1988 BMW 325i Convertible E30
Sold for
£15,550
Ended 31 May 2026
Data from Car & Classic, updated on 10 Oct 2026
- Year
- 1988
- Mileage
- 108,227 miles
- Gearbox
- Manual
- Engine
- 2500cc
- Colour
- Blue
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
Specification
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Steering
- Right Hand Drive
- Auction house guide
- £12,250 – £18,015
Description
Highlights
- Full body restoration and engine rebuild carried out
- Factory sport interior specification with heated seats
- Advisory-free MOT valid to March 2027
The Appeal
The E30-generation BMW 325i Convertible is widely regarded as one of the finest open-top cars of the 1980s. Its silky inline-six engine, beautifully balanced chassis, and Bauhaus styling have earned it a devoted following, and the convertible variant, with its elegant proportions, is particularly coveted.
This 1988 example was supplied new to the UK by Cooper St James BMW before spending 15 years in Spain, where the dry climate is said to have kept corrosion entirely at bay. Upon its return to the UK, a full body restoration was undertaken to address lacquer peel caused by prolonged sun exposure, and the engine has also been fully rebuilt. The vendor describes the car as an original example retaining its factory specification, including the desirable sport interior with heated seats.
We're informed that it presents in very good order throughout, and with an MOT valid to March 2027 (with no advisories), this E30 Convertible will be fabulous for the summer months to come.
Key Information
- Mileage: 108,227 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT valid until March 2027 (no advisories)
- Technical specs: 2.5-litre inline-six petrol, five-speed manual
- Paperwork: Numerous invoices from Sytner Chigwell, and various specialists/parts suppliers, including engine rebuild invoice
The Detail
- Documented full engine rebuild completed at a cost of £3,500
- The vendor states the engine has full compression and drives like new
- Full body restoration carried out to address lacquer peel from sun exposure in Spain
- Original bumpers fitted, with minor scratches from general use
- The vendor describes the original interior as being in very good condition
- Fitted with the factory sport interior option including heated seats
- Originally purchased from Cooper St James BMW
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
Comparable sales
Sold prices from auctions that ended in the last 24 months. Chart shows the last 12 months. The latest 18 sales carry details. Prices in GBP.
Median sold price
£10,687.50
Sold range
£3,100 – £32,500
Sold lots
51
Price trend
Falling
Sold 45% above the E30 median

1990 BMW 325i Convertible E30
Car & Classic · 25 Oct 2026
£16,250Sold
1991 BMW E30 325i Convertible Manual
Car & Classic · 23 Oct 2026
£13,000Not sold
1988 BMW 325i Touring Automatic E30
Car & Classic · 21 Oct 2026
£10,000Sold
1989 BMW (E30) 325i Sport - M Technic Pack II
Collecting Cars · 20 Oct 2026
£19,500Sold
Similar live auctions
Other auctions for the same model, ending soonest first.


