1989 BMW 325i Sport M-Tech II

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• Rare and desirable 325i Sport M-Technic 2

• 2.5 litre straight six with manual gearbox and LSD

• Fully restored inside and out

• Comprehensively maintained

• Beautiful condition

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

There’s no denying the appeal of a compact sports saloon. Engine at the front, drive sent to the rear, preferably via a limited slip diff, wieldy enough to thread down your favourite B road. Ideally you should throw in enough luxury and practicality to use it day to day. BMW have, of course, long been masters of the art and the popularity of the 1M and M2 serve to underscore this (although we can argue about just how ‘compact’ the latest M2 is).

Allow us then to introduce their spiritual predecessor, the E30 325i Sport, here in M-Tech 2 guise. Produced only for a short period at the end of the production run for the E30, the 325i Sport M-Tech 2 is a rare beast and now highly sought after, particularly in light of the ascent into the stratosphere of E30 M3 prices. Let’s not forget that the M3 was only available in left hand drive, too, whereas the 325i has the steering wheel on the correct side for us in the UK.

This particular example has been treated to a thorough restoration and some careful stewardship by its latest owner, resulting in a car that presents very well but isn’t over-restored. Following a ten-year restoration from 2009, it was acquired by the vendor in 2019 and has seen light use but thorough maintenance ever since.

Now offered for auction, it’s such a prime specimen that it was the subject of a magazine feature in 2022 and the MOT history shows nothing more than a blown bulb since it returned to the road in 2018. As E30 325i Sports are always in demand, it’s a rare head and heart car that would be as comfortable holding its own at shows as it would be entertaining the driver on a scenic road trip.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

• Registered 20 Apr 1989

• In storage for approx. 10 years from 2009, during which time it was restored to a high standard

• Purchased by the current owner in 2019 as part of his car collection and sent to his local specialist for a thorough review

• It was then treated to a complete service including all belts, fluids and filters, a rebuild of the gearbox and a new clutch

• Since then it has been serviced and MOT’d each year

• The car reportedly receives regular cosmetic maintenance with a deep clean wash, super resin polish and ceramic wax applied

• A lever arch file is stuffed with invoices from throughout the car’s life covering servicing work and parts, together with old MOT certificates and tax discs

• Featured in Classic Car magazine in June 2022

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 24 Mar 2024

• HPI clear

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• The E30 interior remains a masterpiece of understated, driver-focused simplicity to our eyes, and this is a prime example

• The front sports seats are very well presented and the seller reports that they are both firm and fully operational

• In the rear, the seats show little to no signs of use

• The dashboard shows no signs of cracking, a common E30 problem

• M-Technic 2 specification includes anthracite headlining, an M-Technic steering wheel, electric tilt and slide sunroof, electric windows and a trip computer

• An Alpine CD radio has been installed

• The boot contains the full toolkit under the boot lid, is clean and tidy and has a full size spare under the floor

• In all, it’s as good inside as you’re likely to find at this stage

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• The design is a quintessential 2-door sports saloon

• Finished in Delphin Metallic Grey, BMW code 184, with factory-installed M-Technic 2 body kit

• The bodywork shows no dents, dings or scratches and, combined with freshly refurbished wheels, the car presents beautifully

• The wheels are 15 inch BBS items and wear hardly worn Kunho Ecsta tyres all round

• Refinements include headlight wash/ wipe and front fog lights

• Overall, it’s guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

• Under the bonnet, the M20 2494cc straight six is very well presented

• Drive is sent via a close ratio 5-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels

• Limited slip differential

• M-Technic suspension

• BMW sixes of this era sound fantastic and this one is no exception

• The thorough levels of maintenance should mean that this car is ready to be enjoyed immediately

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

With E30 M3’s now out of the price bracket for many, the 325i has been steadily gaining in value. This late M-Technic 2 Sport is surely amongst the best in terms of condition and promises to be a great ownership proposition for the buyer.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located on the Wirrial, Cheshire.