1989 BMW 3-Series

This is my 1989 BMW 325iX.   I purchased it from Virginia two years ago: it was the best example I could find of an iX that was in good physical shape as I wanted a rust-free car.   I love the E30 and had never owned one. and the all-wheel drive was a good way to “justify” having another car which would not be a RWD toy that has to be put away in the winter.

This car was the best I could find in four months of searching at the time.   I am putting it up for sale now. along with one of my other cars (1973 Alfa 2000 GTV). as I am making room for another acquisition.

I do like this car a lot – the E30 really is a classic you can drive every day. and with the AWD in the 325iX you can do so even in winter.   I recently acquired a 1990 911 Carrera 4. which admittedly is a more exciting every day classic. hence another reason the E30 is being offered.

I have put a good deal of work into this car over the past two years.   Highlights are below and I have receipts and service records for it all.

·      Body is rust free.   Paint is in great shape as the photos show.   It really does look this good in person – white is a color that ages well and is forgiving to scratches and wear. unlike my favorite color. black.

·      AWD works as verified on lift.   No leaks or issues with transfer case and coupling.

·      Interior is also excellent.  

o   No tears or even scuffs in the vinyl upholstery.  

o   Headliner is great.

o   Dash has no cracks or scratches or fading.

o   Carpets are clean and intact.

o   All buttons and controls present and functioning as intended (more below).

o   The arm rest between the front seats is a Husco unit with integrated cup-holders.

o   The car has the winter ski pass-through in the rear center armrest.

·      Service/work performed:

o   New shocks. springs. tie-rods. tires (Sumitomo Touring) – July 2015

o   New timing belt and tensioner. valve cover gasket – July 2015

o   New front brake calipers. pads. rotors – July 2015

o   Odometer gears replaced – Aug 2015

o   Replaced heater core. heater valve – Aug 2015

o   Replaced oil filter housing seal and changed oil to synthetic 5W30 – Aug 2015

o   AC converted to R-134a – Aug 2015

§  Hoses. compressor and dryer belts replaced as part of this project.

o   Tune-up: - Sep 2015

§  New plugs. wires. cap. and rotor.

o   Cooling system overhaul: - Sep 2015

§  New water pump. radiator hoses. pump pulley. thermostat. temp sensor. temp sender. seal rings.

o   Power steering fluid and suction hose replaced – Oct 2015

o   Replace battery and horn siren – Dec 2015

o   Fuel level sender and pressure regulator replaced – Jan 2016

o   UUC short shift kit installed (fantastic upgrade) – Feb 2016

o   Oil service and fluids refresh – July 2016

o   AC belt replaced and compressor lubed – July 2016

o   Brake service – Aug 2016

o   Brake service – Aug 2016

§  New rear discs. pads. sensors. left caliper.

§  Brake fluid replaced.

o   Exhaust – Nov 2016

§  System replaced with cat-back unit.

·      What does not work:

o   The rear windows do not go down.   I identified the problem as new motors for both sides – fuses. power. are all correct.

o   I have not replaced the motors as these are each close to $400 new and I could not find used at a worthwhile price.   I also never have need to open the rear windows.

o   Despite my efforts with the fuel reading repairs. the fuel gauge is not accurate after ~150 miles on a tank.   I use the trip meter for accuracy and this works well enough that I have not pursued further repairs to the fuel reading.

·      Everything else works:

o   Heat works great. AC (converted refrigerant) works great.   All vents and directionals work as designed.

o   Sunroof is manual and works well.   No leaks.

o   All lights. electronics. gauges (other than fuel) work well.

o   Even the cruise control works.

o   And the heated seats.

o   No warning lights on dash cluster or on the diagnostic panel above the rear view mirror are on.   These diagnostics all work as they should.

o   Spare wheel and tire. jack. and factory tool-kit are present and correct.  

o   Central locking works properly and I installed keyless entry also – works great.

o   This has the BMW eight speaker stereo option.   I replaced the head unit with a Kenwood KMM-BT312U.   Bluetooth mic is installed above driver side visor with hidden wire.   Sound through the eight speakers is very good and the screen color is matched to the orange gauge lighting.

o   The BBS wheels are OEM 15” units.

The car drives really well and tracks straight and true.   It is fun and chuckable the way an E30 should be. and it really sings at above 30 mph in the E30 sweet spot.   The UUC short shift kit is a great upgrade.  

If it did not compete with my 964. and I did not want the garage space. I would hold onto it.   That being said I have priced this knowing the work that has been put into it: a future owner will be in good shape reliability wise.   I would not hesitate to drive this across the country and it can certainly be used as a daily driver.  

Please feel free to contact me with questions.   Thank you.

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