1989 BMW 325i

Highlights

• Rare surviving example of an E30 325i
• Presented in largely original condition
• Replacement wheels, tyres and exhaust
• Six-cylinder engine and manual gearbox
• £8,000 spent on exterior upgrades

The Appeal

For many people, the second generation E30 will always be the quintessential BMW 3-Series. On sale amid the rise of Yuppies and conspicuous consumption, the E30 was available as a four-door saloon and estate, in diesel and AWD variants. Yet its optimal form was arguably a two-door saloon fitted with a creamy six-cylinder petrol engine.

Overengineering was a hallmark of the 3-Series, right down to the complex headlamp wiper system fitted to this particular 325i, which migrated from Birmingham to Northern Ireland, where it recently obtained the Province’s Driver & Vehicle Agency test certificate. The current owner has spent £8,000 fitting restoration wheels and an exhaust system, helping to elevate its original grey paintwork.

The odometer is broken, so a precise mileage can’t be confirmed, but the owner estimates this car has covered 165,000 miles. The underside appears to be in good condition, while the exterior has paint blisters along some edges, and there is evidence of corrosion inside the boot lid. The engine shows pitting and surface marks but appears original, with manufacturer stickers retained. The sunroof seal requires attention, as does the paintwork around it, and there are surface scratches across the bumpers and sills.

The interior of this 325i seems to be unmodified, with attendant wear across the carpets. The current owner acknowledges fading and cracks across the black leather seats, particularly on the driver’s seat bolsters, while there are trim pieces missing from the passenger seat. Other than an aftermarket stereo, the dashboard and instrumentation appear original, and the door cards are in good order.

Key information

• Mileage: 165,000 (odometer reportedly inoperative)
• Country of registration: UK
• Technical inspection status: MOT until the 1st of June 2027
• Technical specs: 2,494cc six-cylinder petrol engine and five-speed manual gearbox
• Paperwork: DVA vehicle test certificate (Northern Ireland)

The Detail

• Replacement alloy wheels with matching tyres
• Replacement exhaust system fitted
• Reportedly “running and driving like new”
• Original interior, fabrics, leather and carpets
• Paintwork bubbling and scratched
• Odometer broken, so exact mileage unknown
• Described as “great fun to drive”

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