This BMW E30 3-Series Coupe got away, but there are more like it here.

S50-Powered 1988 BMW 325is 5-Speed

Sold for $18,250 on 8/21/23

This 1988 BMW 325is is said to have remained with its original owner in Illinois through 2017 and was subsequently acquired by the seller and modified in 2020. Work involved installation of a 3.0-liter S50 inline-six, a replacement five-speed manual transmission, and a Quaife limited-slip differential. The 325is received a front spoiler with fog lights as well as a decklid spoiler, a sunroof, and bolstered front sport seats from the factory. This example is finished in white over a Cardinal Red leather interior that features an M-Tech I steering wheel, an E46 ZHP weighted shift knob, an AM/FM cassette stereo, and an onboard computer. Additional equipment includes 16″ BBS RS multi-piece wheels, CAtuned adjustable coilovers, S52 exhaust headers, and a DKM single-mass flywheel and clutch kit. This modified E30 is now offered with partial service records and a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name.

The car left the factory finished in Alpine White and was refinished in 2020, according to the seller. The fenders have been rolled, and quad headlights, fog lights, a sunroof, a front spoiler, and a decklid spoiler are further exterior details.

The 16″ BBS RS multi-piece wheels are mounted with 195/50 front and 205/45 rear Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires. Braking is handled by ventilated front and solid rear discs with ABS. The car rides on CAtuned adjustable coilovers and is said to have been fitted with a replacement steering rack and tie-rods as well as E30 M3 control arm bushings.

The cabin features front sport seats upholstered in Cardinal Red leather along with a color-coordinated rear bench, door panels, and carpets. Additional details include an E46 ZHP weighted shift knob, an AM/FM cassette stereo, an onboard computer, cruise control, and Coco mats. The car is not equipped with air conditioning, the driver-side speaker is loose, and the power window switches are sticky.

The M-Tech I steering wheel wears an aftermarket wrap and frames a tachometer with an inset fuel economy gauge accompanied by a 150-mph speedometer and auxiliary readouts. The six-digit odometer shows 113k chassis miles, approximately 2k of which were added under current ownership. The seller notes that the fuel gauge reads inaccurately.

A replacement 3.0-liter S50B30 inline-six was reportedly sourced from a 1995 E36 M3 and installed under current ownership in 2020. According to the seller, the cylinder head was machined and additional installed parts and components include:

S52 camshafts
Replacement VANOS unit
Replacement oil pump drive chain and timing chain
Replacement timing guide
Replacement gaskets
ARP cylinder head fasteners
E34 oil pan
S52 exhaust headers
E36 M3 radiator
E36 M3 ECU with aftermarket software

The seller notes rust on the hood hinge.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a replacement five-speed manual ZF transmission and a Quaife limited-slip differential with 3.46:1 gearing that was reportedly sourced from an M Coupe. The transmission is said to have been resealed prior to installation and further drivetrain modifications are said to include:

DKM Stage 1 single-mass flywheel and performance clutch kit
E39 M5 brass pivot pin
Polyurethane front shift-carrier bushing
Replacement pilot bearing
Replacement driveshaft center-support bearing and flex disc
Replacement shifter bushings and carrier mounts

The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists history in Illinois, Utah, California, and Colorado. The car was designated a Gross Polluter by the State of California in July 2018 prior to installation of the replacement engine. The car passed its most recent Colorado emissions inspection in May 2022.

Filed under: 3 series, 3-series, e30

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Auction Result

Winning Bid	USD $18,250 by garaja
Auction Ended	August 21, 2023 at 2:01PM PT
Bids	20

6,321 views

554 watchers

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