As E30 Touring imports pick up some steam, we get to see a wider variety of the wagon offerings the rest of the world has known about for over 25 years. We’ve seen the base-model 318i up to the rare all-wheel drive 325ix, each providing a sharp package with fun driving dynamics while enabling hauls that a standard trunk could never hope to handle. With many examples coming from the right-hand-drive UK, you have to decide if such a great overall package is worth the brain reorganization necessary to appropriately traverse our LHD roads.
This is one of those bassackwards drivers but brings a very distinct look thanks to a rare (especially on wagons) M-Tech body kit normally present only on the ix models, complementing the E30’s clean top lines with fender flares, exaggerated front and rear valences, and side skirts. 16″ Style 5 wheels help fill those enlarged fenders resulting in an overall package that looks both clean and aggressive. The automatic transmission is the other main detraction besides RHD, but we’ve forgiven autos on great-looking E34 wagons in favor of good looks and utility, so why not do the same here?
Click for details: 1989 BMW 325i Touring on eBay
Year: 1989
Model: 325i Touring
Engine: 2.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 135,000 mi
Price: Reserve auction
I am sadly selling my 1989 E30 RHD.
Imported from the UK last year by Quarry Motors in Naples Florida. Neil at Quarry did all the work listed below (and a lot more) and he does excellent work.
Runs great and has no issues other than a small ding in the driver door (Right hand side) and a small tear in the driver seat leather.
New hankook tires, new Bilstein shocks, new gas tank, new radiator, new hoses and fresh paint job all within the last year. This rare ride has power windows (all four), power locks, power sunroof, AC (very rare), with leather and no rust to speak of. She has an aftermarket sony stereo with bluetooth.
This E30 is charcoal grey with tan leather interior. I am looking for 11K but willing to accept all offers.
Perfect daily driver as -is with 22-25mpg, or get crazy and swap in an S14 or S50
There are others like this listed but few have the power windows, a/c, and power sunroof. Has the rare Mtech kit on it and is automatic.
WBAAG620X0EA60385 is the VIN she is an import and this model was never made in the US.
Clean Florida title in hand.
Buyer responsible for arranging and all shipping costs.
Thanks to a surprisingly low starting point, bidding has been very hot but still a ways off from the general E30 Touring range we’ve seen recently. That 325ix had a hard time breaking $10k, while the clean white 318i eventually found $9,250. The seller says he’s asking $11k but will accept a good offer; while I love the appearance of this wagon, I don’t see it going for much above either of the other two. Forgetting the automatic for a moment, for a little under $10k I think you could get used to the misplaced steering wheel and have a blast with this car that brings fun, utility, and style.
-NR
I think the deal killer is the RHD. On a TVR or a JDM car it makes sense, but on a car that the majority were produced with LHD it’s a head scratcher. Every stop light or fill up would require too much explaining. These importers should get over the language barrier and start shopping for these on the mainland.
I actually love the idea of RHD it is the automatic that kills it for me. RHD is easy to get used to, letting the car shift for me isn’t. When I lived in Japan I had a turbo 4wd 5 speed RHD Nissan GTiR. Would kill to have it again here in the USA.