Everybody in the BMW world talks a strong game about "M Tech" cars...but I gotta admit...I'm not buying it. I know that the "M Tech" 325i is mo-rarafied than a real M car, but why in blazes would I want something that is slower by about every yardstick but sorta looks fast. Like this 1994 BMW 325is M Tech offered for $4,300 in Manhattan Beach, CA. Tip from Lucas.
The original BMW 3-series might have been the E21 generation sold in North America (1977 through 1982) but the one that put the BMW 3-series on the map was the E30 built from 1982 through 1993. Power came from a variety of overhead cam inline-4 and inline-6 engines, and suspension was MacPherson struts up from and semi-trailing arm out back. Find this 1990 BMW 325is offered for $6,500 in Richmond, CA via craigslist.
The E30 generation BMW 3-series offers one of the better combinations of decent power, fun chassis, manual gearbox, and style for very basic money. BMW built 2.3 million of the compact executive sedans over the years, so supply should outlast demand for a few more decades. If you want my opinion, the one to get (aside from the murderously expensive M3) is the post facelift (1987+) 325is two-door which is what you are looking at here...but things aren't always as they seem. Find this 1989 BMW 325is E30 offered for $6,000 in Anchorage, AK. Tip from Zach Z.
Prices for the E30 generation M3 may have skyrocketed to preposterous figures in the past few years (particularly this past year) but that doesn't mean you can't buy a simple E30 sedan and boost it up with a supercharger, lower it...whoa, whoa...this is getting pricey. What not just buy someone elses project and save your money. Like this 1988 Bmw 325is E30 here on eBay
bidding for $7,600 with 1 day to go, located in Salem, OR.
If you believe all the hype, the BMW E30 generation 3-series is a fantastic automobile for the gearhead on a budget. It isn't the fastest vehicle on the road but it offers a great combination of handling, ruggedness and style that should keep you entertained until you can afford a depreciated E90/92 335i. Find this 1987 BMW 325is offered for $7700 CAD ($6,192 USD) in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Tip from Arlow.
The E30 generation BMW 3-series is a great example of a well depreciated modern classic that can be driven every day. When new it was a successful yuppy-mobile but now has generated a
significant cult following as a cheap, fun & reliable sports sedan. Today's featured 2-door is a good looking example with the updated integrated bumpers and is offered for a decent price. Find this 1991 BMW 325i offered for $6,500 in San Jose, CA via craigslist. Tip from Kaibeezy.
The E30 generation BMW 3-series solidified the Bavarian automaker's reputation for
building clean looking, relatively quick, manual transmission equipped
sport sedans. The market for the M3 version is currently riding a crazy wave of appreciation, but the standard 325 is a much cheaper way to get your E30 groove going. Find this 1987 BMW 325is E30 2-Door offered for $4,500 in Omaha, NE via craigslist. Seller submission from JD.
We've mentioned before how much we love the E30 BMW chassis and generally consider it one of the better deals on the market with solid daily driver examples going for $5k-$6k ...but they are a bit slow in stock (non-M) form; can you justify doubling the price tag for more speed? Find this 1989 BMW 325is with E36M3 S50 inline-6 swap for sale in Fairview, OR for $12,500 via craigslist.