The second generation of the 3 series, known as the E30, launched in 1982, and remained in production until 1994. This particular model has become known and thought of by many as the definitive 80’s saloon car, especially the 6 cylinder 325. The 171 bhp from the 2.5 litre M20 engine, and its excellent balanced chassis ensured the 3 Series handled as well as it looked.

E30’s came in a range of body styles from the 2-door saloon, 4-door saloon, and in 1986 the wonderful convertible model, like we have here today. Packed full of features, the E30 was available with electric windows and mirrors, central locking, Blaupunkt audio, sports seats with extending leg support, and on the mechanical side of things an automatic gearbox, or the Sport Auto box, like the one we have here was fitted with.

There was an update in 1987 which included the introduction of the touring version, (estate), and some cosmetic changes such as the reduction of chrome from the bumpers. Proven now for many years, the 3 Series BMW is now onto the 7th generation and showing no signs of slowing down, which is sure to result in more future classics as good as the unforgettable E30.

The seller of this 1987 BMW 325 convertible has owned the vehicle for just over 12 months. He is a huge fan of any 80’s classic, and when he spotted this car for sale he simply couldn’t resist, purely because of the originality of the car. The 325i has clearly been well cared for over the years, retaining things like the handwritten instructions by the original owner for putting the roof down without creasing it.

With a recent house move, and the new property only having one garage which is housing another 80’s classic, unfortunately, the BMW has to go to a new home rather than be stored outside.

The V5 is present and shows 4 previous keepers. The owner's wallet, manuals, a stamped service book plus a breakdown of the times the car was serviced, (25 times in total), and the original blaupunkt stereo instructions are present, along with some invoices for work carried out over the years.

There is a current MOT on the car which is valid until the 3rd March 2022, but the seller will be putting a full MOT on the BMW by the time the auction ends.

Inside the BMW is a really nice place to be! The anthracite sports seats are in excellent condition for the year, showing very little signs of wear to the bolster, which is quite uncommon for any vehicle fitted with these types of seats. The rear seat can be described as being in the same condition.

The door cards are free from any scuffs and are in excellent condition, with the electric mirror switch fitted to the drivers side. The dashboard in the 3 Series it just has it should be, with no damage or slits to be seen. Behind the 3 spoke steering wheel, which is also excellent, is the instrument binnacle. At the time of our visit there was an ABS light showing on the instrument display and the service inspection light was on.

The seller has this booked in and the ABS fault will be rectified prior to the sale, along with a service. The odometer is showing a reading of 118,248 miles, and all the gauges are reported to be working as they should.
Moving to the middle of the dashboard, there is the original Blaupunkt Melbourne radio cassette player fitted, and the switches and heater controls are in excellent order.

Lower down, the electric window buttons show very little wear and are all working as they should. The automatic gear surround also has clear legible numbers, and the S, E, 3.2.1 switch for the Sport Auto box, is also working correctly.

The carpets are in excellent order, protected by some factory fit mats which are also in very nice condition. The headlining on the cabriolet roof is also in good order, and held tightly when closed. Inside the boot, first and foremost is a full tool kit! This is followed up with the original jack and wheel brace, and of course the spare wheel which is in good condition.

Finished in Alpine white, this 1987 325i is believed to be wearing the original coat of paint, and from our discussions with the seller and what we could see, there doesn’t appear to have been any paintwork carried out.
Starting at the front of the BMW, there are a few small age related stone chips to the lower front section of the bumper, as you would expect, but definitely less than you would think for the mileage.

The lower fog lights and four headlights are in good order, with no chips or cracks to be seen. The same can be said for the indicators, apart from one tiny hairline crack in the passenger side. The chrome trim to the bumper and kidney grilles has a nice bright finish.

Moving to the sides, and the doors align nicely with no issues to report and with regards to any dings, it is straight as a die. The driver's door had a deadlock fitted at some point, which was also part of the alarm, this is no longer connected and not in use. The windows are all in nice condition, along with the window rubbers which show no signs of excessive age.

The roof is where the 3 Series comes into its own, and when dropped it looks fantastic! It is the original roof and, as mentioned, the original seller wrote a number of instructions explaining how to lower it without damaging it. This has obviously been adhered to in the past as the roof is free from any excessive creasing and has a nice straight rear window.

There are a couple of small wear marks just by the driver's door, but otherwise, it is in excellent order. The original wheels don't ever look to have been refurbished, there are a couple of small marks on them, but these may polish out. Fitted with 4 matching Avon tyres which have a good amount of dread remaining, ensures that they will serve the new keeper well for a number of miles.

The perfect choice for any BMW from this era is the 2.5 litre in-line six cylinder. This one is coupled to the 4-speed Sports Auto gearbox, which was an optional extra at the time, and featured Sport, Eco and 3.2.1 semi automatic mode. The car starts up straight away with no untoward noises coming from the engine bay. On the road the seller reports that the car pulls well through the gears, with a smooth change and no hesitation.

There are also no noises reported to come from the transmission or the suspension. With an excellent service history, the timing belt is recorded to have been replaced at 105,000 miles, and the last full service at 116,000 miles, just 2,248 miles ago. The seller will be having a service carried out before the auction ends.

What's not to love about this 1987 E30 3 Series 325i convertible. It is in an excellent, original condition, both inside and out. There is an excellent service history with 25 services recorded. The MOT history all matches up and shows a steady increase in mileage, covering approximately 18,000 since 2007, clearly being used as a weekend or show car.
Finding one this original is getting quite difficult, so if you are on the lookout for an 80’s classic convertible, this is one which should be at the top of your list.


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