This has been one tough winter for a lot of us. A part of me thinks “my, it would be nice to have four-wheel drive.†However, I just can’t bring myself to consider an SUV. Unless, of course, it’s a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen or Land Rover Defender. But for the world I live in at the moment, a truck would be a bit too much. The Audi S6 we highlighted last week got me thinking. If I go back far enough, I can find some interesting performance machines that offer all-season capability. Case in point this 1988 BMW 325ix for sale from our friends at Evolve Motors in Chicago. All-wheel drive BMWs seem commonplace today, but there were few takers for BMWs first crack at a car driving all four wheels.
Click for more details: 1988 BMW 325ix on eBay
Year: 1988
Model: 325ix
Engine: 2.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 140,977 mi
Price: No reserve auction
NO RESERVE AUCTION
1988 BMW 325ix AWD
2 Owner/Clean Carfax
1 of 56 325 ix Coupes built for ’88
2.5L I6 w/5 Speed Manual and AWD
Sport Seats/M Sport Steering wheel/CD Player
Presented in Henna Red with factory front and rear spoilers, the exterior of this E30 presents very well. Having just over 140,000 miles there are minor dings and blemishes across the car that are reflected in the photos. There is also minor rust where the rockers meet the front fenders and a previous repair is noted. Inward, the contrasting black leather interior is an absolute time capsule. The factory ordered leather sport seats and M steering wheel are both in excellent condition. Features include leather sport seats, A/C, cruise control, power windows, M-Sport steering wheel, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. Our car was factory ordered with a sunroof as well but it is not functioning.
Under the hood of this E30 lays the M20, 2.5 liter engine, backed by a 5 speed manual transmission. This potent drive train produces 168 horsepower and 164 pounds of torque. Having just had the front axles redone, this BMW drives better than most luxury sedans available today. It takes bumps politely, shifts crisply, and stops on a dime. A true testament to meticulous care.
This rare BMW is a great example of a well sorted AWD E30, so don’t miss the opportunity to buy it before the prices really take off! A thorough detail and service work will ensure that this BMW 325ix is the perfect addition to any enthusiasts collection.
Please give us a call with any and all questions or concerns!!
WORLDWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE
APPLY FOR FINANCING ON OUR WEBSITE @
www.EVOLVE-MOTORS.com
This 325ix isn’t what you would consider concours quality but few of these cars were stashed away as collectors’ items. This 3 series was popular in colder climates and folks used them as intended. There’s a few rust issues that are worth keeping an eye on, but nothing a little bit of bodywork couldn’t address. If you’re an E30 fan that has trouble saying goodbye to those simple motoring pleasures when the white stuff starts falling from the sky, an ix with a bit of patina such as this one will help erase the blues.
-Paul
hold out for another clean one purely because of the heavy non-plastic bumpers that came later in 88-89
*the plastic ones having come out in 88-89
Sam, if the aluminum bumpers are the only turn off for you, then I have goo news for you! I had an ’88 iX in salmon silver and I assure you that the swap to plastic bumpers is a very easy job, a good afternoon project. Used plastic bumpers (from e30 model years ’89 through ’91) can be found for cheap on eBay (along with bumper shocks), repaint them to match the car and you are good to go!
Metal bumpers would be the last reason why I would turn an ’88 iX down. There are much more important things too be concerned about: the viscous coupling, for example. If the mechanics check out, an ’88iX is a GREAT car.
Fragile AWD. Parts are almost impossible.
Thanks Ivan, I didn’t know a swap was that easy.