BMW’s E30 3-series will go down in history as one of the Bavarian automaker’s definitive compact cars. The second generation of the 3-series, the E30 was produced between 1982 and 1994 and won many plaudits. 1987 saw the series receive a major update, which this 1989 BMW 325i Convertible belongs to. Bearing 102,000 miles on the odometer, this Florida-based car recently saw its seller spend over $3,000 on maintenance and service. As E30 values are steadily rising, this could be the right time to grab one of BMW’s much-loved cars.

Exterior and Interior

The E30 slotted into the compact executive car and was produced as a two or four door sedan, two door convertible and five door wagon, or estate. As the name suggests, this 1989 BMW 325i Convertible is of the drop-top variant and looks smooth with its white paintwork and tan convertible top color combination. The period BMW alloy wheels add to the Eighties time capsule ethos. The seller reports that the lights are functional. The interior sports a black color theme and offers accommodations for four, as the rear seat is best used as a two-seat bench. This E30 comes with power windows which the seller reports work, as well as AC which in the seller’s words, work beautifully, plus factory optioned heated seats. Music is taken care of by a more modern aftermarket Pioneer head unit with CD, AUX and MP3 playability, right next to the desirable on-board computer that these cars came with. Cast your eyes upwards and just above the rear view mirror sits the indicators for lighting faults that are is nifty way to know if your critical lighting such as brake lights, rear lights and headlamps are malfunctioning. Pop the trunk and the original toolkit emerges, hinged beneath the trunk lid.

Engine

The E30 3-series came with a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powerplants, from the base 1.6L unit right up to the high-revving 2.3L and 2.5L units in the M3 variant. This 1989 BMW 325i Convertible is powered by BMW’s renowned 2.5L M20 straight-six that puts out a healthy 168hp and 164lb-ft to the rear wheels via a four-speed ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission.