BMW 3 SERIES 325I Convertible with Factory Hard Top 1988

This particular BMW E30 was specified in a superb colour combination of Diamond Black with Natural Leather interior and a matching black hood. It was also specified with the extremely desirable and rare genuine BMW hard top in Black which is supplied with the car. It also has the much more supportive and adjustable sports seats and a BMW MTech 1 steering wheel. Being a series 1 car, it has the manual hood operation, chrome bumpers and more chrome detailing than later cars. It rides on a lovely set of original cross spoke alloy wheels. At the front the headlights are fitted with the very period headlight wash/wiper system.

It’s History

Supplied new by Magpie in Cambridge on 01 August 1998, this BMW has had 9 owners, the last since October 2018. The car comes with the full original BMW book pack, stamped service history book, various old receipts, a full set of old MOT’s verifying the mileage and even the rechargeable glove box torch that is usually missing. In the boot, the supplied toolkit is complete, in place and in great condition.

The BMW was refreshed in 2017, receiving a full respray in the original Diamond Black colour and any areas showing corrosion were dealt with at that time including the fitting of a new front wing. The leather interior was fully re-trimmed in Sand Leather and is unmarked and looks stunning. The refresh was completed by the fitment of a new BMW specification Mohair hood. Unusually for these cars the dash is in suburb condition without the familiar cracks a testament to the car being garaged for much of its life. The engine received a new cylinder head gasket in 2012 when the head was skimmed and pressure tested. The current owner has kept the fluids fresh including replacing the water pump and coolant, new brake pads and discs, replacing the rocker cover gasket and overhauling the clutch hydraulic system.

On the Road

The BMW drives superbly either hood up or down and when down you have a lovely uncluttered outline and unrestricted visibility. Putting the factory hardtop in place creates a great all weather coupe. The straight six engine loves to rev and produces a surprising turn of speed, helped by the relatively low weight of the car and the usual slick BMW manual gearbox. It is also the desirable more powerful 325i version. The steering is nicely weighted and you have the lovely traditional rear wheel handling that makes these cars great fun to drive along favourite roads top down.

Conclusion

A quick look at the underside of this car will tell you all you need to know about its condition, it is totally solid in all the areas of concern on these cars. It is as good as it looks and it does look lovely drawing positive comments and looks from all quarters. 1980’s BMWs are hitting something of a sweet spot in terms of “coolness”, these are increasingly collectable iconic BMWs especially when fitted with BMWs famed 6 cylinder engines and are a joy to own and drive.