi
Price: $6,987

Click for more details: 1987 BMW 325is on eBay

THE OVERVIEW
Offered for an appreciating new owner is this super clean all original ONE-OWNER 1987 BMW 325is two-door sedan!
Finished in Alpine white over cardinal red leather, this ABSOLUTE VIRGIN 26 year-old E30 is one of the finest specimens I have ever come across! The E30 chassis three series cars are finally rising in value and if you want a no-excuses example, THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU! Driven an average of about 8,000 miles per year since new, this beauty sports the 168 horsepower 2.5 liter inline six cyliner engine mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock. This 1987 325is has never been smoked in, has clean Carfax showing no accidents and one original owner, has the original correct white California license plate and has no modifications from factory-correct down to the original-stamped “is” rear spoiler to the mesh sport wheels to the factory cassette stereo, manual Recaro-sourced sport seats, “M” leather steering wheel and more. This fabulous 325is also featues ice cold air conditioning [and excellent heat as well], virtually perfect crack-free dashboard, electric sunroof and windows, cruise control, on-board computer, check panel and beautiful 14″ “is” mesh wheels with center caps!

This is truly a fabulous find for about the cost of the sales tax alone on a new, quickly depreciating 335i!

PLEASE SEE THIS LINK FOR MANY MORE DETAILED PHOTOS OF THIS CAR:
https://picasaweb.google.com/116946797322409050180/1987BMW325is?noredirect=1#

THE BODY AND TRIM
The exterior of this car is in outstanding original condition overall which numerically I would rate as a solid 8.5-9.0 on a scale of 1-10! The beautiful Alpine white paint is completely original with only some brush touched up areas on the bottom of the front spoiler along with some small rock nicks and minor blemishes. There is some light wear and discoloration on the mesh wheels [hard to get all those nooks and crannies perfectly cleaned] and some typical hazing on the aluminum bumper finish and cracking on the working fog light lenses. The electric locking system works well though must be activated from either the passenger side or trunk. Overall this car shows beautifully as an extremely well-kept specimen!

THE INTERIOR
The interior of this non-smoker car is in VERY good to excellent all original condition overall with beautiful original dash, cardinal red leather manual sport seats with typical wear on the bolsters, nice original floor carpeting with BMW mats, beautiful door panels, rear deck with factory speakers and nice original headliner. The ashtray is clean with the cigarette lighter showing no sign of ever being used, the air blows ice cold, all controls and functions work as they should. Minor imperfections include OBC light needs replacement, radio volume control gets scratchy, brake lining light comes on intermittently. Overall, this is a very cool original classic cockpit which stills show pride of ownership more than a quarter century later!

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
This classic BMW starts, runs and drives EXTREMELY well with good acceleration from the superb-running [and very willing to rev to redline] 2.5 liter baby six cylinder engine, smooth and crisp-shifting automatic transmission shifting up and down, superb and straight braking with good pedal feel, firm yet smooth and supple suspension with excellent tossable handling and wonderful steering feel. There is a bit of excess tire noise from the rear. Overall this little E30 provides a smooth and very satisfying driving experience!

Even as E30s leave the bargain-basement status they once had, they’re still a good buy for the quintessential sports sedan. Almost $7,000 is a bit much in my book for one with this many miles and an auto. If you can get in on the auction and keep it a couple grand under that, you’ll be doing alright and may have a very clean car ripe for an engine/transmission swap down the road.

-NR