1987 BMW 325

In 1984 BMW introduced the 325e, the second iteration in a long line of sports sedans known as the 3 Series. The car enhanced the best features of its predecessor, the 320i, and added new technology, making this new 3 Series model the hot car of the 1980s.

Early in the decade, gasoline price hikes and shortages forced car manufacturers to rethink engine technology. The new 6-cylinder engine in the 325e effectively addressed the concerns for fuel economy with the desire for performance. Later in the decade increased power was in demand and BMW supplied these cars with the 'i' engine. Both of these engines featured a single overhead cam, and very high torque, producing great performance and gas mileage. BMW used the latest technology to enhance the MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-trailing arm rear suspension as well as stiffen the chassis. This new 3 Series featured electronic engine management, four-wheel disc brakes, and improved ergonomics, all in a body shell designed for occupant safety and aerodynamic efficiency.

In the later 1980s, the 3 Series was produced as both a two-door and four-door for the first time. This car also spawned the first-generation M3, winner of many races and owners' hearts alike. The strong interest in the four-door model helped make the 3 Series the most popular car in BMW history to date. These cars were sold in various states of tune and body configuration through 1992.

The BMW 325 came standard with a five-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel anti-locking disc brakes, AM/FM stereo with cassette and anti-theft, air conditioning, and a two-way manual sunroof. Inside, buyers had the choice of either cloth or leatherette upholstery. They rode on alloy wheels and 195/65HR14 tires. The base engine was an overhead-cam six-cylinder unit that displaced 164 cubic-inches and offered 121 horsepower. The 325i/iS and 325iC came standard with a 152 CID unit with nearly 170 horsepower.

The BMW 325e had additional luxury accouterments including a leather-covered steering wheel and gearshift knob, leather upholstery, folding rear center armrest, power sunroof, on-board computer, and cruise control. The BMW 325es two-door was given integrated fog lamps, rear spoiler, sport seats, sport suspension, M-Technic steering wheel, map lights, limited-slip differential, and a front spoiler.

Pricing began at $21,500 for the base two-door 325 models and rose to nearly $29,000 for the 325iC Convertible.

The three-series was introduced as a replacement for the popular BMW 2002. The first three-series internally referred to as the E21, rolled off the production line on May 2, 1975, and was an instant success. The first year, BMW's worldwide production of vehicles neared 221,300, an increase of almost 37,000 vehicles from the prior year. In 1977 the three-series was available for sale in the United States, bringing production even higher.

The 320i borrowed many of the style cues from the BMW 2002 such as the distinctive forward-leaning grille. Both were two-door sedans but the 320i had a slightly wider stance and was 1.5 inches longer. Disc brakes were placed on the front while the rear had drums. The suspension was MacPherson struts in the front and trailing arm in the back. Under the hood sat a 2.0-liter Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injected inline-four capable of producing 110 horsepower. The Getrag four-speed manual gearbox was standard but a ZF three-speed automatic was optional.

In 1980, the engine decreased in size to 1.8 liters. To cope with emission regulations, a three-way catalyst was adapted to the vehicle; however, this reduced the horsepower rating to 100.

To make the most of aerodynamics, the grille became less angled and the hood sloped slowly from the front of the vehicle to the windshield. The wheelbase and length were nearly identical to its predecessor. The engine was the 1.8-liter fuel-injected four-cylinder producing 101 horsepower.

The 318i was a two-door sedan introduced in 1984. The 325e quickly followed bringing with it a 2.7-liter inline six-cylinder engine borrowed from the 528e. With 121 horsepower the vehicle could accelerate from zero to sixty in just under nine seconds and reach the quarter-mile in 16.6 seconds. The vehicle was sporty but it was tailored to the economic conditions at the time. The oil embargo and surging gas prices made the three-series an excellent option. With their potent engines and fuel-efficient gearing, the vehicles were able to comply with the concerns of many motorists.

Four-doors and four-speed automatic transmission options were offered on the three series in 1985. Sales for the 318i were dwindling so the decision was made to remove it from the line-up at the close of 1986. 1986 also saw the addition of antilock four-wheel disc brakes and the two-door 325es.

1987 was a big year for the three-series with the addition of the 325i and 325is models, and a convertible option dubbed the 325ic. The 325is was a true sports model bringing back a heritage that had been last seen in the 2002ti. With 168 horsepower and nearly identical torque, it was the most powerful three-series up to that point. The zero-to-sixty mile-per-hour mark was achieved in just 7.4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds. With the large disc brakes on all four corners and sturdy suspension, the performance was amazing.

In 1988 safety and performance were taken to a whole new level with the introduction of the all-wheel-drive 325ix.

By the close of 1991, a replacement for the 3 Series E30 was needed. The E30 had expanded the model lineup to include sedans, coupes, and convertibles with varying engine and transmission options. Replacing the E30 would be tricky since the company relied upon it for its 'bread-and-butter'.

In 1996 the 325i and 325is received a new 2.8-liter inline-six rated at 190 horsepower. In 1998 the 323i convertible and 323is coupe was outfitted with a 2.5-liter M52 engine that produced 168 horsepower.

In 1999 the E46 3-series were introduced. The first versions offered were the 323i and 328i four-door sedans. The body had undergone moderate changes such as a new front end, a rounder roofline, wider wheel arches, and updated headlights. The vehicles sat atop a wider wheelbase and the length had increased.

BMW stated that the structure of the body had been stiffened by 70 percent and the engine moved back in the chassis to take advantage of better weight distribution. Aluminum had been used in many components such as the suspension and engine to reduce the overall weight. The six-cylinder engine was equipped with an advanced VANOS variable valve timing system. The 2.5-liter version produced 170 horsepower while the 2.8-liter produced 193 horsepower. The rear-seats in the E46 were roomier and side-curtain airbags greatly improved the safety for all passengers.

In 2000 the 323ci and 328ci versions were added to the model lineup. A 323i wagon was big news, the first time a wagon had been offered as a three-series in the United States.

In 2003 a DVD-based navigation became available as optional equipment. It provided many new and exciting features, critics, however, gave it poor ratings on being user-friendly. The vehicles became more comfortable and accommodating with a front, center arm-rest for the 325, and a center headrest for all wagons and sedans.

Throughout the life span, up to this point, the M3 has evolved much like the Porsche 911. Even though the size, style, and shape have changed over the years it still resembles, to some extent, the original design. As the style has changed, so has the technology. It has grown in size but weight-saving technology and techniques have been implemented. The car has become safer with larger brakes, improved suspension, airbags, ABS, and much more. The cars are reliable, dependable, and fun to drive. Their continued success gives credit to German Engineering and the legacy that is the three-series.

M3

The BMW Motorsport department was tasked with designing and building a powerful, lightweight derivative of the three series. The purpose of the M3 was to compete in the FIA Group A racing. Over five-thousand examples were hand-built by BMW Motorsport.

The first series M3 was based on the E30 platform and was introduced to Europe in 1986 and the United States a year later. The first series stayed into production until 1990 and offered with a variety of motors, including a 238 horsepower engine. In a short amount of time, the E30 M3 scored thousands of victories making it one of the most successful touring machines in history. Under the hood of the M3 lurked a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a twin-cam four-valve head with Bosch fuel-injection and rated at 192 horsepower. The 2850 pound vehicle with five-speed manual transmission could go from zero-to-sixty mph in less than seven seconds. The top speed was 140 miles-per-hour.

In 1992 the second generation M3, based on the E36 platform, was introduced at the Paris Auto Show. BMW Motorsports started with the M50TU engine used in various E36 and E34. The bore and stroke were enlarged and the intake was modified to include individual throttle bodies. A new variable valve timing system on the intake camshaft, called VANOS, was adapted to the engine. The engine, dubbed the S50, was capable of producing over 280 horsepower.

The Motorsport department continued the modifications by adapting a new suspension with firmer shocks and springs and larger anti-roll bars. Twelve-inch vented disc brakes provided excellent stopping power, while the M-tuned variable-ratio steering provided an instantaneous response.

Aesthetically, the E36 M3 was similar to the regular three series with only a few distinctions. The exterior of the M3 had a front air dam, aerodynamic side mirrors, and deeper side valance panels while the interior had an M shift knob, M instrument cluster, and M sport seats. An M-Technic rear spoiler could be purchased as a dealer option, giving the vehicle a very sportier look.

The E36 M3 did not reach US soil until 1994. Even when it did it was outfitted with a special American version of its potent engine, which was dubbed the S50 B30 USA. Throttle bodies had been removed to lower compression and the continuous VANOS was replaced with a two-stage one. This lowered the cost but also lowered the horsepower, now producing 240.

In 1995, a ZF 5HP18 five-speed automatic transmission was offered on the M3 as optional equipment. During the 1994 to 1995 model year, around 10,000 USA and 18,500 non-USA versions of the M3 were produced.

BMW went a step farther in the performance department with the introduction of the M3 Lightweight introduced in 1995. It was built for competition, having shaved 200 pounds from the standard E36 M3. The inside was void of amenities including air conditioning, rear seat, and radio. There were only 85 sold in the United States, all were quickly sold.

In 1996 BMW had learned much through its support of the McLaren supercar. This translated to a new, larger engine using a Double VANOS system making the intake and exhaust camshafts continuously variable. The engine was called the S50 B32. In Europe, the 3.2-liter engine was producing over 320 horsepower while the American version stayed at 240. A Getrag six-speed manual transmission was matted to the engine. The brakes were ventilated discs and 12.4 inches in size. The steering was M-Tuned rack and pinion with variable power assist. Weighing 3150 pounds, the car could accelerate from zero through sixty mph in 5.6 seconds. A four-door version was offered.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2005

Sold for $16,800 at 2020 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island.
BMW replaced the E21 3 Series in 1984 with the new E30. It rested on an all-new platform that helped with comfort, performance, and handling. It would build a reputation and legacy for its styling and performance. In various styles, configurations and states of tune, the model was built until 1992.

This particular 1987 BMW 325i Convertible was sold new to its first owner in Fort Myers, Florida, where it remained through 2018. It has a Cardinal Red leather interior and an Alpine White exterior. It is equipped with an M20b25 inline-six-cylinder SOHC engine that displaces 2,494cc and is equipped with Bosch Motronic Fuel injection. There are a four-speed automatic transmission and ventilated disc brakes. In the front is an independent MacPherson strut suspension with a rear independent setup with coil springs. Currently, there are approximately 20,400 miles on the odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020