1991 BMW 325i Sport (E30)

Sold

1991 BMW 325i Sport (E30) – Manual

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£21,000

Mileage~130,604 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.5-litre
LocationCardigan, Wales

SOLD

1991 BMW 325i Sport (E30) – Manual

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner and Photographer

One of the most iconic sports saloons of its era - blending sharp handling, a silky straight-six and unmistakable ’90s styling.

The BMW 325i Sport (E30) represents one of the finest examples of BMW’s engineering and design from the golden era of the brand. Launched as part of the second-generation 3 Series, the E30 quickly earned a reputation for its sharp styling, solid build quality, and superb driving dynamics.

The 325i Sport was the performance-focused version, fitted with BMW’s smooth and powerful straight-six engine, sport suspension, and distinctive styling touches that set it apart from the standard models. With its rear-wheel-drive layout, precise steering, and well-balanced chassis, the car delivered the kind of driver engagement that has become synonymous with BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” ethos.

Today, the 325i Sport is celebrated not only as a practical and usable modern classic but also as a car that captures the spirit of an era when BMW’s focus was firmly on performance, character, and driving pleasure.

With long term ownership, ~30 stamps in its original service booklet, and replacement timing and alternator belt changed in July 2025, the BMW is a lovely example of a cherished E30 and comes to market with a clean MOT valid until August 2026.

Make doubt, probably one of the better E30 examples on the market currently - the 325i is well worth a closer look over.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Dylan the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The E30 is one of my all-time favourite models, and I absolutely love everything about it.

The current owner, Dylan, has owned the car for over ~33 years, with the car being in the same family for even longer. It's a car that turns heads for the right reasons which is something that Dylan still appreciates, he said "its stunning looks and the growling 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine really make it stand out. The sharpness, torque and awesome performance is just brilliant and I love its originality".

Being a fan of all things BMW, staying with the brand was an easy decision for the current owner to make although came with mixed feelings, he went on to say, "It's a very reluctant sale as I've had it so long. It's been excellent and a solid car for me with no problems. The car hasn't been used much at all since I upgraded to an F80 M3, and it's unlikely it'll get used again".

Should any further queries be needed on the car, Dylan would be happy to answer these in the comments section below.

Dylan

Vehicle Owner

Dylan saved £3,780* when they
sold their BMW with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Sharp lines, and unmistakable M-Tech styling, the 325i wears its era proudly - sporty, purposeful, and instantly iconic.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” cross spoke alloy wheels and BMW centre caps appear in excellent condition with just a few minor age-related marks.

The front and rear of the BMW is fitted with Michelin Pilot Exalto tyres with date codes from 2008 and a spec of 205/55. To the rear, the car is on Toyo Proxes, date coded from 2016 and showing 205/55.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the 325i and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

Panels align well and we could see no visible distortion to these areas. Shut lines and panel gaps look great and both doors, bonnet cover and boot opened and closed well, exactly what you would expect from BMW engineering.

The current owner has previously had the rear arches and battery tray replaced. We found no major concerns with the bodywork or concerning marks to the exterior.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The 'Brilliant Red' paint looks in great shape, particularly given this car is ~34 years old.

When the rear wheel arches were repaired, the current owner took the decision to respray the whole car at the same time, all to ensure the colour match stayed the same across the panels.

Dylan, the current owner tells us more about this, "The boot lid and areas of the roof were badly faded, so I decided to give the car a full professional respray".

The paintwork appears with a well matched colour, there was a very slight note of minor swirls, although this didn't detract too much from the overall look of the E30.

If we were being picky, there were a few stone chips across the front and the drivers side wing mirror had signs of bubbling to the mirror mount - but nothing major here.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen and side windows displayed really well and showed with BMW etching on the glass. Front and rear lights all appear in very good condition, and we could see no sign of scratching to the finish here. There was a slight crack to the front indicator from a previous stone chip.

Badges and emblems are present and correct, but do show with some wear, particularly the rear badge.

We didn't note any issues on the seals on the exterior and these areas showed to be in-line with the rest of the condition of the car.

To the interior, door cards showed really well, with only a few minor marks on the trim. The headlining of the cabin looked excellent.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Step inside to a driver-set cabin that blends BMW’s classic simplicity with sporty flair - bolstered seats, focused dash, and just the right touch of luxury.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are finished with grey leather. The material was showing its age to both sides of the drivers bolster. The inside edge showed a tear to the material which we've highlighted in our interior gallery. Overall, the driver's seat would benefit from being reupholstered, although perfectly useable and comfortable. The passenger seat shows some wear to the bolster side whilst the rear sides look barely used and showed no major issues.

Looking over the carpet sections, the mats showed to be in great condition and looking underneath these, the main floor sections showed without concern.

Checking over the boot, this section showed no concerns and was clean and tidy with no real issues.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

The black dash across the centre console appears in nice shape overall, but had two slight cracks to the finish on the dash edges. Black dials with white needles looked excellent and were all functioning as expected. The odometer showed with ~130,604 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all appear to be in good overall condition, with surfaces free from fogging or scratching.

We noted no issues with the fuel gauge, speedometer, rev counter, oil temp, and digital interfaces in the upper part of the cabin, were all functioning without concern when starting up the car. The BMW did show a warning light when out on the road, but only due to the overdue service.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel looks in good condition but did show signs of use to the edges. Nothing concerning here though.

The original black leather covered gear stick displayed a little wear, although in-line with the E30's ~34 years on the road. The surround looked in good shape.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and check over the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

At the heart of the E30 sits the legendary 2.5L straight-six, renowned for its silky smoothness, responsive power, and unmistakable M20 soundtrack - a true drivers' engine.

Engine and Gearbox

The BMW performed without concern when running and out on the road and felt tight during the drive. Looking over the engine bay, the presentation was very good although some of the sound-deadening on the inside of the bonnet had began to perish. We noted no signs of leaks or engine issues on the day.

The 5 speed gearbox worked through its paces without issue. We took the car on a drive around some local roads with the owner to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting up and more detail in the engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or other issues from the suspension when we were on the road, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. Looking over the underside of the car during our visit, noted no major issues and showed it had been undersealed.

The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey, and brought the car to a stop without a problem and with the kind of stopping power you'd expect.

Overall the car performed as to be expected with no concerns.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

The E30's were so popular when first released, and still draw a crowd now. The 2.5L straight-six M20 delivered ~170 BHP - resulting in a top end of ~132 MPH and 0-60 in ~8.5 seconds from factory, making this lovely model a great performer.

The car handles well, going through the motions out on the road without complaint. The car is a relaxed and comfortable place to be with an inviting ride and balanced level of control.

Gear changes sounded slick with the steering precise and road-holding felt sure footed.

Our On the Road video gives an overview of the car on some local roads and how it performs whilst driving.

Electrics and Other

During our time with the vehicle we noted that all switches, dials, and gauges appear undamaged and are in great condition.

The BMW is equipped with a Pioneer stereo, a 6-disc changer located in the boot and its towing eye, jack, warning triangle, first aid (still in its plastic wrapper) and a complete tool kit.

The interface positioned above the driver for lights, dipped beam and fluid check lights was a lovely 90's touch. A spare wheel is also located in the boot should it be required.

We weren't able to fully test all of the functions when visiting the car, although Dylan told us everything was in working order as far as he was aware.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

The E30 has covered fewer than ~1,000 miles in the past ~5 years and boasts ~30 service stamps in its original booklet - a well-loved example with long-term ownership history.

The BMW was originally registered in Dylan's mother's name, so even with ~33 years current ownership, the car has been in the same family for even longer.

Stamps on the service booklet show regular maintenance through the same specialist through its years, with ~22 of its stamps all covered by the same business.

Most recently, the car had its near side wheel bearing, clutch slave cylinder, timing and alternator belt changed in July 2025. Looking further back, the BMW had its clutch kit and brake light switch replaced in April 2018, replacement oil pressure switch in March 2017 and timing belt and air flow meter in November 2014.

We cover the history of the BMW in our paperwork gallery. Take a look over the previous servicing records and MOT certificates to see more behind the 325i.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
19.08.2025	MOT	130,622
25.03.2022	MOT	130,523
22.03.2021	MOT	130,497
19.03.2020	MOT	129,759
26.06.2019	Service	128,479
01.04.2019	MOT	128,099
16.03.2018	MOT	126,435
22.03.2017	MOT	124,615
17.03.2016	MOT	122,714
31.03.2015	Service	120,944
13.03.2015	MOT	120,731
21.03.2014	MOT	119,464
14.03.2013	MOT	116,831
16.03.2012	Service & MOT	115,401
11.03.2011	MOT	113,752
19.03.2010	MOT	112,113
20.03.2009	MOT	109,946
20.03.2008	MOT	108,406
15.03.2007	MOT	106,599
16.03.2006	MOT	104,305
29.03.2005	MOT	102,945
24.03.2004	Service & MOT	101,237
17.03.1003	MOT	98,043
10.10.2002	Service
16.04.2002	MOT	93,655
17.04.2001	MOT	86,795
09.10.2001	Service
	Service	71,764
23.09.1997	Service	60,629
	Service	49,397
01.01.1997	Service	~55,000
1995	Service	38,103
17.01.1994	Service	27,569
	Service	22,367
	Service	17,171
11.06.1992	Service	11,532
18.08.1991	Service	5,753
04.04.1991	Running in Service	1,308