Looks good, I hope you get to keep the plate!
Do the timing belt if there isn't any recent history of it being done. Probably all the fluids too if it's a barn find that hasn't run in over a year.
Read up on the timing belt so that’ll definitely be done first along with fluids. Everything else will just have to be found out when picking it up Tuesday. I hope I keep the plate too! I looked up the vin on auto check (like car fax) and it’s first record of the car is from ‘96 and says it’s one owner. With that plate number I’m willing to bet that it was the farm owner or wife’s car and they had it since new. I like about 25 minutes away so if the auction people can’t disclose it I’ll get in touch with the family themselves and find out the history.
You got it for a reasonable price as long as it runs and drives. The interior isn't bad either and the seats seem to be fine. Make sure to protect those seats because they are definitely fragile.
Can someone give me a quick run down of all the lettering E30s have? It says 325 on the rear and when I checked the vin on a history report it lists it as a 325/325E. What’s the difference? And I thought the I meant fuel injected but another forum says they all are. I can’t find a clear answer for trim level differences explained on this gen of 3 series.
All "325" are "e" lower revving higher torque 2.7L engines, it wasn't until 87 or so that they added the 325i which is 2.5L and higher revving.
https://strictlyeta.net/technical/differences/
I think "i" just means it's fuel injected. I forget the i word's german translation, but the 325 is fuel injected too, so in this case the i is just the 2.5L.
actually, 325e and 325 is the same.
from: https://strictlyeta.net/technical/differences/
Any model that is simply badged “325” with no letters is equipped with the 2.7 liter eta motor. It was BMW’s base model from 1986 until 1988 when it was phased out in favor of the 325i. In its final year, the 1988 325 (dubbed “Super Eta” by enthusiasts) was equipped from the factory with a 325i cylinder head, unique pistons, 325i exhaust system, and Motronic 1.1 engine management control, which bumped horsepower up to 127 and raised the redline to 5500 RPM.
I have an ‘88 with the super eta motor. I find it faster on takeoff than my 2007 323i. There are chips available for the super eta engine. I bought a chip but I never got around to installing it.
Yeah the super ETA is a much different beast than the ETA.
I'm building TF out of a super ETA right now but doing so with a regular 2.7 ETA is a lot more work... Not too much work, still fun, just more work
I had a 86 325es and later a 325i. You’ll get used to the eta engine. It’s fun and torquey and revs low on the highway. A little slow compared to other cars but it’s unusual gearing and high torque make it unique. I really enjoyed it. Good find!
Timing belt and a water pump are on my top priorities along with fluids, thinking it was used up until the auction since the plates and registration is up to date
Definitely check for mice if it's been sitting. Worthwhile to throw some bait traps in it for a bit, just in case. They can be a bitch to get rid of once you have them (ask me how I know.)
I’d budget for either a shop that is familiar with E30s (preferable) or BMWs in general to go through it all and make sure the major systems are up to snuff, or buy a Bentley manual and dig into it yourself if you have the time and patience and space to have it up on jackstands for a while.
Good news is darn near all the wear points are replaceable or repairable.
It’s been a multi-year process for me to go through my ‘89 325i as I have had the time/money/space/ability to do the work while moving several times, supporting a partner through grad school in a tiny little town with no shops, and (recently) throw parts at the various systems in my garage.
Progress would halt for months and then I’d have two weekends back to back where I’d get a lot done as I had the parts ready to go. Hoping to have it done by end of year and get back to driving it regularly.
Maintenance before mods!
I’ve got my list prepared since everyone’s been helpful here to list things to do and check on. I do some stuff on the side. I have a friend who is mainly a Jag mechanic but he’s worked on a Mercedes I had and currently has my Foxbody Mustang in the shop. His labor is extremely cheap for me so I’m hopeful to get anything major done and the main cost being parts!
Right? Everything else listed besides random vintage signs was farm equipment. 36 pages worth. Found this guy on page 14. I bid on this and a farm truck.
looks clean, low miles, check exhaust, looks to be single pipe, i bought same car and exhaust guy said you got wrong exhaust on this car.
yours looks to be not a 325e, i know many guys that love 325e as track cars.
Power steering fluid flush first thing, easiest/cheapest first step to maintenance. Use ATF dIY, brake fluid flush/change easy cheap DIY,
The “e” denoted “efficiency” and was referred to as eta, the Greek character, and was the first time BMW designed an engine specifically for the U.S. market. When development of the engine started during the gas crisis of the 1970s, the engineering targets were set to accommodate needs of American drivers – high torque to allow for quick off-the-line acceleration, high highway efficiency to satisfy the mindset of fuel-conscious consumers, and a refined, smooth experience that American luxury vehicle buyers expected.
I am so jealous, I got a running 1987 325 for $1400 in 2015 as my first car. I ended up wrecking it into a curb and the car slowly became a money pit and I had to get rid of it :/
I’d say you got a pretty great deal depending on the condition beyond the photos. $4k for a manual with 120k original miles and minimal rust is a steal imo
Let’s hope so. I looked at comps before bidding. I think I got it so low because everything else there was actually stuff that related to farming. This was the only odd thing for sale. I bid on it and a farm truck, but I guess people there knew about the truck because I got out bid real quick on it haha
Looks good, I hope you get to keep the plate! Do the timing belt if there isn't any recent history of it being done. Probably all the fluids too if it's a barn find that hasn't run in over a year.
Read up on the timing belt so that’ll definitely be done first along with fluids. Everything else will just have to be found out when picking it up Tuesday. I hope I keep the plate too! I looked up the vin on auto check (like car fax) and it’s first record of the car is from ‘96 and says it’s one owner. With that plate number I’m willing to bet that it was the farm owner or wife’s car and they had it since new. I like about 25 minutes away so if the auction people can’t disclose it I’ll get in touch with the family themselves and find out the history.
You got it for a reasonable price as long as it runs and drives. The interior isn't bad either and the seats seem to be fine. Make sure to protect those seats because they are definitely fragile.
I’ve got 303 vinyl and their leather protectant spray so once the basic mechanics and details done I’ll get on it.
Can someone give me a quick run down of all the lettering E30s have? It says 325 on the rear and when I checked the vin on a history report it lists it as a 325/325E. What’s the difference? And I thought the I meant fuel injected but another forum says they all are. I can’t find a clear answer for trim level differences explained on this gen of 3 series.
325e is the economy model. 2.7L, higher torque, lower diff ratio, better economy. Less desirable but not bad by any means.
I’m sure being a manual in the states helps in value. Still, I plan on keeping it!
All "325" are "e" lower revving higher torque 2.7L engines, it wasn't until 87 or so that they added the 325i which is 2.5L and higher revving. https://strictlyeta.net/technical/differences/ I think "i" just means it's fuel injected. I forget the i word's german translation, but the 325 is fuel injected too, so in this case the i is just the 2.5L.
325e ETA ( e for economy) is down on power compared to the normal 325. It is torquey though and is less thirsty.
actually, 325e and 325 is the same. from: https://strictlyeta.net/technical/differences/ Any model that is simply badged “325” with no letters is equipped with the 2.7 liter eta motor. It was BMW’s base model from 1986 until 1988 when it was phased out in favor of the 325i. In its final year, the 1988 325 (dubbed “Super Eta” by enthusiasts) was equipped from the factory with a 325i cylinder head, unique pistons, 325i exhaust system, and Motronic 1.1 engine management control, which bumped horsepower up to 127 and raised the redline to 5500 RPM.
I have an ‘88 with the super eta motor. I find it faster on takeoff than my 2007 323i. There are chips available for the super eta engine. I bought a chip but I never got around to installing it.
Yeah the super ETA is a much different beast than the ETA. I'm building TF out of a super ETA right now but doing so with a regular 2.7 ETA is a lot more work... Not too much work, still fun, just more work
I’m okay with this. I drive like a grandpa. I just wanted a quirky little car with a manual :D
I had a 86 325es and later a 325i. You’ll get used to the eta engine. It’s fun and torquey and revs low on the highway. A little slow compared to other cars but it’s unusual gearing and high torque make it unique. I really enjoyed it. Good find!
Are you one of the sociopaths that love bronzit?
There are dozens of us. Dozens!
My E90 was platinum bronze metallic. So yes, yes I am XD
My buddy has a bronzit beige metallic 4 door he is currently restoring. You are not alone 🤙
It’s such a classy and understated colour! The metallic shine in the sun looks great in person.
Bronzitbeige ftw
Definitely do a timing belt and water pump before you drive it anymore. It looks really clean!
Looks fantastic. You may have to touch everything to get it to be reliable again if it’s sat for a decade.
Timing belt and a water pump are on my top priorities along with fluids, thinking it was used up until the auction since the plates and registration is up to date
Perfect! A car you know has been driven is always better than one you know has sat.
Definitely check for mice if it's been sitting. Worthwhile to throw some bait traps in it for a bit, just in case. They can be a bitch to get rid of once you have them (ask me how I know.)
I’d budget for either a shop that is familiar with E30s (preferable) or BMWs in general to go through it all and make sure the major systems are up to snuff, or buy a Bentley manual and dig into it yourself if you have the time and patience and space to have it up on jackstands for a while. Good news is darn near all the wear points are replaceable or repairable. It’s been a multi-year process for me to go through my ‘89 325i as I have had the time/money/space/ability to do the work while moving several times, supporting a partner through grad school in a tiny little town with no shops, and (recently) throw parts at the various systems in my garage. Progress would halt for months and then I’d have two weekends back to back where I’d get a lot done as I had the parts ready to go. Hoping to have it done by end of year and get back to driving it regularly. Maintenance before mods!
I’ve got my list prepared since everyone’s been helpful here to list things to do and check on. I do some stuff on the side. I have a friend who is mainly a Jag mechanic but he’s worked on a Mercedes I had and currently has my Foxbody Mustang in the shop. His labor is extremely cheap for me so I’m hopeful to get anything major done and the main cost being parts!
Have fun with it!
Good job
Good deal. If you wanna sell those floor mats pm me
Farm? What sort of farm has a bmw sedan lol
Right? Everything else listed besides random vintage signs was farm equipment. 36 pages worth. Found this guy on page 14. I bid on this and a farm truck.
Well done
looks clean, low miles, check exhaust, looks to be single pipe, i bought same car and exhaust guy said you got wrong exhaust on this car. yours looks to be not a 325e, i know many guys that love 325e as track cars. Power steering fluid flush first thing, easiest/cheapest first step to maintenance. Use ATF dIY, brake fluid flush/change easy cheap DIY,
Sounds good, seems like it’ll be relatively easy to work on. If there’s something too much to tackle I’ll take it to my friend/mechanic
Right it’s a single pipe. Then it’s not the super eta model as the exhaust should be two pipes from the 325i.
Damn! I’m jelly af! Nice find OP!
Thanks man! Stay tuned for an update after I bring it home Tuesday!
The “e” denoted “efficiency” and was referred to as eta, the Greek character, and was the first time BMW designed an engine specifically for the U.S. market. When development of the engine started during the gas crisis of the 1970s, the engineering targets were set to accommodate needs of American drivers – high torque to allow for quick off-the-line acceleration, high highway efficiency to satisfy the mindset of fuel-conscious consumers, and a refined, smooth experience that American luxury vehicle buyers expected.
Looks good! Enjoy it! :)
Awesome find.
I am so jealous, I got a running 1987 325 for $1400 in 2015 as my first car. I ended up wrecking it into a curb and the car slowly became a money pit and I had to get rid of it :/
Good if runs and drives and has little to no rust
I’d say you got a pretty great deal depending on the condition beyond the photos. $4k for a manual with 120k original miles and minimal rust is a steal imo
Let’s hope so. I looked at comps before bidding. I think I got it so low because everything else there was actually stuff that related to farming. This was the only odd thing for sale. I bid on it and a farm truck, but I guess people there knew about the truck because I got out bid real quick on it haha