1987 BMW 325iC Convertible
The second generation 3 Series from BMW, also known as the E30, was introduced in 1982 and convertible versions in 1985. They were designed with IC for "injected convertible or cabrio" while the all wheel drive version, introduced with the E30, is designated with an "X". The E30 was the first to include the performance model which is now legendary, the E30 M3.
For consignment, a 1987 BMW 325ic convertible showing 162,415 unverifiable miles. The appearance belies its age with mostly decent paint and a clean interior.
Exterior
Alpine White, or as BMW calls it, Alpineweiss, coats the body which for the second generation, becomes a bit more square edged than its predecessor. In profile, the white is interrupted by side body molding on the midline, a black pinstripe that runs front to back, and a faux vent affixed to the front quarter panel. The black canvas top is in good condition and its plastic window shows a touch of hazing. From the back, this is a handsome and now classic car, with a trunk mounted third brake light, characteristic rectangular tail lights, and a flat deck lid that wears the BMW logo. A front air dam is almost Schnitzer-like with grated intake and horizontal air ducts lining the bottom, giving the front end an aggressive look, although suffering from some peeling paint. The 14-inch wheels, known as "bottle caps" in the Bimmer world, show a bit of curb rash but overall are not bad. Another paint issue is present with some peeling paint and light rust on the lip of a wheel opening.
Interior
The dark red leather of the interior was one of four available on the 1987 325 and is called Cardinal Red, which first covers the inner doors behind a clever piece that continuously links the door pull, armrest, and lower storage bin. Both doors present cleanly, while the front seats are covered with sheepskins and the rear 2+2 seats are in great condition. A 3 spoke BMW steering wheel provides great grip ahead of a black faced instrument cluster with typical BMW status and idiot lights below it. The center stack houses climate controls, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio, and a trip computer, a coveted extra in the 80's. Above the rearview mirror, we find a light panel that provides the warning status of several systems including exterior lights. BMW's well designed shifter is in the center console wrapped in a clean black leather boot while the low pile black carpet below shows some age.
Drivetrain
Driver quality in appearance is the 2.5 liter SOHC inline 6 cylinder rated at 168 horsepower and backed by a 5-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels and 2.79 conventional gears. Power disc brakes are supplied at all four corners.
Undercarriage
What you might expect from a high mileage car, plenty of advanced surface rust that includes pitted areas in some areas. There's oil on the oil pan and transmission as well as some drift, and some fluid on a rear wheel. The exhaust travels through two pipes running in tandem through a stock style muffler, then exits through twin pipes in the back. MacPherson struts in front and coil spring in back make up the suspension.
Drive-Ability
The venerable 2.5 starts right up and the smooth shifter goes into first and we're off and running in the ragtop Bimmer. The E30 is a wonderful design, boxy and sporty and surefooted in a way that is reminiscent of the SL's of this period. Decent power, straight tracking, and very good handling, this car still delivers a good time! We note the heater/AC blower is not working and the driver's power window is a bit finicky. Other than that, all functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
There's lots to love about this 325, from the color and clean interior to the classic lines. And suddenly, 1987 is a classic and we anticipate many "thumbs up's" in your future with this darty little convertible that was the car to have in the mid-80's. It still looks good forty years later even as E30's become rare on the street. If you're looking for a fair weather runabout, check out this BMW.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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