Vehicle Description
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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