1989 BMW 325i Sport, £24,500

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Could a fully optioned E30 325i be a budget alternative to a period M3? Alan Anderson thinks that it just might be…

One of the definitive ‘yuppie’ cars when new, classic E30 3 Series remain desirable among BMW devotees, especially the hot versions, which command higher values. Tired and modified E30s are plentiful, which is why a standard unmolested example like this Sport – only one step below the super-desirable M3 – can command good money. This honest example is as close to factory spec as you are ever likely to find.

Start-up is instant with none of the camshaft noises that can plague these straight-six engines. However the power steering drive belt squeals on full lock. There’s no hint of bagginess in the suspension or chassis on the move, pointing to long-term sympathetic ownership despite having more than 170,000 miles on the odometer. Its runs on healthy-looking 205/65x15 Toyo Proxes and handling is old-school rear-drive, limited-slip differential fun. It’s as well to remember that the Sport delivers no more urge than a regular 325i; the extra zest comes from shorter gearing and modified suspension that uses different springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, plus larger tyres. This one also sports the optional power steering.

Dolphin Grey emphasises this E30's ‘Q-Car’ appearance nicely unsullied by any customising attempts to the Tech-2bodykit and the 35-year-old paint finish could easily pass for almost brand-new. The standard lattice-style BBS wheels and vulnerable deep front spoiler are in excellent condition and the underside looks very healthy and rust-free although a front suspension mounting required minor welding repairs in 2019.

The desirable and supportive sport seats – in this case finished in optional leather – and M-tech three-spoke steering wheel are part of the Sport package. The cabin is as pretty much faultless as the exterior showing only faint signs of wear to the driver’s seat squab. The grey carpets are protected by BMW overmats while the black headlining is undamaged. The power sunroof works like new.

The rocker cover’s silver paint is flaking but it’s indicative of the car’s originality. More importantly it looks dry and oil-tight. This six-owner car has covered just 3000 miles since 2019, with the last change of ownership back in July 2020. However the service history book is missing leaving only an assortment of hand-written repair invoices. Several advisories highlighted in the current MoT paperwork recommend a light overhaul of the suspension and steering assemblies but nothing that looks especially expensive. More immediate tasks would be fixing the indicators and correcting a slightly high idle speed. The boot lid-mounted BMW tool kit is intact, the owner pack is present and there are spare keys for both the ignition and immobiliser system.

The asking price is towards – but not at – the top end for an E30 325i Sport, reflecting the hefty mileage. It is in generally excellent condition though – and drives almost as well as an M3.

1989 BMW 325i Sport

CHOOSE YOUR BMW E30 3 SERIES

► Launched in 1982 to replace the E21, the E30 initially comprised the carburettor-fed four-cylinder 1.6-litre 316, injected 1.8-litre 318i and 2.0 and 2.3-litre six-cylinder 320i and 323i. Two and four-door saloons offered plus a Baur-built Cabriolet with a roll-bar, door frames and fixed rear three-quarter windows.

► Factory-built full convertible introduced in 1985. 2.5-litre straight-six 325i replaced 323i.

► Homologation-special M3 with 2.3-litre twin-cam four-cylinder, wide ’arches, boot spoiler and re-profiled coupé roofline, launched in 1986. M3 convertible based on a standard model. Injected 316i replaced 316.

► Touring estate added and facelift in 1988.

► Addition of twin-cam, two-door 318iS in 1989..

► E36-generation 3 Series replaced saloons in 1990, convertibles and Tourings in 1994.

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