1995 BMW 325i Convertible

The Joy of Droptop Driving

The cabin features Sand Beige Montana leather upholstery on the seats, with the color extending to doors, dashboard, and carpeting, along with contrasting sections in dark beige. Wood trim is featured on the dashboard, shift lever and surround.

Front seats are heated with power-adjustability on both sides and show wear on the bolsters. This wear is heavier on the driver’s side that has a section repaired with clear tape. Rear seats look to be in good condition with small stains noted on the center section.

A four-spoke, black leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a set of analog instrumentation within a black binnacle. It includes a fuel level gauge, 160-mph speedometer with digital odometer reading 58,880 miles, 7,000-rpm tachometer with inset fuel economy, and coolant temperature gauge.

Black extends to the center stack and console, which includes the original BMW AM/FM stereo with tape deck, automatic climate controls, heated seat switches, power window controls, and a cupholder with coin tray.

Door panels, the dashboard and other cabin surfaces all look to be in great shape and very well maintained. The same can be said of the BMW-branded floor mats, door frames and sills.

As seen in the gallery, the Check Engine light is illuminated, and the radio needs a code cleared for use.

The BMW Straight-6

Mounted in a clean, tidy engine bay is the original powertrain consisting of a naturally aspirated 2.5L M50B25TU inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels.

This TU or Technical Update version of the M50 engine was the first BMW motor to use the automakers’ single VANOS variable valve timing system. It features dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinders. When new, it was rated for 189 hp and 184 lb.-ft of torque, more than enough to provide grin-inducing drives.

The car has not been driven regularly since 2006, which is approximately when the seller’s grandparents purchased the vehicle. However, it currently starts up and drives with no issues.

In preparation for the auction, the seller has completed an oil change, full fluid replacement, and installation of new front brakes.

Known issues include belt whine and the need for an alignment, both of which will be addressed by a local mechanic prior to auction completion.

The Check Engine light illuminated in the dashboard is due to the need for a new O2 and ABS sensor, and a recent inspection revealed a leaking left rear shock. These issues will not be addressed prior to auction completion. For reference, the seller was quoted approximately $400 to fix the leaking shock.

BMW At Its Best

Located in Elgin, Illinois, this 1995 BMW 325i convertible has been with the owner for the past four months, during which 302 of the original 58,889 miles have been added. The car was handed down from his grandparents, who owned the car for over 15 years. It is 100% original with no modifications and has been stored in a garage under a cover.

The E36 3-series was blessed with the sort of classic lines that never go out of style. With the top down, it is arguably an even more handsome design. Piling on with that gorgeous Morea Green finish and Germanically precise straight-six seems almost unfair. This car is BMW at its best, something every enthusiast should experience.