Launched in 1992 for U.S. shores, the third generation 3-series instantly cemented itself as the new benchmark. In fact, for all of the attention fawned on ‘God’s Chariot’ (the E30), the reality is that the 3-series didn’t appear on notoriously BMW-leaning Car and Driver‘s Ten-Best list until the 1992 model year. Equipped with the M50 DOHC 189 horsepower inline-6, the modern yet still driver-oriented design would go on to become a regular thereafter. They were a sales success too, and like the E30 was for some time, they’re currently being largely ignored in the used market. After all, if you can get a clean M3 in the teens, why would you buy a 325i instead?
Well, this one is an interesting counterpoint. Someone obviously loved it a lot, and this E36 convertible is chock-full of options and neat accessories. And, it’s only got 18,000 miles:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995 BMW 325i Convertible on eBay
Year: 1995
Model: 325i Convertible
VIN: WBABJ632XSJD39593
Engine: 2.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 18,000 mi
Location: Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
Price: $25,998 Buy It Now
None
The selling dealer presents little other than this car is ‘Calypso Red Metallic’, which is wrong. It’s actually Hellrot (314), alternatively known as Bright Red and Light Red. Either way, it’s not metallic. What’s cool here is the color-matching hardtop, which is a rare find on any E36, and this one also has what appears to be a dealer-installed rear spoiler. It’s not what I would want personally, but it’s also neat to see a high-spec car. Additional options include Hi-Fi sound, power-adjustable front seats, and fine wood trim. Then someone slapped a massive front strut bar, an aftermarket exhaust, and sisal floor mats in to top it off.
The M50 hooked to an automatic isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it probably suits the character of the car well. Pricing seems steep at $26,000, but then you could not get an M3 in this condition with this low mileage at that price. I think it’s overpriced for the market as it is and you’re better off with the later convertibles, but it is neat to see.
-Carter
Since I’m still driving my 1995 E36 5 speed 4 cylinder convertible, I feel particularly qualified to chime in. Gas had gone to a buck a gallon and for reasons lost to the haze of time, the wife wanted a convertible. Sooo…I traded in my ’87 325IS…yes…..I traded one of the more desireable E30’s ( short of an M3) in for a brand spankin new 4 banger E36 in January 1995. I’m still kicking myself….though at 354,000 miles my E36 stead has served me well! Despite the cheezy ( I know it has an s) interior plastic bits, and the random idiot light insanity, I still love to drive my somewhat now underpowered E36 vert. Because he cost 31,000 in 1995 dollars ( WTH!), I am intent on driving it to 500,000 miles to properly account for its outrageous cost 🙂
Not in this life would I pay 25 large for a slushbox anything…..especially not a garden variety E36 vert even with the serious cool hardtop, one of the best features of the E36 convertible options.
I’m not sure who the buyer is for this.
Actually, you’re not necessarily better off with a later one. The 96+ cars are obdii which makes smog tests a royal pain. This 95 is much easier to deal with because you just have to put the cat back in whenever you need to go in for an emissions test. The 96 plus have the secondary air nonsense which is a hassle. Too bad about the slushbox, as this is a really great car condition wise.
this is getting stupidly clear, people that remove the cats from their cars are fucking idiots… notice the climate changes yet? there is a good reason for smog controls and those that cheat the systems are criminally insane… all cars, old and new should have complete as possible smog controls… the lasting effect of polluting is a geometric massing of less clean air and more poison for the future…
a nice car and well equipped regardless of the transmission used…
well the silver stick shift ’99 carter links to is way cooler and the no reserve is a nice touch… just hours left and still below 10k, easily a better buy…
The drivers door looks to be repainted. The color in the pictures is slightly off.
Michael blechman: take a few deep, cleansing breaths, buy a Tesla and you’ll feel better, I promise.
i’m holding out for a lucid…
A cheap 25 year old 3er, and I gotta read somebody’s BS politics?
GMAFB