1989 BMW E30 M-Tech II

Owned for the past five years by a BMW enthusiast, this extremely desirable 1989 E30 325i M-Tech II has undergone some restoration work, bringing this '80s icon back to the road after ten years in storage.

The restoration included new body panels, and the car has been refinished in its original colour of Dolphin Grey. Further recommissioning was completed in 2018 with a full mechanical overhaul. Despite this, the E30 has only covered around 400 miles since then.

With a huge following, this M-Tech II E30 is one of the most desirable models to own, making this refreshed example the perfect car for any BMW enthusiast looking to take a trip down memory lane.

Walking around the 325i, it is very well presented and looks fantastic in what is arguably the best colour for an E30 - Dolphin Grey. As mentioned, the car was repainted a few years ago and remains in excellent condition. Before the respray, several panels were replaced, with the vendor informing us that genuine BMW parts were used. The panel gaps are even, and we noticed no dings or dents along the sides of this '80s classic.

At the front, the lower M-Tech II spoiler is free from damage, and the fog lights are in good order. Just above, the headlight washers remain in place, sitting either side of the now-iconic ‘Kidney Grille’, which is in good condition. The bonnet fits well, with consistent panel gaps along both wing rails.

Looking along the flanks, the body kit panels align well with the doors, with no distortion. The Shadowline window trims are in good condition, and the green-tinted glass appears free from noticeable scratches.

At the rear, the M-Tech II boot spoiler and lower valance are in good order, as are the light clusters, with no splits or cracks in the lenses. The BMW and 325i badges remain in excellent condition, with no tarnishing or water ingress.

The car sits on a set of 15-inch ‘Basketweave’ alloy wheels, which are in excellent condition following a refurbishment in 2018 - only 400 miles ago. These are fitted with Kumho tyres, all with a good amount of tread remaining.

Step back into 1989. As you open the door of the E30, you’re greeted by stunning Sport seats trimmed in Anthracite fabric. The front seats are in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of age. The rear seat is also in superb condition, as are both door cards, which remain undamaged.

The driver-focused dashboard is in excellent condition, free from cracks across the top. The instruments function correctly, with the odometer reading 94,635 miles and no warning lights displayed. All the original switchgear appears in good condition and is said to be fully operational. A factory-fitted on-board computer adds a touch of high-tech nostalgia to this '80s classic.
Entertainment is provided by an upgraded Alpine CD head unit with a removable front panel.

A great attention to detail is evident throughout, including the original glove box torch and owner's manual wallet. The carpets remain in excellent condition, as does the headlining. Inside the boot, the spare wheel is present, alongside a fully equipped boot-mounted tool kit - another testament to the car’s well-kept history.

Fitted with a 2.5-litre inline-six, the 325i produces approximately 170bhp and is simply a fantastic-sounding engine. It performs beautifully, firing up without hesitation and running as expected, with no reported issues.

In September 2018, at 94,231 miles - just around 400 miles ago - a BMW Service Centre carried out a full recommissioning, which included:

● Draining and cleaning the fuel system
● Refreshing the cooling system
● Refurbishing the inlet manifold and cam cover
● Replacing the timing belt
● Installing a new water pump, thermostat, and housing
● Replacing the radiator and fuel pump
● Changing the oil filter, air filter, and spark plugs
● Replacing the power steering belt and main drive belt
● Installing inner and outer steering arms
● Fitting front and rear H&R suspension
● Installing eccentric wishbone bushes, wishbones, and wishbone bushes
● Replacing trailing arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links
● Installing front flexi brake hoses
● Replacing gearbox mounts and rear axle beam bushes
● Fitting new front and rear brake discs and pads

Additionally, in the last five years, the gearbox has been rebuilt, and a new clutch, oil pump, coolant, and battery have been fitted.

With all work completed just 400 miles ago, the car drives and stops as it should, with no issues reported.

All original owner's manuals and the wallet are included, along with three sets of keys and a stack of invoices detailing the car’s history. An invoice is also present for the recommissioning work in 2018, which totalled £2,450 - a well-spent investment in keeping this icon on the road.

The car has a current MOT, valid until 12th May 2025, and has passed with no advisories every year since 2018 (except for a minor issue with a sidelight bulb in its first test).

This 1989 BMW 325i E30 M-Tech II is a true ‘80s icon - Dolphin Grey, straight-six power, and that perfect rear-wheel-drive balance. With a light restoration and a meticulous mechanical overhaul (only 400 miles ago!), it’s ready to thrill. Featuring an excellent Sport interior, factory M-Tech II kit, and those stunning Basketweave alloys, this is the ultimate blend of retro cool and driving purity.

MOT until May 2025, no advisories - just classic BMW brilliance.

Don’t miss your chance to own a properly sorted E30 - yuppie dreams included!

With all the boxes ticked for anyone wanting to own a much-loved E30 325i finished in stunning Dolphin Grey, this is the one to have. Estimated value: £25,000 - £35,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Prenton, Merseyside. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.