Don’t Call It A V6: 1985 BMW 325 E30


I’ve never owned an E30 generation BMW 3-series, but I’ve wanted one since about 1993. They got REALLY cheap around 2010, but prices have gone up in the past decade. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find an affordable 4-door 325 with a stick shift for less than the optional auto-driving nonsense offered on a new 3-series. I really should get a cheap E30 before they go the way of the dodo bird. Find this 1987 BMW 325 offered for $5,700 in Hemet, CA via craigslist.

From the seller:
1987 BMW 325
fuel: gas
odometer: 170000
title status: clean
transmission: manual

I am selling my 1987 BMW 325 runs and drives 170k miles Power windows door locks moon roof 5-speed V6 2.7 l Good tires clean title for more info please call

See a better way to drive an E30? tips@dailyturismo.com
About 12 years ago I passed on grabbing a free 4-door E30 automatic. It was clean but needed transmission work. It had been an extended family member’s daily driver prior to the shifting issues. All I had to do was say, “yes, I’ll take it.” Free car, free delivery. I said no. At the time it wasn’t worth the cost to repair. Times have changed.
I’m still not sure that I made the wrong decision though. The additional repairs over the last 12 years would probably have outpaced the increase in value. Nothing is ever really free.
About 12 years ago, a manual swap in an E30 was a $750 proposition.
Every drive in my E30 reminds me of why I can’t image selling it.
This e30 reminds me of the Alfa Romeo 105 chassis Giulia and Berlina. I was too late to the Giulia party but was lucky enough to swing 2 1969 Berlinas. Those were fun cars to drive.
Flipper or dummy! I had an ‘87 325IS. Stupidly traded it in 95 for a new 95 E36 4 cyl convertible….still driving that . Too bad it’s got 4 doors…could always weld the back ones shut.
The stupid OEM hard top plastic bush/received/thing on my 91 cabrio was more than 10% of that swap cost in January. Parts ain’t too cheap.
Just need to figure out how to 3D print the drink holder that replaces the ash tray. And swap in a getrag.