Hardtop Included: 1992 BMW E30 325iC – Sold?

June 11, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this E30 BMW “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

With the summer driving season getting closer every day, you’re likely feeling the temptation to find a vintage drop-top convertible that’s modern enough to be pleasant for passengers. One of the best options out there is the convertible version of the classic E30-chassis 3-Series, like this 1992 BMW 325i convertible once listed in May 2021 on Craigslist in Hyattsville, Maryland with a recent respray and the desirable hardtop included for $12,000.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reminds us just how much clean E30s have appreciated in recent years, as an “Excellent” condition convertible is valued at $25,400, coming down to $15,100 for a “Good” condition example.

While BMW introduced a few different variations of its well-loved E30, the basic formula was by and large the same: inline-six-cylinder powerplant; rear-wheel-drive; and a manual gearbox. Throw in the Sport package and you got pretty wheels and a limited-slip differential, along with stiffer springs. The convertible wasn’t offered with the Sport package, but you could definitely throw all of those OEM upgrade parts right onto a drop-top without missing a beat. The E30 convertible has long been a staple in movies involving sorority sisters or a badminton-loving antagonist in some cheap 90s teen dramedy, but today, it’s become a sought-after collectible, especially since the convertible versions of the E30 have appreciated far less rapidly than its tin-top sibling – making it an excellent buy with plenty of room to grow.

The seller of this E30 has done what many well-intentioned dads has done: he’s thrown a bunch of money at this car to make it as pleasant and reliable to drive as possible for his daughter, who was the primary driver for the last few years. She has evidently moved on, as the 325i is for sale with a whole host of improvements already made: a respray in its original color; new convertible top; new leather interior; fresh timing belt and tensioner (a big deal given these are interference engines); new coolant hoses and accessory belts; replacement valve cover gasket and recent valve adjustment; new brakes, rotors, and parking brake shoes; and the list goes on. The one downer is it is an automatic, which for E30s, is a serious downgrade considering how rev-happy the cars are to drive when you can row your own gears, but manual conversions are pretty straight forward projects. Still, for $12,000, you’re getting an attractive driver with all of the annoying convertible-related issues already taken care of – and if the paint job is half-decent, this looks like a steal.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1992 BMW E30 325ic for sale. We bought this car in 2012, and my daughter used it as a daily driver. This car is a good driver AC and heat work well; car has a newer radio with blue tooth etc. no rust on body and paint is new – original color Comes with a removable hardtop. The all-season tires are in good shape clean title, 138K original miles, odometer still works. Reason for selling is to many cars…

Recent work done:
New Paint
New Top
New leather interior
Brakes, Rotors, Pads and Parking Brake Shoes
Valve adjustment and Gasket
New Timing belt and tensioner
Spark Plugs
New Coolant hoses
New Accessory Belts“

Do you have a BMW 325i story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!