1987 BMW 3 Series 325ic review from North America

Nothing yet. I just got the car. Previous owner had replaced all the usuals - timing chain, belts, hoses, plugs, valves adjusted, etc; about a year ago.

Well, this is my first 3 series. I love it! Here's why... It is my third bimmer. Started in 1998 with a certified 1995 530i/manual that had come off of lease with 19,000 miles. There was some sort of problem with the cylinder walls that year, so the dealer installed a new short block prior to delivery to me. Essentially a new motor. I kept it until 207,000 miles and sold it to a friend. He still basically kisses my feet every time he sees me and says "I love your 530!." Next was a 2003 540 M-sport. Bigger power, stiffer suspension, huge performance tires. It held the road like glue, but was kind of a rough ride. Great car, but I fell out of love with it, when I saw the new 6 series. Decided I want to try a convetible, shopped for used, and found out that they're incredibly expenseive, and potentially problematic. Also, not crazy about the i-drive, but would live with it if I found the perfect used 6. Well, that finally brings me to the 325. I decided I had to have a fun to drive stick shift for this summer, and began looking for an inexpensive toy that I would keep until that perfect used 6 turns up. I wanted something that I felt I could sell quickly and get most if not all of my money back. I looked at Miatas... boring lines. Check '70's vingtage MGB's - like driving a go cart with a cardboard box for a body. Scary! I just don't get what these guys who are in to them... see in them, but to each his own. Well, I stumbled upon this '87 325 'vert on Craigs list last Sat morning. Call the guy, went and saw it, bought it, got a $2,700 cash advance, drove it home. One great thing about this car is that it is unmistakably a BMW! I know, that's obvious, but after owning the 530 & 540, this 325, which is of course 20 years old, fells and drives the same way. The controls are essentially the same... wiper control on the steering column, ventilation system controls. The clutch and amazingly the manual gearbox has an incredibly similar - positive feel, as my '03 540. the great thing about bims is that they just for the most part feel the same... solid and well built. The power and sound of the six cylinder is great! It's just a blast to drive, very sporty. Well, I've rambled on here way too much. If you can find one in decent shape, pick it up. The prices are down right cheap right now for the quality and performance you get from these cars.