1990 BMW 325i Review: The Ultimate Driving Machine from BMW?

The iconic E30, pure BMW styling and performance execution. The 325i is a near perfect sedan, featuring a timeless straight six powerplant, rwd, and weight distribution of nearly 50/50 balance. The looks, talk about iconic. The E30 is finally appreciating, but are these increased prices justified? Is the E30 325i BMW's ultimate driving machine? #bmw325i #e30 #carreview

[@bunsenn5064]

This was back when BMWs were genuinely well built, capable machines that handled like no other and weren’t just bought as a prestige sign. This is my kind of car.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Couldn’t agree more. They were also built with owner maintenance in mind.

[@otterpossum9128]

It wasn't at all, these suck. They were and are slow, handle moderately and are frankly what young hipsters think as good because people told them. The E36 and future 3 series were way better. I remember these when I was young, they were just sad as it was obvious that the drivers were poor and trying to look successful.

[@rawb4185]

@@otterpossum9128your opinion is irrelevant. Nice try clown

[@andydhillon1977]

Good review. One of the most iconic front ends in automotive history. The E30 M3 took this look to the next level. I had two opportunities to buy an E30 M3 in the early 2000. One for $3500, the other $5500. The $3500 was at a local dealership that took donated vehicles and sold them to raise money for charity. I hesitated to buy them because the M3 engines are expensive to work on. Many back then used to talk about how much better the E36 M3 was, so I passed on both. Obviously I regret not buying either.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thank you very much. Yeah, most of us have some M cars that got away stories. It almost adds to the mystique of these machines…and the prices we are now paying to secure one currently.

[@johanvanrooyen6650]

I love the E30. I had a brilliant red 318i executive. I drove it to 263,000kms without any major problem. It was super reliable and was an amazing drive.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Sounds like it was an incredible machine. I would love to secure a 318is. The E30 is so well rounded.

[@joshanactualamerican495]

got a 91 318is for dirt cheap back in the day. i can easily say it's a dream car

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I wish I had grabbed one of those back then as well.

[@mpower320i]

Very passionate and realistic review. I've got 2 for 18 years and won't sell them. For me it's all about the passion and history they have with family and friends. Money doesn't buy back memories once we sell them!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Couldn’t agree more with this. For me selling is difficult, but allows me to make new memories with a whole new car.

[@chrispark4310]

Had one and made a huge mistake…sold it 😭 to this day I wonder why since it had been my dream car and the best one I have ever owned

[@mpower320i]

@chrispark4310 the most common situation unfortunately...but you can always buy a new one and make it better 👌🏼

[@jonathanmagness5370]

This brings back memories for me my 1st car was a '89 325i that I ended up trading to my friend for my E30 325ix that I currently own

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Seriously high bar setting first car. Also, nice trade. The iX is so sweet.

[@joshanactualamerican495]

ix is so sweet. If it's 2door then you lucky af

[@jonathanmagness5370]

@@joshanactualamerican495 yeah it's a 2 door

[@fxhood2114]

Fully agree. recently sold my 325i automatic convertible in original black from 1988 in condtion 3, but original. owned also an 318is from 1989 in black. Both cars nice looking, classic and nice to drive. convertible was soft in the body, you fee the time past since 1985 when it appeared on market. the 318is is nicer to drive, but the engine is quite loud on german autobahn,but it ran 225km/h with about 250.000 k run. the convertible did about 215km/h, but it was extremely loud driving faster than 130 km/h. They both loved mountain roads and nice crusing. Prices are now far to high in my eyes, sometimes you spot an pre facelift bmw online, never cheap. These cars got some rust issues meanwhile, also the engines are not that cheep to rebuild. But I love them and happy to have spend over 7 yrs with BMW E30 with no real probleme (maybe fuelpump, hydraulic clutch cylindre, nothing that matters...)

[@autoobsessivegarage]

These are some of the most well built BMWs of all time. Some minor maintenance items are all par for the course. They are straightforward to maintain and a joy to drive.

[@ThatGuyz82]

My dad bought one back in 1994. Yesterday I just drove up to my old hometown and picked it up. He gave it to me, for free. The cloth top needs replaced, the gas tank has a leak (will replace), and a few other maintenance needs.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

The price seems right. All basic maintenance items, awesome that you can keep it in the family.

[@donstevens56]

Lots of people say "I want one" , "I will never sell mine" - I have one very similar to this one - not quite as nice - that I will sell for under $10K. 88 with plastic bumper upgrade, Bronzit (recent respray), 4 dr, 5 sp, (professionally converted from auto) leather with rear headrests, no cracks in dash, 14" real BBS with fresh powdercoat, H&R, BIlstein. Recent maintenance, working A/C and cruise. Nice driver. I am a spec E30 racer and this is one of three E30s that I own. I simply do not need it anymore

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Sure 10 years ago these things were everywhere. Now they demand top dollar and many are in rougher condition. Yours sounds fantastic.

[@jacobing7760]

Still for sale?

[@donstevens56]

@@jacobing7760 Yes

[@kushpaladin]

4 door 😩

[@TheDaneJohni]

Mate, You look like Nicklas Bendtner in this vid😊 Great one and nice car🙌🏼

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I had to look him up…yeah I kinda see that…he stole some of my moves too haha. Thank you and yes she was a very clean machine.

[@TheDaneJohni]

@@autoobsessivegarage hahaha I’m sure he did😂🤣

[@GrunarG]

I had e30, 318 1988. I loved that car, fun to drive.......

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Also love the 318. Great little motor.

[@JoeCastellon]

I've wanted this car for ages! I just hope that when I can afford one, I am able to find a willing seller that has it in perfect-ish condition.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Best of luck to you my friend. They are getting hard to find in stock condition. Unfortunately when they were cheap they fell into the wrong hands at times and weren't upkept as they should have been. Keep hunting, you will find one eventually that fits your need.

[@JoeCastellon]

@@autoobsessivegarage thanks. Only time will tell. I don't necessarily want a 100% STOCK condition. I don't mind after market upgrades as long as it doesn't look like it came out of a Fast N Furious casting 😂

[@poseidon3201]

Good example looks better in red silver black and best in Alpine White with tinted windows. Convertibles ended in the U.S. in 1993. Donna on 90210 and Jeffrey the butler on Fresh Prince of Bel - Air drove the convertible versions.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Solid trivia right there! Agreed, I prefer the spicier 325is in red for sure.

[@pagodacloud2241]

Very good condition car. Good collection Good selector.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thank you

[@joelchavez2669]

I have a 2024 Camry but man I want one of these 😅

[@goranyau1122]

is the 4 door 325i longer and wider than the 2 door 325i? how did you compare them?

[@EinKerl3554]

It's just your preference, identical exterior and interior dimensions, roof line and curb weight.

[@alpineibex5596]

What do you think about the 1989 325ix wagon? Thanks.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Love them.

[@sebastiandeanwibowo6102]

what colour is this particular e30 m20?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

A wonderful shade of Bronzit Beige Metallic.

[@muzixman2011]

Hi is the 4-door 325i longer and wider than the 2-door version?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

They are the exact same dimensions.

[@muzixman2011]

@@autoobsessivegarage and how about the convertible E30, is it smaller?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

@@muzixman2011 Same dimensions as well.

[@chrispark4310]

20000 USD aint a lot, this is a wonderful car!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Agreed. Prices are only going up from here.

[@pagodacloud2241]

Beautiful original e30.❤❤❤bimmer ❤❤❤

[@accountprimario4824]

E30 in tutte le salse...La vera Bmw Serie 3💙❤

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Agreed.

[@pagodacloud2241]

Is is Quality of german to show the world. How good they are.❤❤❤bimmer ❤❤❤

[@zegzag315]

Epic car I have one like that and one woner car it's have 120k miles and I'm the second owner to the car I'm from Libya 🇱🇾 And I will never sell it 😁 it's my dream car ❤️

[@autoobsessivegarage]

It is such an amazing car and yours sounds like a great one. Enjoy it.

[@pagodacloud2241]

The engine is 2.5 Liter right?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

That's right. 2.5 liter inline six.

[@hynkie]

Just sold mine, 1 owner manual in garage kept condition for a dime bag

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Solid deal!

[@joeb8793]

Auto gearbox really isn’t bad to be honest. Don’t overlook it.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

As far as automatics go, it’s decent for sure. The manual is the sweetness though.

[@Inner-View]

I agree. The 123 Drive setup and the ability for high rpms kick ass on the highway when you need to merge or pass.

[@jordansiqueido2101]

318is e30 though ;)

[@autoobsessivegarage]

For sure the better version.

[@pagodacloud2241]

30,000 € euro can you send to Stuttgart Deutschland .😂❤❤❤❤

[@timodne5741]

Grana Eve sides helped🫒

[@timodne5741]

To the Italian community in New York🫒