1987 BMW 325is

NEARLY 35 YEARS WITH THE SAME OWNER • DOCUMENTED FROM 18 MILES • 5 SPEED MANUAL • ZINNOBERROT OVER SCHWARZ BLACK LEATHER

VIN: WBAAA1306H8250419
Mileage Shown: 122,614
Total Mileage: Unknown
Engine: 2.5 Liter M20 Inline Six
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Exterior: Zinnoberrot Red
Interior: Schwarz Black Leather
Production Date: 05/1987
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive

HIGHLIGHTS

• Same ownership since November 1991
• Documentation beginning with BMW pre delivery inspection at 18 miles
• Zinnoberrot Red over Schwarz black leather
• 2.5 liter M20 inline six
• 5 speed manual transmission
• Factory sport seats
• Three spoke sport steering wheel
• Power sunroof
• On board computer
• Factory front air dam and fog lamps
• Rear deck spoiler
• Factory basket weave alloy wheels
• Matching basket weave spare
• Factory tool tray with tools
• Four documented timing belt replacements
• Most recent timing belt replacement in September 2019
• Extensive Ress Motor Works service history
• Original BMW service booklet and dealer stamps
• Original vehicle specific PDI paperwork
• Multiple BMW keys plus an additional key set
• Original BMW books, radio literature and period documentation
• Period Alpine cassette receiver and trunk mounted CD changer
• CARFAX shows no accidents or structural damage reported

OVERVIEW

This 1987 BMW 325is is finished in Zinnoberrot Red over Schwarz black leather and is powered by BMW’s 2.5 liter M20 inline six paired with a 5 speed manual transmission.

The car has remained with the same ownership since November 1991. More importantly, an unusually complete history has remained with the BMW throughout that ownership. The documentation begins with its vehicle specific BMW pre delivery paperwork at just 18 miles and continues through the original service booklet, dealer stamps, handwritten maintenance records and Ress Motor Works invoices extending through 2025.

The 325is retains the equipment enthusiasts associate with the model, including sport seats, three spoke steering wheel, front air dam, fog lamps, rear spoiler, power sunroof and basket weave alloy wheels.

ORIGINAL DELIVERY & DOCUMENTATION

BMW paperwork identifies this car as a 1987 325is produced in May 1987.

Its original BMW of North America vehicle specific VPC and Pre Delivery Inspection form remains with the car and records the model, production date, chassis number, engine number and original radio information. The accompanying BMW PDI Quality Control Checklist is also retained.

The original BMW service booklet records:

• DeFouw BMW pre delivery inspection on July 23, 1987 at 18 miles
• First registration dated July 31, 1987
• DeFouw BMW 1,200 mile inspection on September 11, 1987 at 1,391 miles
• BMW anti corrosion inspection dated July 22, 1988
• Biannual coolant service entry dated February 26, 1990
• Brake fluid service recorded April 13, 1990 at approximately 22,354 miles
• Additional brake fluid and coolant service entries
• Period dealer and independent shop stamps

The original body inspection pages remain in the booklet as well. The first year inspection was stamped by DeFouw BMW and notes “very small rock chips.” Later inspections carry stamps from German Auto in Birmingham, Alabama and Parks Imports in Montgomery, Alabama, with one later inspection recording “No Damage Found.”

LONG TERM OWNERSHIP

The current ownership purchased the BMW in November 1991 when 35,782 miles were recorded.

Nearly 35 years later, the same family ownership and much of the car’s original documentation remain intact.

DOCUMENTED TIMING BELT HISTORY

One of the more important parts of the service file is the documented timing belt history.

Four replacements are recorded:

1994 • Approximately 69,012 Miles
Timing belt replacement recorded in the BMW service history. The accompanying handwritten maintenance log also records timing belt related service from this period.

2001 • Approximately 101,068 Miles
Timing belt replacement documented by Ress Motor Works. The corresponding service invoice totals $294.17 and also includes routine service and related items.

June 2013 • Approximately 120,696 Miles
Ress Motor Works replaced the timing belt and water pump along with the timing belt kit, coolant and associated service. The invoice totals $791.24.

September 2019 • 122,614 Miles Displayed
Ress Motor Works again replaced the timing belt along with the timing belt kit and distributor rotor. The invoice totals $547.23.

The September 2019 replacement is the most recent documented timing belt service.

SELECTED DOCUMENTED SERVICE

In addition to the timing belt history, the accompanying records document substantial maintenance over more than three decades.

2003
Clutch master cylinder replacement documented by Ress Motor Works. Invoice total approximately $338.24.

2006
Fuel odor addressed with replacement of a fuel inlet hose at the engine. Invoice total $153.70.

2007
Documented service included oil service, coolant service, brake fluid service, rear shock mount replacement and cooling system related work. Invoice total approximately $413.96.

2010
Oil and filter service, air conditioning service and replacement of three accessory belts. Invoice total $181.56.

2011 • Approximately 117,000 Miles
Air conditioning system converted for use with R134a refrigerant along with oil and filter service. Invoice total $465.75.

June 2013 • Approximately 120,696 Miles
Timing belt, water pump, timing belt kit, coolant and oil service. Invoice total $791.24.

An oil pressure switch was replaced shortly thereafter.

August 2014 • 121,516 Miles
Oil and filter service along with installation of a leather shift knob and hood emblem. Invoice total $188.26.

August 2016 • 122,614 Miles
Synthetic oil and filter service and brake fluid flush. Invoice total $246.24.

Later that month, both front strut inserts were replaced and the handbrake was adjusted. Invoice total $881.54.

August 2017 • 122,614 Miles Displayed
Synthetic oil and filter service along with air conditioning system service, evacuation and R134a recharge. Invoice total $276.48.

September 2019 • 122,614 Miles Displayed
Timing belt, timing belt kit and distributor rotor replacement. Invoice total $547.23.

November 2019 • 122,614 Miles Displayed
Valve cover gasket and four rocker shaft plug seals replaced along with synthetic oil and filter service. Invoice total $382.23.

April 2021 • 122,614 Miles Displayed
Brake fluid flush and left front door lock cylinder repair. Invoice total $452.36.

June 2022 • 122,614 Miles Displayed
Synthetic oil and filter service along with inspection.

September 2025 • 122,614 Miles Displayed
Full synthetic oil and filter service and multipoint inspection performed by Ress Motor Works. Invoice total $142.00.

The supporting file also documents additional brake service, cooling system work, spark plugs, batteries, wheel bearing service, tires, sunroof repairs, antenna work, power steering service and numerous oil and fluid services over the years.

EXTERIOR

Finished in Zinnoberrot Red, the exterior retains the recognizable 325is appearance with its factory front air dam, integrated fog lamps, rear deck spoiler, black body moldings and aluminum bumpers.

The original BMW Zinnoberrot identification label remains present in the engine compartment along with other factory labels and markings.

The paint retains good overall gloss and presents well as a driver quality example. Age appropriate chips, scratches and cosmetic wear are present, including wear along the lower front air dam.

INTERIOR

The Schwarz black interior retains the factory sport seats and original E30 dashboard and center console layout.

Equipment includes:

• Black leather sport front seats
• Three spoke sport steering wheel
• 5 speed manual shifter
• Power windows
• Power mirrors
• Power sunroof
• Air conditioning
• On board computer
• Check control system
• Leather shift boot

The front leather shows age appropriate creasing and wear, while the rear seating area remains particularly well preserved. The dashboard, center console, door panels, headliner and sunroof panel also present well for their age.

A period Alpine cassette receiver is installed in the dashboard and is paired with an Alpine CD Shuttle changer mounted in the trunk. The original BMW anti theft radio literature and security code cards remain with the documentation.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 325is is powered by BMW’s 2.5 liter M20 inline six paired with a 5 speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive. The engine compartment retains an appropriately original appearance with its factory style air box, intake system, hood insulation and numerous original labels still present.

The extensive service history, including four documented timing belt replacements, water pump service, cooling system maintenance, valve cover service and regular fluid changes, is one of the stronger aspects of the car.

WHEELS, TIRES & UNDERCARRIAGE

Factory basket weave alloy wheels remain fitted, with a matching basket weave spare stored in the trunk.

The road wheels wear 185/70R14 tires.

Underside photographs show the floor pans, fuel tank, exhaust system, suspension and driveline areas. Factory style undercoating remains visible across much of the underside with normal age related grime and surface oxidation visible in areas.

TRUNK & TOOLS

The trunk retains its carpeting, side trim and factory spare wheel arrangement.

A matching basket weave spare remains in the spare tire well. The factory BMW tool tray remains mounted beneath the trunk lid and contains numerous original tools.

The Alpine CD changer is mounted beneath the rear parcel shelf.

ORIGINAL BOOKS & ACCESSORIES

The documentation accompanying this BMW is unusually complete and includes:

• Original BMW Owner’s Handbook
• Original BMW Service Booklet
• Original vehicle specific BMW Pre Delivery Inspection paperwork
• BMW PDI Quality Control Checklist
• BMW Consumer Warranty Information
• BMW Quality Continuation Plan literature
• BMW worldwide service directory
• BMW Anti Theft Radio Owner’s Manual
• BMW Anti Theft Radio identification and security code cards
• BMW SmartCare literature
• Original annual body inspection records
• Original dealer service stamps
• Handwritten long term maintenance log
• Extensive Ress Motor Works invoices
• Multiple BMW keys
• Additional key set
• Factory tool tray and tools
• Matching basket weave spare
• CARFAX Vehicle History Report

MILEAGE & VEHICLE HISTORY

The odometer currently displays 122,614 miles and is inoperative.

A September 2025 Ress Motor Works inspection documents the inoperative odometer and estimates total mileage at approximately 135,000 to 140,000 miles based on the vehicle’s continued use. Total mileage is therefore unknown.

CARFAX shows no accidents or damage reported, no structural damage reported, no total loss history and no indication of an odometer rollback.

KNOWN ITEMS

The air conditioning and driver’s seat adjustment were noted for attention during the September 2025 service visit. Minor age related engine seepage has also been documented.

Additional historical observations and service recommendations are included with the accompanying maintenance records and are available for review.

WHY WE LOVE IT

The story of this 325is starts at 18 miles and remains unusually easy to follow nearly four decades later.

It combines the right E30 specification with nearly 35 years of continuous ownership, four documented timing belt services, decades of maintenance records, original BMW books and dealer paperwork, factory tools, multiple keys and the colors and equipment enthusiasts want.

Rather than being heavily modified or rebuilt, it remains an honest example of the classic E30 formula: an inline six, a 5 speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive, compact dimensions and simple analog controls.

Finding another 325is is not especially difficult. Finding one accompanied by this much of its original history is considerably harder.

CONTACT MOTORVAULT

For additional information, photographs, videos, financing assistance, trade evaluations, or to schedule a private viewing, please contact:

Brian Henry
Managing Partner | Sales & Client Relations
(317) 522-8260
sales@motorvault.com

Ralph Haga
Sales & Client Relations
(309) 721-9725
sales@motorvault.com

MOTORVAULT
520 W. McCarty Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

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TERMS, DISCLOSURE & BUYER INFORMATION

At MOTORVAULT, transparency and accurate representation are our priorities. Vehicle descriptions are prepared using owner-supplied information, service records, vehicle history reports, manufacturer documentation, and our own inspection. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, buyers are encouraged to independently verify any information they consider important.

As one of only two Bring a Trailer Local Area Partners (LAPs) in Indiana, MOTORVAULT applies the same attention to detail and documentation to every vehicle we represent, whether sold through Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, or directly through MOTORVAULT.

Unless otherwise stated, all vehicles are sold as-is, where-is, with no expressed or implied warranties. Mileage may vary slightly due to transport, detailing, photography, inspections, or test drives.

Independent pre-purchase inspections are welcomed, and we are happy to coordinate inspections with the buyer's preferred dealership or specialist. We also assist with financing, trade-ins, nationwide enclosed transportation, and international shipping.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), MOTORVAULT welcomes buyers from across the country and can assist with airport transportation and enclosed vehicle delivery.

We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and welcome any questions regarding this vehicle before purchase.