Highlights

Rare surviving example of an E30 325i
Presented in largely original condition
Replacement wheels, tires and exhaust
Six-cylinder engine and manual gearbox
$10,000 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 sedan and wagon, in diesel and AWD variants. Yet its optimal form was arguably a two-door sedan fitted with a creamy six-cylinder gasoline 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 $10,000 fitting restoration wheels and an exhaust system, helping to elevate its original gray 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 trunk 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 June 1st, 2027
Technical specs: 2,494cc six-cylinder gasoline engine and five-speed manual gearbox
Paperwork: DVA vehicle test certificate (Northern Ireland)

The Detail

Replacement alloy wheels with matching tires
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"

BEFORE YOU BUY

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