1989 BMW 325iX

Description

Up for auction is a very clean and very stock 1989 BMW 325iX 4-door manual in great condition. This is one of the most complete and original E30s out there, with a detailed service log along with receipts of every repair made to the vehicle between 1993 to 2016. Runs beautifully, shifts smoothly and is an absolute blast to drive. Clean title and no accidents.
BACKGROUND
Considered one of the best all-wheel-drive systems of it's day and dubbed the "Snow Tiger", AWD E30s were introduced to the US in 1988 originally only available as a two door coupe. This particular vehicle was manufactured in November of 1988 and listed as a 1989 model year, which makes it one of the first AWD four-doors to make it stateside.

Here's a great article on the AWD E30 Petrolicious

Here's the original review from Motorweek

RECENT REPAIRS AND OVERHAULS

Car was purchased in Dayton, Ohio and eventually made its way with the original owner to San Francisco in 1995. I bought it just outside of Tahoe in 2013, which means it has spent most if its life in California. The owner before me spent a considerable amount of time and money (roughly $6k) rehabbing the car, including these bigger repairs and upgrades, just to name a few:

- Brakes (12/11)

- Suspension swap at 167k (6/11)

- Automatic to manual conversion at 167k (6/11)

- Timing belt at 169k (2/12)

I purchased the car in November of 2013 at 180k. In the almost three years that I've owned it, I have only put 12k miles on the odometer (which works and is accurate). Car has always been garaged and serviced regularly, and all told I've invested about $4k in repairs and upgrades. More notable repairs since I've owned have been:

- New tires at 184k (8/14)

- Head gasket rebuild at 184k (8/14)

- Catalytic converter at 186k (1/15)

- Starter and CV boot at 186k (1/15)

- Fuel pump, DME, and idle control valve at 190k (4/16)

- Strut mount and CV boot at 192k (7/16)

INTERIOR

The interior is in immaculate condition and recently went through a full professional detail. Other things worthy of note:

- Crack-free dash

- Near-perfect upholstery (very tiny fissure in vinyl in driver's seat)

- Sunroof / crank in perfect working order

- Six-button OBC with working temp gauge

- Rubber mats for front driver and passenger

- Working odometer

- All power windows / mirrors / power antenna fully functional

- OBC fully functional

- Modern head unit purchased last year. Orange display matches pretty closely to rest of BMW dash (original radio with code also included in sale)

EXTERIOR

Body is clean and straight and free of major defects. The paint is original and does have some spotting and slight discoloration, but the clear coat is intact and not peeling anywhere on the vehicle. I would consider the condition of the paint to be average / good for a car of this age / mileage.It just received a professional cut and polish and is looking very sharp.Some exterior features:

- Authentic basket weaves in great condition

- Euro-style yellow high beams

- Yakima roof rack (purchased this year and never used)

- Bra

KNOWN ISSUES

- Small ding on hood, hard-to-notice dent near fuel door (could be easily pulled, but I didn't care enough to deal with it since it's hardly noticeable). Some chips and dents on bottom portion of bumper and body trim.

- Very minor seepage coming from a seal in transfer case. Has been inspected by mechanic who recommended tackling it at some point down the line, but stressed that there is no big rush. Have documentation.

- Air conditioning not blowing cold

- Central locking unit on driver's side sometimes sticks. I use passenger door or trunk to lock / unlock

INCLUDED IN SALE

- All documentation dating back 28 years, including receipt of sale, window sticker, owner's manual, service log, brochure and service receipts starting in 1993

- Bra

- Car cover

- Current head unit and original BMW radio with code

- Original steering wheel

- Rubber floor mats

- Brand-new / never used Yakima rack

I am selling because my job requires me to drive more frequently than ever, and I am not interested in adding a bunch of miles / wear and tear by driving it around in busy LA traffic. You may notice the for sale sign in the first picture -- I drove out for my first Bimmerfest last month and put it up to gauge the level of interest. I was really blown away by all the attention it received.

I have worked from home for the last three years, which explains the low average of 4k miles per year (with most of its time spent in the garage). It's really only been driven to the gym and the grocery store and the occasional trip to Angeles Crest or the beach -- that's about it. My hope is that I can find a buyer who is interested in taking on the legacy of careful documentation, maintenance and care that this car has been lucky enough to receive from its owners over the last 30 years. I wish I didn't have to sell and am going to be truly sad to see it go.

Please feel free to ask any / all questions and request additional pictures or information.