Although the E30 wasn’t BMW’s first 3-Series, it was the generation that launched the series of sub-variants which really shaped the model’s lineup for the next 40 years. The prior E21 generation consisted solely of a 2-door coupe, which made sense as a replacement for the outgoing 2002. But with the E30, BMW added a sedan, a cabriolet and eventually even a wagon, as well as the legendary M3. The E30 Cabriolet was at the time one of the few soft tops that BMW had built post-World War II and the only one that was practical for every day use and reasonably affordable.

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This 1987 BMW E30 325i Cabriolet is presented in outstanding overall condition and shows just 13,577 miles at the time of cataloging. Finished in a beautiful pewter-silver known as Lachssilver, this E30 has been kept to a tremendously high standard at a time when many of these cars have been driven into the ground. Although largely stock, one upgrade to the exterior that really takes the looks of the car up a notch is the addition of 16” Euro BBS basketweave wheels with modern performance rubber.

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One great thing about ordering a 325i Cabriolet in period was that, in the United States, it came pretty loaded as standard from the factory. It was the only car aside from the “is” trim and M3 that came standard with the more heavily bolstered sport-seats, which were also power and wrapped in leather. A large 3-spoke steering wheel sits in front of you and frames the classic E30 tach/speedometer gauge cluster, and off to the right hand side sits the gear stick for the 5-speed manual, which has been altered slightly with a Euro-style round top shift knob.

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Powering the 325i Cabriolet is one of BMW’s great motors - the M20 2.5-liter Inline-6. Although collectors go crazy for the motorsport-derived S14 in the E30 M3, for an engine to use and enjoy every day, nothing beats the M20. Producing 168 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque, the M20 loves to rev and offers a smooth power delivery all throughout the rev range while also being notoriously durable. In this car it is connected to a 5-speed Getrag manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels.

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