Specifications
Highlights
• Largely Original, Preserved Example
• Great Looking Euro-Weave BBS Wheels
• The Ultimate Family Car for the Summer?
EAG Impressions
The E30 3-Series marked a significant evolution in BMW's compact sport sedan lineup. Its boxy yet elegant design would become emblematic of 1980s automotive styling. While European markets enjoyed a wide range of engine options, including the peppy 325i, U.S. models were often detuned to meet emissions requirements. The most notable disparity came with the M3. Introduced in Europe in 1986 as a homologation special for touring car racing, the E30 M3 didn't reach American shores until 1988, and even then with a slightly less powerful engine than its European counterpart.
Overview
Although the E30 wasn’t BMW’s first 3-Series, it was the generation that launched the series of sub-variants which really shaped the model’s lineup for the next 40 years. The prior E21 generation consisted solely of a 2-door coupe, which made sense as a replacement for the outgoing 2002. But with the E30, BMW added a sedan, a cabriolet and eventually even a wagon, as well as the legendary M3. The E30 Cabriolet was at the time one of the few soft tops that BMW had built post-World War II and the only one that was practical for every day use and reasonably affordable.
This 1987 BMW E30 325i Cabriolet is presented in outstanding overall condition and shows just 13,577 miles at the time of cataloging. Finished in a beautiful pewter-silver known as Lachssilver, this E30 has been kept to a tremendously high standard at a time when many of these cars have been driven into the ground. Although largely stock, one upgrade to the exterior that really takes the looks of the car up a notch is the addition of 16” Euro BBS basketweave wheels with modern performance rubber.
One great thing about ordering a 325i Cabriolet in period was that, in the United States, it came pretty loaded as standard from the factory. It was the only car aside from the “is” trim and M3 that came standard with the more heavily bolstered sport-seats, which were also power and wrapped in leather. A large 3-spoke steering wheel sits in front of you and frames the classic E30 tach/speedometer gauge cluster, and off to the right hand side sits the gear stick for the 5-speed manual, which has been altered slightly with a Euro-style round top shift knob.
Powering the 325i Cabriolet is one of BMW’s great motors - the M20 2.5-liter Inline-6. Although collectors go crazy for the motorsport-derived S14 in the E30 M3, for an engine to use and enjoy every day, nothing beats the M20. Producing 168 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque, the M20 loves to rev and offers a smooth power delivery all throughout the rev range while also being notoriously durable. In this car it is connected to a 5-speed Getrag manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels.
History
This special E30 was purchased by a local client in 2015 as the second owner. We have service history dating back to when the vehicle was new and extensive records of this being EAG maintained almost a decade. The condition of this vehicle is incredible and what you’d expect from such a preserved example. The exterior wears its original paint and is free from any large blemishes while the interior shows like-new with supple leather seats and a crack-free dashboard. Always garage kept and only driven on weather appropriate days.
In order to maintain the preservation of this pristine example EAG has performed its comprehensive inspection identifying current and proactive service needs to ensure a proper EAG Experience. These service highlights include: Timing belt service including water pump and thermostat replacement, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, all fluids and filters refreshed, differential output seals getting replaced, shifter carrier bushings replaced and new tires getting installed based on time.
Gallery
Documentation
