Wanted - BMW 325is (1988-1991) | FerrariChat

Wanted BMW 325is (1988-1991)

Discussion in 'Other Cars' started by BLACK HORSE, Jul 18, 2020.

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  1. BLACK HORSE

    BLACK HORSE Formula 3
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    #1 BLACK HORSE, Jul 18, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2020
    Hello everyone,

    I'm looking for a BMW 325is either a coupe or a sedan between the years of 1988 to 1991) for my son. His primary choice is Red / tan or black interior) but he can also do white or silver. The car must be in exceptionable in good/great exterior shape (few door dings, no large dents and preferred repainted cars but if the original paint is great shape with no clear coat issues then that's okay too...

    No rust issues (internal/external)
    No mechanical issues (example: low oil pressure issues, etc) Must be reliable / sound car. This car MUST pass California DMV smog tests.
    After market add ions are also preferred. (lowered, suspension upgrades, coil overs)
    I'm willing to pay expected market value for this type of condition car.
    Acceptable mileage: from 80K-200K +

    Please PM me or email me at [email protected] in you have one that you're selling. I also would like to see pictures of the car and a full description please.

    Thx Rob
     
    Thomas Magnum likes this.
  2. 19633500GT

    19633500GT F1 World Champ
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    may I ask a dumb question? In re to the request to pass CA Smog, I assume you are only interested in CA cars? Or?
     
  3. tantumaude

    tantumaude Formula Junior
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    Excellent choice! I bought a 1988 325i for $350 as my first car nine years ago, it sparked a love of cars and wrenching in me that just gets bigger every day.

    325is will be coupe only.
    R3Vlimited would be a good place to look. Change the timing belt right away!
     
  4. BLACK HORSE

    BLACK HORSE Formula 3
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    Nope... We're open as long as the car has its O2 sensor and its a stock V6 engine.
     
  5. BLACK HORSE

    BLACK HORSE Formula 3
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    Yep we have a post on those sites too... Thx
     
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  6. BLACK HORSE

    BLACK HORSE Formula 3
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    Also I forgot to mention that my son prefers a 5 speed manual
     
  7. 375+

    375+ F1 World Champ
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    E30 325is has an inline 6.
     
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  8. BLACK HORSE

    BLACK HORSE Formula 3
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    Yep, you're right!!! .. I'm still learning about these cars... my bad!!!!!
     
  9. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
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    Through the 90's and early 2000's I had a number of E30 (1984-1991 3 series) BMW's and will always remember them fondly. Turns out I'm not the only one and these cars have achieved a cult like status with prices very strong and well into collector car figures (ie. MUCH more than comparable offerings for the same money).

    A few things to know and consider:

    - 88-91 is when they went to the larger rear tail lights. In 88 was the only year with the large lights and stainless bumpers and later cars got body coloured bumpers.
    - 2 engines were available in the US a 4 cylinder (318) and a 6 cylinder (325). Immediately when you see 325 you are getting the straight 6
    - An 'is' was the sports package with different seats, wheels, suspension, front and rear lip. They are also all 2 door and far and away the most desirable. As such the prices are a LOT more than a regular E30. Unless you are looking for a concours car this matters otherwise don't be afraid of a standard car and fitting the parts you like from a junk yard.
    - At 30+ years of age a little rust is something you may have to live with or get fixed
    - A complete exhaust system with replacement O2 sensors is not expensive and should not be a deal breaker

    Look at Bring a Trailer to get an idea for selling prices and Pelican Parts is a great resource right in California for parts. Good luck with the search.
     
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  10. 19633500GT

    19633500GT F1 World Champ
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    The battery "box" in the trunk loves to rust out and collects water. Dashes are seen cracked frequently. Motor mounts and other suspension bits are usually worn on other than concours cars because many of the E30s that aren't M3's, were just cheap cars forever, and DIY maintenance/deferred remained supreme. East coast E30s are....scary haha.
     
  11. S-T48

    S-T48 Formula Junior

    Oct 30, 2008
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    Great cars! I had a rare 1993 IC. I think it was 1 of 85 or something... the E30 model changed mid 1992, so a 1993 is very rare. BMW made a handful of convertibles since the newer model only came in a sedan or a coupe.

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
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  12. njcycleguy

    njcycleguy Formula Junior
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    There were two 6 cylinder engines imported into the US for the E30. In 1985 and 1986, the ETA 6 cylinder produced 121hp but 170lbs ft of torque. These models were denoted as 325, 325e, or 325eS. It was smooth but not ideal and very limited in terms of modifications due to the low compression. You don't want an ETA model.

    In 1987, the "i" motor was introduced on the 325iS and 325i four door. These produced 167hp and were amazing engines - I owned a number of these cars. The best of the entire run was a 1989 325iS. These cars were unique in that they had the combination of the 167hp motor, the new style bumpers and tail lights (without the stainless bumpers), ellipsoid projector headlights, and no Airbag - which was forced into the E30 in 1990 and always looked and felt out of place.

    The iS cars were as fast an E30 M3, dare I say it possibly even faster - even though they produced slightly less HP.
     
    INTMD8 and 375+ like this.

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