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Exceptional 1986 BMW 325es for sale

The same friend mentioned in the ’74 911 post drove a 325e in college. Though disadvantaged with the “efficient” 2.7L M20 (producing 21 fewer horses than the 318is and 47 less than the 325is), it was a great look at how fun even slow E30s can be. The 1986-only 325es mixed the weakest engine with the best suspension, which isn’t a bad choice for an E30 enthusiast who does a lot of miles. Today’s example is about as clean as 80s Bimmers come and uses a Turner Motorsports chip and H&R springs to make this a truly exceptional “efficiency” model.

Popular but surely taking a price hit because it’s “is” has an “e” in it, 19 bids have it at just $3,750 with 3 days left. This could be the perfect E30 daily driver: 120k miles, fun in the twisties, good on the highway, and one-more-look gorgeous. I love the immaculately redone interior, clean respray, and aggressive stance from the 16″ BBS and H&R. Anything less than $6k and this is a steal.
-NR

5 Comments

  1. Larry
    Larry April 1, 2011

    “Engine check light is on but I had the shop check it out and it registered no codes but they forgot to reset it! This is not a problem.”

    Really? They simply forgot to clear the light? And the owner didn’t go back to have them do it?

    Actually, it is a problem. In some states, including MA where I live, a car won’t pass the annual inspection with a check engine light on.

    I really like this car quite a bit. The clean exterior and refreshed interior are very nice, and there are enough upgrades to detract from the fact that you won’t be going very fast.

    But a 25 year-old “eta” powered 325 with 120K miles AND an accident history and potential inspection problem? I’d be reluctant to pay $6K.

  2. Bob
    Bob April 2, 2011

    Crying out for an engine Swap. Sorry, but that is an awful engine for such a ncie car.

  3. OlyOop
    OlyOop April 2, 2011

    Isn’t the hot ticket to use an “e” head and a regular “i” block (or is it vice versa) to create a torque monster that’s better than the engine you’d find in an “is”?

  4. Larry
    Larry April 3, 2011

    Auction ended at $4550 with 26 bids, but it didn’t meet the reserve.

  5. Nate
    Nate April 11, 2011

    And again at $4,039, 13 bids, reserve not met. That’s a slick looker for less than 5 grand.

    @OlyOop, the 2.7L has a more restrictive head than the 2.5, so perhaps that’s the solution? Sounds fun!

Comments are closed.