1987 BMW 325i Convertible (E30) |

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1987 BMW 325i Convertible (E30)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£7,434

Mileage~111,988 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.5L
LocationTowcester

SOLD

1987 BMW 325i Convertible (E30)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Consigner and Editor

As one of the image-defining cars of the 1980s, the E30 remains a solid all-rounder today.

The E30 series of BMWs offers the driver almost everything one might need in a car. The second generation 3-Series was introduced in 1982, and not only created an instant impact for those looking for a car to social climb but there was also plenty of substance behind the image. Offered in three distinct body shapes, with both four and six-cylinder options, they were a joy to drive. These robustly engineered cars with clean styling and a well-respected image were just a few reasons why the E30 became BMW’s best-selling model of the era.

At the top of the 3-series pecking order, outside the legendary M3, was the inline-six 169 bhp 325i. The convertible versions were considered a compact and finely constructed option for sun-seekers, who had grown weary of older antiquated roadsters. The carefully designed bracing within the screen pillar gave ample roll protection, as the hood was neatly stored away under a steel panel. First seen in 1986, it was recognised as one of the best-looking convertibles of its era.

This 1987 pre-facelift 325i is finished in Royal Blue metallic with a black leather interior. Highly specified, with all-round electric windows, 15-inch ‘Style 5’ alloy wheels, an M-Tech body kit and a very desirable hardtop - it also has a significant history file and has seen regular servicing, plus it comes with two keys and has a years MOT.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Jamie the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I'd been looking for a decent E30 saloon, but when this convertible came up, it was impossible to resist.

Originally looking for a 2-door E30, Jamie was surprised to come across a convertible with a factory hardtop and weighed up the options as this 325i offered the best of both worlds.

Jamie took on the car in 2022, and he used it as a daily driver while ensuring that it remained in the best mechanical condition possible. This includes a regime of servicing and maintenance. Sadly, due to the loss of the garage where the car has been stored, Jamie reluctantly feels it's best for the car's survival to find a new owner.

Jamie

Jamie saved £1,260* when they
sold their BMW with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Smartly presented with the striking but subtle M-Tech bodykit, it still cuts an imposing figure.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with a set of 15” Style '5' BBS factory-fitted alloys - they are in good shape, with minor signs of age.

Shod with four Continental tyres, all are less than 2 years old and have plenty of tread.

Bodywork

The underside of the car appears to be in decent condition with just some signs of age were noted on the outer sills and engine bay.

The exterior of the car generally presents well, with a few issues regarding the wheel arches, which do show some corrosion. A rust spot was also spotted in the off-side lower boot aperture. The panel work is flush, with even shut lines - there are just a handful of minor dings spotted across some of the panels, but all could be easily remedied by a dent specialist.

All doors open and close with no issues, with the driver's door needing a little more effort due to some resistance. The hood well is dry. There is some bubbling under the vinyl of the soft-top lid and its seal has perished, but a new seal will be provided.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Royal Blue metallic paint has a pleasing lustre and a deep shine. The colour is consistent on each panel. There are a few minor road stone chips on the front, paint chips on the door edges and some minor marks elsewhere, but overall the car paint finish is positive considering the car's age.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition, with a minor stone chip noted on the windscreen, which is out of the driver's eye-line.

The lights and lenses are good.

The car is fitted with an M-Tech body kit which is flush to the body with no significant issues, other than stone chip road wear.

The trim is correct for the model year, the pre-facelift chrome bumpers are in decent condition, with the odd mild scuff noted on the bumper trim corners and the rear nearside bumper edge cover is missing.

The rest of the chrome trim is in good order, with signs of age noted on the windscreen embellishment.

The door rubbers are generally good, although there are signs of damage spotted on the passenger door glass rubber seals.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Furnished in leather, the interior has lasted its years well and still feels tightly hewn.

Seats and Carpets

The leather cabin has been looked after and above the expectations of a car of this age.

The leather seats show age-related wear and creases, with the passenger side showing a large scuff, but all are free from tears or significant damage.

The carpets and mats all appeared to be dry on the day, all are in good condition.

The boot is also bone dry, and generally in decent order.

Dashboard

The dashboard is free of cracks or significant scuffs, the facia and centre console display positively. The switches and controls are good, and all are said to work including the check-control panel and trip computer.

The missing knee panel will be with the car.

The headlining for both the soft top and hard top is good, with no significant marks.

The rear trim shows a few marks, but the door cards are free of scuffs.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel shows mild signs of wear but is in line with the overall positive presentation of the cabin.

The gear lever and its gaiter are in good shape with the odd mark.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Regular maintenance is the secret to keeping the E30's reliable, and this one has seen a high level of attention over the years.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up with no issues, it idles smoothly on tick over, with no unwanted rumbles, knocks or bangs heard. Jamie is fastidiously sympathetic with the engine and always lets it idle for several minutes before setting off.

The engine presents well, with evidence of maintenance and a recent battery. The hoses and ancillaries look good and we didn’t notice any fluid leaks on the ground, but we were informed that there is a slight seepage from the steering rack, despite it being recently overhauled.

The gearbox was proven to work well, shifting gears with no issues.

The clutch is reported to have a good biting point.

Suspension and Brakes

Absorbing the road well with a smooth absorption, we didn't hear any bangs or thuds during the drive.

It corners well with no unwanted knocks from the wheels.

The car brakes smoothly, with no pulling at the steering wheel. We didn’t hear any unwanted squeals or judders. The brake warning light was on during our visit, but Jaime told us it's likely to be a sensor rather than an actual issue with its performance, as the front discs and all of the brake pads have been replaced.

The Drive

Like all BMWs, refinement and driver engagement are a matter of priority, and the E30 is no exception. As we drove the car along urban roads at low speeds, the handling felt well-balanced, with a good composed ride.

Jamie pointed out that the engine temperature gauge creeps up to 3/4 when the car is idle, but it has never moved into the red and settles down to the middle when the car is on the move. The BMW is fitted with an after-market stainless steel Scorpion back box, its output adds a pleasing note to the drive but is never intrusive.

The body felt taut, with remarkably little noise heard from the engine. As the engine pulled up to 40 mph, the steering remained vibration-free with no unwanted mechanical noises.

Jaime has not experienced any issues with the oil pressure, and the car has been dependable as he used it until recently as a daily driver.

Electrics and Other

The central locking is not functional and the passenger side window can get temperamental but lowers and raises as it should.

The hardtop is cleanly presented with a few minor marks on the bottom edge of the C-pillars, the headliner is sagging too. The soft top too is in good shape, the rear sealing around the glass panel has given way but all these need is some carefully applied glue.

The tool kit is complete and is fitted with a Blaupunkt FM receiver/Tape player, which was untested.

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History and Paperwork

It comes with an impressive file of maintenance and has seen no fewer than six new cambelts over its lifetime.

First registered in March 1987 by BMW dealer Stephen James of Enfield, the car comes with a good record of maintenance, with invoices going back to 1990 and 17 service stamps. Early invoices relate to general maintenance and servicing, with more recent ones covering welding in 2007 and a new clutch which reports to have been replaced at 90K.

It has a decent service history after the last service book stamp in 2011, with six cambelt changes, the most recent one carried out in 2022.

Since buying the car two years ago Jamie has diligently actioned out his own servicing on the car, as well as taking it to a mechanic to fit new front discs, all-round pads, a steering rack and bushes at the cost of £1200.

The car also retains most of its MOT certificates, which date back to 1991. A previous owner has also traced back its owner profiles, which documents that the car spent much of its life in the southwest, with one lady owner keeping the car for 15 years. The previous keeper of the car retained it for 7 years.

It comes with its owner's wallet, handbook, service book, two keys and a third boot key. It was last serviced around 1000 miles ago and comes with a year's MOT.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Jamie will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
09-08-2024	MOT	111,952
30-09-2023	Service	111,913
29-07-2023	Service	109,936
08-04-2023	Service	106,895
09-01-2023	MOT	104,225
20-12-2022	Service	103,680
12-12-2022	Front discs, all round pads, steering rack, Bushes	103,505
27-06-2022	Cambelt + Water pump	100,393
14-01-2022	MOT	100,318
26-04-2021	Clutch master & slave
07-01-2021	MOT	99,985
09-07-2019	MOT	98,574
05-07-2018	MOT	97,081
29-06-2017	MOT	96,599
27-04-2016	MOT	95,936
07-08-2015	All belts replaced & Service	95,316
21-04-2015	MOT	94,989
19-05-2014	MOT	94,657
30-04-2013	MOT	92,623
23-04-2012	MOT	91,354
09-05-2011	MOT	91,204
09-05-2011	Cambelt	91,203
15-05-2010	MOT	90,749
07-02-2007	MOT	89,086
08-02-2006	MOT	88,022
22-02-2006	Cambelt	88,044
03-02-2005	Service	86,502
03-02-2005	MOT	86,502
29-01-2004	Service	84,455
29-01-2004	MOT	84,455
06-02-2003	Service	82,079
29-01-2004	MOT	82,079
27-08-2002	Cambelt	81.561
07-02-2002	Service	79,767
07-02-2002	MOT	79,767
20-02-2001	MOT	76,989
02-11-2000	Service	75,993
09-03-2000	Service	74,482
17-01-2000	MOT	74,141
29-10-1999	Cambelt	73,272
25-02-1999	Service	71,215
02-02-1999	MOT	70,989
01-07-1998	Service	65,382
01-07-1997	Service	64,883
03-01-1998	MOT	62,257
13-02-1997	MOT	62,905
23-07-1996	Cambelt	60,294
13-02-1996	MOT	59,289
04-07-1995	Service	55,522
21-02-1995	MOT	53,367
01-09-1994	Service	51,261
22-02-1994	MOT	50,129
27-05-1993	Service	47,681
26-02-1993	MOT	46,889
08-10-1992	BMW Service	46,011
04-03-1992	MOT	41,337
10-01-1992	BMW Service	39,202
28-06-1991	BMW Service	31,739
25-02-1991	MOT	28,094
30-01-1991	BMW Service	27,035
03-10-1990	BMW Service	24,707
19-10-1988	BMW Service	9,003
16-02-1988	BMW Service	5,888
21-05-1987	BMW Service	1,442