1988 BMW 325i Convertible E30 176k Rust Free Accident Free NICE!

1988 BMW 3-Series Convertible Additional Info:

Here’s a great opportunity to get an E30 convertible on the cheap. It’s very driveable as-is, but it really deserves to be taken to the next level.

I picked this up a couple months ago from someone who had bought earlier this summer with dreams of fixing it up. Beyond a leaking power steering pump (now replaced) it didn’t have any mechanical problems, but the clear coat was peeling and the top was in poor shape. I have receipts from the prior owners showing $7500 worth of work in the past 10K miles, including:

• Replaced fuel lines

• Replaced control arm bushings

• Replaced shift knuckle, shift shaft seal and output shaft seal

• Replaced air mass meter boot

• Replaced all cooling system hoses

• Replaced front brake calipers and pads

• Replaced water pump

• Full major service, including new timing belt & water pump, distributor cap & rotor, new plug wires and plugs, valve adjustment, air filter, fuel filter, and oil/filter change

There was some rust in the rear of the floor pans. The worst was behind the driver’s seat, where the porthole had rusted through; passenger side just had surface rust. This has been patched and treated with POR-15. The rest of the undercarriage and all the body panels are in very good condition.

All the important stuff is working well, but there are still a few issues:

• Tach/fuel economy gauge doesn’t work (other gauges do)

• Trip computer doesn’t work (pretty typical for old bimmers)

• Power antenna not working/removed - new manual antenna is on order and will be included

• AC/Heat blower motor squeaks at low speed - still works OK, but might be near time to replace

Most of what’s needed to finish the car is cosmetic.

As you can see from the pictures, the car is currently in primer and ready to paint whatever color you choose. The sport seats are solid but under the seat covers the original upholstery is faded and torn. You can get a complete (2x front and back) leather upholstery kit from LSEAT.COM for only $600, or you might want to look at swapping in a good set of E36 seats.

NOTE: the AutoCheck count of prior owners is screwy - it seems to have over-counted TN registration events as transfers of ownership. On the prior sale, for some reason the Maryland title ODO statement got checked as "exceeds mechanical limits", however it is a 6-digit odometer and it's working fine. Based on the AutoCheck data I think the current ODO mileage of ~176000 is correct.