1985 BMW 325E

Michael’s

Overview

This 1985 BMW 325e is a well-maintained, enthusiast-owned E30 that has benefited from extensive mechanical and cosmetic improvements over many years while preserving its classic character. Finished in desirable Cinnabar Red over Anthracite cloth, the car combines timeless E30 styling with tasteful upgrades including European-market bumpers, BBS wheels, factory sport seats, an Alpina MOMO steering wheel, and a limited-slip differential.

The car has a clean Carfax with no reported accidents and is accompanied by extensive service documentation, including more than $6,000 in professional maintenance performed during my ownership (2025–2026) by Duncan’s European Automotive.

Mechanical & Cosmetic Improvements

The previous owner(s) completed extensive mechanical and cosmetic improvements that significantly enhanced the car while maintaining its classic E30 character.

Exterior & Appearance

  • European-market front and rear bumpers

  • European front valance

  • Front and rear spoilers

  • New windshield

  • New windshield trim

  • 15-inch BBS RA215 alloy wheels

  • MagnaFlow performance exhaust

Suspension & Steering

  • Bilstein front shocks

  • Koni rear shocks

  • Front control arms

  • Tie rod replacement

  • Front wheel hubs

Braking System

  • Front brake calipers

  • Front brake pads

  • Rear brake pads

  • Front brake rotors

  • Rear brake rotors

Phone: (603) 703-1577

Driving Video

Startup

Engine & Drivetrain

  • Cylinder head rebuilt (2017, approximately 200k miles)

  • Timing belt replaced (2022)

  • Water pump replaced (2022)

  • Throttle position sensor replaced (2022)

  • Clutch master cylinder replaced (2022)

  • Clutch slave cylinder replaced (2022)

  • Clutch compression spring replaced (2022)

  • Driveshaft flex disc (guibo) replaced (2023)

  • Limited-slip differential (3.25:1)

  • MagnaFlow performance exhaust (2024)

Interior

  • Continental Bluetooth head unit

  • Alpina MOMO steering wheel

  • Alpina leather shift knob

  • Factory sport seats

  • Coco floor mats

Mike’s Ownership (2025–2026)

Since purchasing the car, all maintenance has been completed by Duncan’s European Automotive with an emphasis on preventative maintenance and long-term reliability.

Work completed includes:

  • Crankshaft position sensors replaced

  • Ignition coil replaced

  • Shift selector shaft seals replaced

  • Transmission serviced with fresh gear oil

  • Rear differential speed sensor replaced

  • Spark plugs replaced

  • Fuel line repair

  • Left front brake hose replaced

  • Complete brake fluid service

  • Multiple full synthetic oil services

  • Two new Kumho Ecsta rear tires

  • Hot-start issue professionally diagnosed and resolved

  • Fuel pump wiring harness secured

  • Multiple inspections and preventative maintenance visits

More than $6,000 has been invested in maintenance during my ownership, and all invoices will accompany the sale.

Condition

The car presents very well and drives as an E30 should. As expected for a 40-year-old BMW showing 254,000 miles, it exhibits minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with its age and use. Numerous high-resolution photographs have been provided so prospective buyers can accurately evaluate its condition.

Paint meter readings average approximately 4 mils on most panels, with the front fender & rear quarter panel on the driver’s side and trunk measuring approximately 6 mils. Buyers are encouraged to review the photos and make their own assessment.

Documentation Included

The sale includes:

  • Clean New Hampshire title in my name

  • Clean Carfax report

  • Extensive maintenance records and invoices

  • Duncan’s European Automotive service records

  • Paint meter readings

  • High-resolution photo gallery

  • Walk-around and driving videos

  • Five keys

  • Owner’s manual

  • Factory tool kit

  • Spare tire and jack

The car is currently insured under an agreed-value collector policy of $25,000, reflecting its documentation and collector status. Buyers should make their own determination of value.

This E30 has clearly been cared for by enthusiasts who focused on preserving and improving the car rather than simply maintaining it. It represents an opportunity to own a documented, tastefully upgraded, and mechanically sorted example of one of BMW’s most iconic generations.

Walkaround

Highlights

  • VIN: WBAAB5408F9628038

  • 254,000 miles shown

  • 2.7-liter M20 inline-six engine

  • Five-speed manual transmission

  • Cinnabar Red exterior

  • Anthracite cloth interior

  • Factory sport seats

  • Coco floor mats

  • 15-inch BBS RA215 alloy wheels

  • European-market front and rear bumpers

  • European front valance

  • Front and rear spoilers

  • Limited-slip differential (3.25:1)

  • Alpina-branded MOMO steering wheel

  • Alpina leather shift knob

  • Continental Bluetooth head unit

  • Power sunroof

  • Clean New Hampshire title in my name

  • Clean Carfax with no reported accidents