1991 BMW E30 325i

MODERN CLASSIC

The BMW E30 was almost an instant classic, and this one is better than most. BMW was not making the M3 in righthand drive at this stage, so the 325i was almost as good as it could get in this part of the world in terms of BMW performance. BMW New Zealand did import some M Sport 325i examples, but they still came with this model’s motor — although they had a few M Sport upgrades in other areas.

Noel, owner of this car, owned an identical vehicle from new for nine years, sold it, and then regretted selling what he calls “the best car I had ever owned”. So, six years ago, he bought the example for sale here.

The 3 Series BMW four-door sedan was produced from 1975 until 1991, which makes this one among the last ever made to come to New Zealand.

The E30 series was available across its life with motors of four and six cylinders, producing from 67kw to the 125kw of this 325i example. They are popular around the world, and special classes of unique brand competition still exist for them in this country, in Australia, and in the US.

The six-cylinder 2.5-litre motor is one of the smoothest six-cylinder power units ever made, and it produces a very Germanic version of 125kw that is well mannered, genuine, and thoroughbred.

This New Zealand–new car is in excellent original condition, and looks stunning in red. It is one of the last of the famous E30 SE models, and is beautiful to drive, with its smooth 2.5-litre, six-cylinder power to weight ratio, Sport Automatic Transmission, and its ride and handling. Being the SE model, it has ABS, an onboard computer, an electric twoway tilt-and-slide roof, and electric windows and mirrors.

The car is garaged and has been serviced each year, with service records available. The cam belt, water pump, front shocks, and spark plugs were replaced at 128,000km, with a new fuel pump and battery installed this year. For the past six years, the car has been owned, serviced, and well looked after by a fastidious mechanic. It has now travelled 155,000km.

This immaculate example is offered for sale at $15K.

For more details, or to own this car, call Noel on 0274 458 921.