1987 BMW 325i (E30) CABRIOLET

This 1987 BMW 325i Cabriolet is a superb example of the drop-top E30, presented in sound cosmetic condition and great mechanical order. It is powered by the coveted 168bhp 2.5-litre M20B25 straight-six, coupled with the desirable five-speed manual transmission. The mileage from new is just 72,319 miles.

First registered in February 1987, it was ordered new through the Jacksons BMW main dealer on Guernsey. It spent the first 30 years of its life there, being gently driven around the island and being regularly serviced by the supplying dealer. In 2017, the car was exported to the UK mainland having been purchased by the second registered keeper. The vendor is only the third owner of the car, and he has invested more than £5,000 over the last year to improve it.

The car now presents beautifully, finished in vibrant Zinnoberrot paintwork. Its bodywork is in superb rust-free condition, and has been fully checked over by the vendor’s trusted BMW specialist. The door, bonnet and boot shuts are all in pristine order, and the exterior trim is in great shape. There are more than 130 images in the media gallery below, which showcase the car’s appearance.

All of the light lenses are complete and in good condition, as are the window and door seals. The black fabric hood still has a deep colour and no damage, though may require some slight adjustment to ensure the fit is as snug as possible. The car sits on an original set of 14-inch ‘Bottle Cap’ alloy wheels, and retains the factory-supplied spare in the same design. The wheels have only very minor blemishes, with centre caps in pristine condition and no corrosion on the bolts.

This Cabriolet has the handsome Pearl Beige leather upholstery, which complements the bright red paintwork brilliantly. The hide has worn very well with age, now showing just a few minor scuffs as well as a small stain on the driver’s seat cushion. It benefits from having the optional double-stitched sport seats for driver and front passenger, with manual adjustment and extendable thigh support.

Ahead of the driver is perhaps one of the most elegant steering wheels to grace a modern BMW interior - a driver-focused, three-spoke design trimmed in leather. A Bluetooth-enabled Pioneer stereo head unit has been installed during the vendor’s ownership to ‘future-proof’ the car’s usability. Overall, the cabin is in excellent condition, and all of the switchgear works as it should.

Opening the bonnet reveals an engine bay that presents very well. The rain gutters and seals are in great shape, and the insulation panels are all intact. Pleasingly, there are still factory stickers in place throughout, supporting the impressive original condition of this car.

The straight-six engine starts cleaning and runs smoothly, exhibiting superb drivetrain refinement. Before it was acquired by the vendor, the car was given a light recommissioning following a period in storage. This included a complete new exhaust system, clutch slave cylinder, brake discs and pads all round, renewed flexible brake hoses and a full service.

Since purchasing the car, the owner has spent a significant sum on ensuring every element is up to scratch. The timing belt was renewed in October 2018 - less than 2,000 miles ago - and is not due for its next replacement until October 2021.

Other work carried out in October 2018 by independent BMW specialist ETA Motorsport included: a full Inspection II service; renewal of the head gasket and bolts; a replacement water pump, temperature sensor and fan coupling; new drive belts for the alternator and distributor; fitting a replacement distributor cap and rotor arm; renewal of the gear lever bushes, links and knuckle; and new fuel lines and heater hoses.

As if the rundown of maintenance above is not impressive enough, the list of recent work continues. The suspension has been completely overhauled, with new Bilstein B4 shock absorbers fitted on all four corners, as well as B3 coil springs. The front wishbones, control arms and bushes have all been replaced, along with the rear subframe bushes and mid-exhaust bracket. Its fuel tank has been renewed, along with the coolant plug gasket and the gearbox output shaft seal.

New chrome trim has been sourced and fitted for the windscreen surround, and the rear window weather strips have also been replaced. The car has been fitted with new front seatbelt stalks, and the central locking module and driver’s seat slide-and-tilt mechanism have been refurbished. The gas struts that prop up the bonnet and boot have been renewed, as have the plastic hood trim covers. Finally, the underside and sills were treated to a full Waxoyl treatment.

It is covered by an advisory-free MOT until 23 August 2020. The vendor has just had the track rod ends replaced, as well as the front brake pads. The car wears a matching set of Uniroyal RainExpert 3 tyres in size 195/65 R14 all round, and all date-coded to 2018 with virtually full tread remaining.

The BMW is accompanied by the complete original owner’s pack, including vehicle handbook, service directory, and the warranty and maintenance booklet. The original service book contains 15 main dealer and independent specialist stamps, which document the car’s relaxed island life and regular maintenance. A lever-arch folder full of receipts is also present.

In May 2019, the owner was asked to participate in a cover story group test for the July 2019 issue of Modern Classics magazine - as previewed in the media gallery below - and the car will come with a copy of the magazine for the next owner.

This BMW 325i Cabriolet is a terrific usable classic in fine fettle. It is mechanically superb, the bodywork and paint are in great condition, and the interior is original and showing very little wear. Well-sorted examples of the E30 are becoming harder to find - even more so a desirable 2.5-litre car with the five-speed manual gearbox. The car is a delight to drive and, in this colour scheme with genuine low mileage, a real rarity on the road.

Summary of stamped service history:

22 Jan 1987 - 21 miles (PDI)
21 Apr 1987 - 1,204 miles
12 Jul 1988 - 2,573 miles
24 Aug 1989 - 6,641 miles
29 May 1990 - not recorded
11 Sep 1992 - 16,110 miles
23 Sep 1994 - not recorded
27 Sep 1995 - not recorded
30 May 1997 - 36,134 miles
28 May 1999 - 41,847 miles
10 May 2000 - not recorded
24 Jul 2002 - 52,863 miles
10 Jul 2003 - 55,487 miles
18 Nov 2004 - 58,534 miles
22 Aug 2018 - 70,187 miles
25 Oct 2018 - 70,443 miles