1990 BMW 325is

I have given a lot of thought lately to the whole used versus new debate. Earlier this year, I traded in a Mercedes-Benz that I bought new for a MINI Cooper S that was used. For me, I’m going to have a hard time justifying buying a new vehicle in the near future. As time marches on, most of the new product offerings have lost any kind of unique brand identity. I therefore find myself longing for the cars of my youth, from the 1980s and early 1990s, like this well kept 1990 BMW 325is. The E30 was almost the company car of the emerging yuppie class, but these days, it harkens back to more economically optimistic times and for car enthusiasts, a time when cars were more simple yet provided more pleasure than their successors.

1990 BMW 325is on Hemmings Motor News

California Car, Show Quality, Totally Rust-Free 1990 BMW 325is, Sterling Silver Metallic with Black Leather, 5 Speed Manual. This car has all maintenance up to date including the following done at 99k miles; new front & rear brake rotors and pads, timing belt/tensionor, water pump, valve adjustment, all fluids flushed, new Bilstein shocks & struts and more. This car is nearly perfect with no exposure to bad elements of salt etc. The panels are all original with all the VIN stickers intact. Nearly perfect paint showing almost no road wear at all. The interior is also close to flawless, has no cracks in the dashboard, the carpets are immaculate and free of any stains and the leather is as soft and new looking as when the car was sold.

This condition of the car shows that it obviously was garaged since new and was a one owner car until 97k miles. It has heated seats and a Factory CD changer. This car is all stock equipment except for a BMP design Supersprint stainless exhaust that was installed by the previous owner. This can be changed back to factory very easily by the next owner if desired. This car is not for someone looking for just a clean E30, but a fair weather car that is one of the cleanest original E30’s in the country. This has been my personal car for the last two years and has been driven 5k miles in good weather since 2009. It has been stored in a climate controlled showroom. Sensible offers close to asking price will be considered.

I like the extensive description on this car, and the list of maintenance items taken care of is reassuring. The asking price of $14,900 though is quite optimistic, if not approaching 2002tii money. Realistically, a car like this should be honing in on the $8,000 to $10,000 neighborhood.

As a former owner of an E30 325is, I can attest that these are very hearty cars if looked after and are much less complex than any new car out there, reducing the amount of upkeep needed. If I wasn’t so happy with my ’06 Cooper S right now, a clean, late model E30, such as a 318is or 325is would be at the top of my list. It wouldn’t be the best choice for everyone, but since I drive between 5,000 to 7,000 miles a year, it would be just enough exercise to keep a practical classic, or youngtimer, as the Germans would call it, going for many years forward.

-Paul