BMW 3-Series Convertible 325i 2d (1989/F) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
A lot of car for the money. This is a 'proper car' - 6 cylinders, leather, rear wheel drive, convertible and quick. All for under £6k.
Costs
Can be steep, especially for worn examples. Factor this in when you buy.
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On the road
Driving
Famous for rear wheel drive handling. Can be too much for some. 6-cylinder units are smooth and potent.
Performance
Not the quickest, but the 2.5-litre is pacy. M-tech and limited slip help on the corners, otherwise watch your oversteer.
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Living with it
Reliability
In terms of practical classics, this generation of BMW ushered in the era when you could really depend on your car to start in all weathers and not give you trouble. IF you keep it serviced, of course.
Image
This depends. A lot of criminals used to drive the BMW E30, but as maintenance becomes increasingly important with age, fewer are doing so. The pre-92 convertibles with the chrome detailing look good.
Comfort
Very comfy Recaro bucket seats at the front. Leather adds to this of course. No A/C, but on a roofless car it makes no difference. Cramped at the back, but so what?
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Security and Service
Security
You have to have an after-market alarm on these cars. The standard late 80s one is next to useless. Likelihood of theft minimal from professional thieves. Casual joy-riders could be interested.
Service
N/A as bought second hand.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Manifolds tend to blow above 70k miles. Easy to live with, sometimes cheap to fix.
Other
Maintenance history important on these.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes