1987 BMW 325i Convertible / Delphin Gray / Cardinal Red Leather Sport Interior

1987 BMW 3-Series

1987 BMW (E30) 325i Convertible
Delphin Gray Metallic (184)
Cardinal Leather Sport Interior (0256)
140,500 miles
M20B25 2.5-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
3-Spoke Sport Leather Steering Wheel
Alpine CD Stereo
BMW Premium Sound
14-Inch "Bottle Cap" Wheels
Texas/Colorado Car
Clean Carfax
All Maintenance Up to Date
Background
The 1984-1991 BMW 3 Series, known generationally as the E30, is the one model more than any other that earned BMW the Ultimate Driving Machine reputation. E30s are one of our specialty vehicles at Glen Shelly Auto Brokers. The population of worthy E30s was decimated when their values were at the bottom of the inverted bell curve of appreciation. Lower mileage, properly sorted, pristine examples like this one are extremely hard to find and have appreciated considerably in recent years. 1989 was arguably the best year of the E30. It had the late model M20B25 "i" motor, projector headlights, and a non-airbag steering wheel. Convertibles were usually well optioned and commanded a significant premium when new. Yet, they represent one of the best buys in the current market, and are some of the most enjoyable E30s to drive.
Summary
We acquired this Delphin Grey over Cardinal Red leather 1987 BMW 325i convertible from a local owner and fellow BMW enthusiast. It is well-optioned with the Cardinal Red sport interior—the best interior color for an E30—as well as the 3-spoke sport steering wheel, premium sound, and 13-button on board computer. It was originally sold in Houston, Texas in June of 1987 and the Carfax shows it remaining there until it came to Colorado in 2003, where it has remained ever since. The Carfax also shows regular services, along with a 2K mileage inconsistency in 2018. In preparation for sale, we gave it a comprehensive round of maintenance including: a full timing belt service, replaced the fuel pressure regulator, rebuilt the fuel injectors, oil pan gasket, fuel pumps, transmission pan gasket, power steering hoses, and replaced the brake pads and rotors at all four corners. This has resulted in a great turn-key car ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. It comes with two keys, the owners booklet, and the factory floor mats.
Exterior
The Delphin Gray paint is in good condition and presents very nicely. Close inspection does reveal small imperfections; there are some small nicks and scratches around the car. It has been repainted at some point. The clear coat on the mirror caps is failed. There is no rust; common areas like the front fender seams, battery and jack trays, floorboards, and lower windshield are clean. All VIN tags are in place aside from the passenger fender, which has been replaced with a DOT-R unit. The body and panel gaps are perfectly straight and the Carfax is clean. All black-work and trim are present and intact, but there is some UV fade on the black trim pieces on the car. The windshield is crack-free with only very light pitting. The silver windshield lock strip has been recently replaced and looks great. The convertible top has no rips or tears and the rear window has no cracks. The sealed beam headlights are in good condition with light pitting. The fog lights are crack-free. The marker and taillights are in great condition. The front turn signal covers both have some small cracks, and there is a barely noticeable crack in the passenger side taillight. The retractable antenna functions, but needs help to extend and retract fully. The wheels all have worn paint and there is some curb rash on all four. The Barum Brillantis 2 tires have 2017 dates with 70% tread remaining.
Interior
The interior is in good condition. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet is in good shape and is protected by floor mats. Cardinal Red is a very desirable interior color, and is a fantastic complement to the Delphin exterior. Part of the driver's seat appears to have been recovered at some point, the rest of the leather looks original. There are no tears, but there is some wear and creasing typical of Cardinal leather. The dashboard is crack free, except for one tiny crack in the parcel tray. The 3-spoke steering wheel has light wear, but no tears or significant damage. All instrument cluster functions including the odometer work correctly. The 13-button onboard computer has correct backlighting and all functions work. The Pioneer stereo sounds great. The heat blows warm. The fan works at all speeds. All window and sunroof switches work. The central locking does not work from the trunk. The convertible top cover opens freely and the trunk shock is strong. Two keys, the owner's manual and convertible top instructions are included.
Mechanical
We just did an extensive round of routine maintenance on this 325i, resetting the clock on those items The M20 engine fires on command, idles smoothly and pulls strongly to redline. The transmission does not slip and shifts smoothly. The drivetrain is quiet with no excessive whine or vibrations. The suspension is firm yet compliant, with no creaks or noise. The passenger rear window regulator can be a little slow, it's best to help it up, the brake light warning on the check panel is intermittent, and the tach needle can be sticky at times. As it sits, this a great driver-quality 325i convertible ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. Like any E30, it will need continued care and maintenance, and it deserves to be well cared for by its new owner. We would like to find such a person who will enjoy it for years to come.
VIN Decode
VIN: WBABB2302H1941392
Type: BB23
Model: 325i - USA
Development Code: E30 C
Chassis: Convertible
Steering: LL
Doors: 2
Engine: M20
Displacement: 2.50
Power: 168 Horsepower
Transmission: Automatic
Color: Delphin Gray Metallic (184)
Upholstery: Cardinal Leather (0256)
Production Date: 2/3/1987
Options:
219 Leather Steering Wheel
370 Softop Black
530 Air Conditioning
540 Cruise Control
551 (13-Button) On-Board Computer
Glen Shelly is a low volume auto brokerage focused on only the highest quality vehicles. We are airline pilots, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts who bring a high level of professionalism and attention to detail to the automobile business. Our philosophy is to keep our inventory small so that we can focus on thorough mechanical and cosmetic preparation of the vehicles we select. We have over 20 years of experience restoring and repairing automobiles and are intimately familiar with our cars. We do the inspections, service, detailing, and corrective maintenance using only OEM parts and service manuals. We offer an informed and low-pressure sales environment resulting in a premium buying experience for you. Find out more about us at www.Glenshelly.com.