1988 BMW 325iA Convertible (E30)

Highlights 

• Iconic model in excellent overall condition

• Recent service, including belts

• Well-maintained

• Low mileage

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

For many the E30 is quintessential BMW. Instantly identifiable and timelessly desirable, the E30 is a popular classic for a reason. Well, for a lot of reasons actually. 

The second generation 3 Series was introduced in 1982 and and would remain in production for a whole twelve years before making way for the E36, and the E30 is perhaps one of the best known models from BMW's impressive oeuvre.

With its sharp styling, impressive build quality and generous choice of engines it not only made a lot of sense to a lot people in period – from families to yuppies – but it also makes for a fine choice today for those craving an enduring, drive-able classic they can enjoy without any electronic interference. They still look great and if you buy right, they hold their value well.

And buying right is what you would be doing if you decide to pick up this beautiful 325i convertible. Equipped with a 2.5-litre straight-six engine it has plenty of power (170bhp to be exact) and the smooth four-speed ZF automatic gearbox suits the car's cruising credentials down to the ground.

Beautifully preserved and incredibly well-presented, this 1988 BMW E30 certainly looks the part, with those BBS alloy wheels complimenting the car wonderfully. Being an '88 model it benefits from improved rust protection from the factory, as well as other minor cosmetic enhancements and with a full service and new belts in May of this year, along with a long, advisory-free MOT, the car appears to be in sound mechanical condition too, with the vendor reporting that it runs perfectly.

History and documentation

• 1988 model year

• V5C present and correct

• Original book pack

• First registered 7 Apr 1988

• In current ownership for two years

• Service history with original service book showing numerous inspections dating back to 1988

• A healthy folder of receipts and service invoices dating back to 1995

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 15 May 2026

• 85,521 miles

Interior

• The grey cloth interior is wearing incredibly well

• The dog tooth cloth seats remain in good condition with minimal wear or sag and only a light stain to the driver's side base to note

• The knob is missing from the passenger seat tilt mechanism

• The door cards are in great shape

• The carpets are a little dirty in places but have not overly deteriorated or worn through

• The steering wheel is wearing well commensurate with the car's age and mileage

• The vendor states that the radio was replaced last year with an age-appropriate Blaupunkt Bluetooth unit

• The alarm has been replaced with a Clifford Concept 650 Cat 1 alarm system (paperwork included)

• The dashboard is in one piece with only a small hairline crack on the passenger side

• A dash cover is included

• The vendor informs us that everything works

• The boot space is clean and tidy and comes complete with factory tool kit, jack and full size matching spare wheel

• The engine bay presents well and honestly without having been overly detailed

Exterior

• The bodywork is reported to be wholly original and appears to be in exceptional condition for its age

• There are no signs of any dents, damage or major blemishes to the paintwork

• There are a couple of very minor chips on the offside rear panel and some small stone chips to the front end

• All trim pieces are intact and present well with only some light scuffing to the nearside rear bumper corner to mention

• The vendor states that to their knowledge there has been no previous damage

• All shut lines are straight

• No obvious signs of corrosion

• The convertible roof looks to be in excellent shape with no damage and appears to fit well

• The 15” BBS wheels do carry some minor scratches to the outside edges in places but overall they are in good condition and free from any dents or bubbling

• The vendor tells us that the Triangle Sport ATP tyres are new

• The underneath looks to be in fine condition with the vendor informing us that it has been rust protected with Lanoguard 

• The car comes complete with rear BMW mud guards

Mechanical

• 170bhp, 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine

• Four-speed ZF automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Recent service and fresh belts 13 May 2025

• The vendor states that the car starts immediately, runs perfectly, sounds great and that the sports mode gearbox is very responsive – a pleasure to drive

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

A truly defining car, the E30 3 Series is a well-engineered machine that still turns heads today and remains excellent to drive. There are few classic cars that tick as many boxes as this particular E30 so if you're after an iconic, well-built, beautiful looking convertible with a sweet six-cylinder engine then you can call off the search. Oh, and you could see a decent return on investment too if you continue to look after it. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Bexleyheath, London.