Gorgeous M50-swapped BMW 325is for sale

There seem to be an increasing amount of E30s with later I6 swaps circulating these days. Engine swaps are quick to elicit suspicion, but it’s just about as easy to find a nice 325is with a swap as one with the original M20. Today’s takes cleanliness to a new level, most notably the Cinnabarot illustrating why these cars were so desirable brand new. A little eurotuner flair with slammed coilovers and blocky Keskin wheels, this may be the greatest 325 I’ve ever seen.

1987 BMW 325is with M50 swap for sale on eBay

From the seller:

Exterior: One professional repaint approximately 5 years ago to its original Cinnabar Red color. Repaint was done by one of the few authorized BMW certified painters in Michigan, exceptional quality, all exterior trim was replaced with new at the same time (notice in the pics the exceptional fit of the rubber bumper guards and miscellaneous trim, none of the typical warping and misalignment you typically see on these old e30s). Other exterior improvements include: DDM HID / projector headlights, shadow-line style trim blackout, rare euro grill. Also has red-out treatment to factory tail lenses (covers the factory amber portion) looks much cleaner. Vehicle has a very nice stance thanks to new JOM coilovers with approximately 2.5″ lower ride height. Sits nicely on Keskin 16×7 et20 wheels wrapped in new performance radials. Overall exterior appearance is exceptional, and turns heads everywhere it goes.

Interior: Factory black Recaro sport interior, M-tech sport wheel, high-end Alpine head unit with ipod adapter, subwoofer, and amp hookups in trunk, new Sony Xplod speakers mounted in rear package tray. Factory gauge cluster was replaced with a custom unit with aluminum rings and high-contrast needles (please note that the mileage on that is not correct, actual mileage on car is appx 157000). Overall interior condition is extremely nice.

Mechanical: Original motor professionally swapped out in favor of the desirable M50TUB25, nicely increases HP and performance all around (Output should be around 220hp now, quite an increase compared to the stock 325iS M20). While the chassis of the car has approximately 157000, the motor has around 100,000 miles. Car also has a fresh water pump, timing belt, thermostat, bavauto coil pack, performance chip, custom intake, and performance header. Also replaced the fuel regulator and filter, opted to delete power steering (still very manageable but provides a more connected feel) Car was originally an air-conditioned car, components were not reinstalled at the time of engine swap. In addition the suspension improvements, control arms were also installed.

It doesn’t hurt that the ad’s photos look alternately like a magazine spread or BMW brochure. From the recently redone exterior to the clean black leather and amazing engine bay, I’d feel dirty touching this car. Then I’d get over it and drive it like I stole it. Many of the swapped E30s I’ve seen are looking for high single-digit thousands. I’m actually surprised this is only at $7500 with less than two days left. I love it.

-NR