1989 BMW 325i Convertible

Description

BMW’s E30 3 Series spanned a decade of production and came in two-door, four-door, convertible and estate body styles. It had over a half dozen different four- or six-cylinder engines, including a diesel version, and models ranged from the humble 90-horsepower 316 to the mighty 150-mph M3 Sport Evo. It’s the car that introduced many BMW fanatics to the marque. 

The E30-generation 3 Series' cabriolet/convertible variant marked BMW's transition from coach-built drop tops to in-house factory production. Combining the practicality of its sedan counterparts with the allure of open-top motoring, the E30 Convertible epitomized elegance and fun. While the E30 underwent dozens of changes throughout its production run and varied from market to market, one major change came in 1987 with new bumpers and other styling tweaks. In addition, these cars were produced when German car naming schemes made sense, and the model names were fairly easy to understand. For example, this 1989 325i is a BMW 3 Series with a 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine and fuel injection. It also has Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which optimizes the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency. 

In terms of fun, practical, reliable, comfortable, well-balanced, and affordable sports sedans, there are few cars quite like the E30. 

Highlights 

• 1989 BMW 325i Convertible from BMW’s legendary E30 3 Series 

• Finished in Cirrus Blue Metallic paint with black convertible top over tan/black interior and tan leather upholstery 

• Powered by an M20 2.5-liter SOHC inline-six engine rated at 168 horsepower 

• Bosch Motronic fuel injection system 

• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) 

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• Recent maintenance/service included: 

  • New fuel injectors (1,000 miles ago) 

  • New tires (2,000 miles ago) 

  • Oil change 

• New fuel injectors (1,000 miles ago) 

• New tires (2,000 miles ago) 

• Oil change 

• The chassis number (WBABB230XKEC17457) decodes as: 

  • W – Germany  

  • B – BMW AG 

  • A – Passenger car 

  • BB23 – 325i Convertible 

  • 0 – Manual safety belts 

  • X – Check digit 

  • K – 1989 model year 

  • E – Regensburg, Germany, assembly plant 

  • C17457 – Sequential production number 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report  

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive, two-door convertible 

• Aerodynamic design  

• Iconic kidney grille 

• Round headlights 

• Anti-lock brakes 

• Traction control 

• Stability control 

• Front and rear crumple zones 

• 14 inch multi-spoke alloy wheels 

• Bridgestone Insignia SE 200 P195/65R14 88T tires 

• Three-spoke steering wheel 

• Dash instrumentation: 

  • 140 mph speedometer and odometer 

  • Tachometer with MPG gauge 

  • Fuel level gauge 

  • Coolant temperature gauge 

  • Dash warning lights for engine, parking brake, brake lining, brake fluid, anti-lock brakes, battery, and oil pressure  

• Overheard warning lights: 

  • Brake Lights 

  • Rear Lights 

  • License Plate Light 

  • Low Beam 

  • Washer Fluid 

  • Coolant 

  • Oil 

• Boss AM/FM/CD audio system 

• Rear antenna 

• Digital clock 

• Leather bucket seats 

• Power steering 

• Power brakes 

• Power windows 

• Power locks 

• Air conditioning 

• Heater 

• Lockable glove box 

• Map pockets in doors 

• Fold-down rear seats 

• Advertised zero to 60 mph: 7.9 seconds 

• Advertised top speed: 132 mph 

• Wheelbase: 101.2 inches  

• Length: 170.3 inches 

• Curb weight: 2,932 pounds 

Known Imperfections 

• The CARFAX Vehicle History Report notes that a Not Actual Mileage Title was issued on 11 April 2002 (“Mileage reported after this reading is potentially unreliable”) 

• Seal on passenger-side window is beginning to unravel 

• Convertible top is worn  

• Air conditioning needs charging 

• Steering wheel is worn 

• Wheels show wear 

• Wear and cracks in vinyl on passenger side where convertible top reattaches 

• Small dent on driver’s side rear fender and trunk 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• BMW 3 Series service manual 

• Service booklet 

• Warranty, roadside assistance, and accessories information 

• Boss AM/FM/CD audio system instructions 

• Soft top operating instructions (on driver’s side sun visor) 

Ownership History 

According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this 1989 BMW 3 Series 325i was originally purchased on 9 January 1990 in Nokomis, Florida. A mileage report of 194,589 was noted on 26 December 2001 “when owner moved the vehicle to a new location.” The BMW was sold on 11 April 2002 in Vandalia, Ohio, and a “Not Actual Mileage Title” was issued. The car changed hands for a third time on 17 January 2006 in Howard, Ohio, where it has remained for more than 18 years. According to the consignor, the BMW has always been stored in the winter and has never seen snow. “Steering is tight. There is about 70 percent [remaining] on the brake pads. Fuel injectors were changed about 1,000 miles ago.”