Used 1990 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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My Fun Secret
Hwy1Cruiser, 09/12/2005
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car for $2500, with 180k miles on it so it needed some basic mechanical attention. Mostly tired parts, but nothing wrong with the engine at all. Being that I have access to parts at cost and I do all my own work, it may not be a fair assessment however I LOVE this car! For me the parts are cheap, the work is easy and as long as you take care of the wear items, it will run forever. OK maybe not forever but I recently turned 200,000 miles and I'm proud of it. I look forward to hitting the 250k mark. I will drive this car anywhere without worry. This weekend I am taking it to LA from San Francisco and expect it to be a sweet ride down Hwy 1!
A practical beauty with a lot of zazz!
cyberork, 03/27/2010
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Convertible
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2004 and drove it as daily driver until I switched over to a Porsche 993. Since then she is my backup, but I just can't part from her. She has been very reliable as a daily driver as well as on long multi-state drives in any weather conditions. This car is very practical as a convertible, it has a decent trunk space and can chauffeur 4 adults, for a BMW cheap to repair and (when washed/waxed) gets a lot of looks and questions. The car is very responsive, reacts quickly with a slight understeer. Get it as a manual with a manual top. This is a GREAT package of beauty, driving fun, high reliability and practicality and the convertible is guaranteed to become a classic.
1990 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
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Possibly the greatest car ever made ... If you know how to drive
mobius1127, 07/31/2012
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Well this is my first car a 1988 BMW 325is 5-speed , but have driven newer BMWs and can say that not much else drives as good as a well sorted e30 does , and nothing that I've driven drives better . I will say that the e30 in stock form is not very fast it will move once you get the engine on cam 2400-5500rpm , but e30s are momentum cars not drag racers , e30s handle very well if you know what your doing , the steering is second to nothing , the brakes are surprisingly good , and the handling is very good, but if you screw up there are NO safety nets , you have ABS that's it e30s love oversteer , you will most likely flip the car around at least once , so buy the best tires you can afford
Amazing, Amazing car. I'll miss it.
gawdzila, 12/10/2010
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
I got a 1987 BMW 325iS as my very first car. It had about 155k miles. I had it for 13 years. While it had a few issues over the years (ECU, radiator fan, brake master cyl, clutch, routine stuff like brakes and timing belt; expected after 200k miles+), it was VERY reliable. The engine was glorious to rev and got good mpg. The ride and handling was great, and was perfect after getting H&R+Bilsteins. Very fun and easy to live with. Sadly, my car's life was ended by an errant elderly man driving a beat up Toyota, who hit it while it was parked. It had 300,000 miles on it, and was still fun to drive every day. I loved my car dearly, and will be getting another BMW. R.I.P, my old E30.
Oldie but Goodie (update)
zoolander1, 08/16/2013
updated 08/16/2016
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought a 1989 BMW 325i with 138k miles from its original owner. She now has 186k. It's in perfect running condition and cosmetically it's near perfect if not immaculate. I changed the transmission and made it a 5 speed just for preferance but the 4 Speed automatic transmission was flawless. I get about 23.5 combined mpg with either transmission with mostly hwy driving. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a cool vintage car on a budget. Given you perform the proper maintenance, this car will not let you down and it's a great daily with decent MPG.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Very solid car and fun to tool around in!
t.k. sayama, 02/16/2016
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It has all the benefits AND downsides of being a convertible: the good... so nice to have an open sky, to hear and smell your surroundings, driving over bridges (in NYC!) through the streets of Dumbo and the canyons of buildings, then out in the countryside to hear the birds and smell the greenery... so nice. The funny benefit? It's like a pickup truck if you don't mind the weird geometry I've fit full sheets of plywood, and helped a friend get 6 chairs home (and she fit in the shotgun seat to boot!) The bad?: very loud top up or down so the stereo barely registered... but most importantly, even after changing the seals and top, it still leaked during heavy downpours. It was hard to figure out exactly where it leaked but the gauges all fogged up, the carpet got wet, and even in the trunk there was always the hint of water. Endless. The car was a pleasure to drive: very predictable, very solid, and gripped the road very well. Curves at speed (on the Taconic, which is a windy highway) was fun and easy to keep it centered in the lane though it meant that you really had to watch for the sloppy SUV drivers. Acceleration best from about 50-80, but really could power up at speed.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
The car of the decade
Isaiah Liepold, 03/24/2015
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The car is flawless, you cant have fun in it. The design is superb and I would drive nothing else. Not a fast car but it is very quick and can give most new cars a run for their money. Reliability is great if it has had good owners. Easy to modify and work on. DONT BUY IT IF YOU ARE NOT AN ENTHUSIAST!
A Classic!
clouseau, 03/09/2004
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my second E30. Very reliable if you keep up on suggested routine maintenance. Yes, they aren't perfect but their character will win you over. Very respectable performance and impressive craftmenship. These cars are built to last. You won't be sorry. BMW has impeccable standards and it shows.
THIS IS THE BEST BMW 3 SERIES!
not available, 08/06/2004
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I really have a 1987 BMW, but the site does not go back that far. I bought it in late 1987 and I love it so much. I only have 37,770 miles on it...right now!!!!!!!!!! In 1999, I had only 13,000 miles on it, but I drove it more because I wanted more thrills. I love the engine. It is so great!!! 170 horsepower is a lot for a little hot car. I can smoke new Civics, Mazda 3's, and Accords. But, those cars are easy. They have Japanese. I have PURE GERMAN! I have not upgraded anything because it is hot as it is. I like the 4 door design and never let anyone eat or drink in it. I still have that leather smell in the car and it is still very strong!!!
BMW 321 Convertible - 1990
n66wxm, 04/05/2003
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Convertible
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I put 60 (interstate) miles per day.. Wonderful to drive.. Maintenance expensive. Lots of power & performance, biggest problem is staying within the speed limit.. Nothing is more eligant with the top down.. What a ride !!
the 325ix is a great car for the price
bmgillen, 06/15/2002
1990 BMW 3 Series 325iX 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
the old 325ix is a great car, with a couple of thousand of dollars in improvements, at the top of the list being such as the dinan chip and a K&N filter, this car will run with the newer 325xi and give you all the control and stability of the new 4x4 325 at a fraction of the cost. Although a 13 or 14 year old car can be a bit fussy and demand attention from time to time, if you want to look cool on the road, and show up the new 325xi, get yourself an old ix, fix her up nice and the newer BMWs will have nothing on you, especially when the weather gets crappy !
BMW 325ix -Great value
ix1990guy, 03/03/2003
1990 BMW 3 Series 325iX 4dr Sedan AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is great fun to drive, reliable, and comfortable. Maintenance is a bit more expensive than my small Japanese cars have been, but this car feels more solid and is just a blast to drive. The real benefit comes in the heavy rains and snow. When others are on the side of the road, I keep on going! Overall, a good value for the money but not so practical that it's boring -- it's a blast.
Excellent
Zoomer, 12/12/2004
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been an excellent vehicle. I have owned it for about 9 years now and I routinely dust most new cars. This car is an absolute rocket once you get into the power band which is in the 3500 rpm range. On the highway I get around 24-26mpg, but around town it is always at 20mpg. Considering the way the I drive, this is excellent. Handling is awesome! I point the nose and like a needle it threads its way through traffic. It is almost like you think about your next move and it obeys. Final thought..If you find one with low mileage...BUY IT!
Keeps on going
roys, 02/18/2007
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. The kind you WANT to keep on the road. Engine will run for 300,000 miles. Happy motoring.
sweet & sour
johnmn, 04/29/2003
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love to drive this car. Hate to fix it.
Bimmer
325i coupe, 05/08/2004
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought it used w/110K on it, have added 60K of my own with plans to keep it a long time. This car is a tank - solid construction. Keep it regularly maintained, shop around for a mechanic - prices swing wildly - and it will keep going and going.
My Awesome Car!
nikad_gm, 03/13/2002
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Coupe
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Man, i just got this car...a white 325i coupe...and i love it...its so smooth you cant feel the ground going 80...its amazing...i can hit turns very hard because it handles like no other...the interior is very comfortable, even better than the new bmw's...i believe they cheapened them out...overall the look is great you can do many things with this style of car..adding ground kits and such...making it more advanced...my spedometer hits 160 but it will top out at 175
E30 vs Porsche 944
Killer E30, 09/01/2008
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned 11 cars in the past 10 years from VW Jetta, to Audi v8 quattro and Porsche 944, the 2 best being the Porsche 944 and 86 BMW 325e I have now. Only reason I liked the Porsche better is that there was no understeer during harsh cornering, the BMW 325e kinda feels like my '92 Subaru Legacy when pushed in corners but not as much understeer however very refined and still a great alternative to many new performance cars made today with an E36 M3 engine swap it should be even more devastating this car is still better in other ways than the 944 like reliability. With racing dynamics tower brace, bilstein shocks and H&R springs it helps me keep up with a Cayman S on twisties literally.
Great car for the age
bmwboy, 06/06/2002
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
words cant describe the quality and the performance of this car. This car hase so many items that some of the cars today dont have like rocaro racing seats etc....
BMW 325is
ICatchYou2004, 08/18/2002
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome car! i love it!
...wow
GolfGod325, 07/23/2003
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first car and it was a great one. Everything was easier than expected to repair (ex. headlights, brakelights, etc.). I am definately going to keep buying BMW's forever.
still turns heads
miker g, 11/27/2003
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not many NEW cars can compare to the feel of this car. The steering is so precise, the car is linear and stays that way even when you stomp on it in snow. Very comfortable driving position and all controls are right where they should be. Reliability & repairs have been a problem. Not sure if I would buy another bimmer for this reason.
Beamer
GeorgiaStar, 03/14/2004
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this BMW since new. This car is built like a tank. She never gave me one bit of trouble. I still have her, she still looks brand new after a waxing.
Have to drive it to believe it!
1989 bmw 325is, 08/22/2006
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 325is used with 170k for $2.5k and spent another $4k to recondition the BMW. Guess what? It worth every single penny! The 325is has great interior features, reliable German engine, excellent handling on highway and street.
A real enthusiast car
mikeygervais, 11/30/2005
1990 BMW 3 Series 325iX 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car handles better than my Mini cooper. If you love to drive, this is a really fun car, especially if you install an aftermarket sport suspension. With the right tires, this car is almost impossible to spin out of control. The downsides are: the cost of the replacement parts are twice a regular E30; fuel economy drops to about 20 city, 23 hwy, and its a bit heavier (3000 lbs) compared to a regular E30 (2840 lb), hince a little slower. The 1988 was the best year, had all the best options, fender flares, Recaro seats, power everything.
Just a great all around car.
Phillip Tiongson, 03/26/2002
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is a joy to drive, and I have no complaints about the styling, handling, or overall preformance of the car. It is a sweet ride.
The best car is my life
David Altermatt, 03/21/2019
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In 2004 I bought her, a 1988 325ei (E30) with 150k miles for $800. Her body was perfectly straight with original paint. She had been parked for some time and needed rubbing out. Her interior was perfect and just needed cleaning. German vinyl in those days was like iron. Her first owner was a single woman in DC who meticulously drove her 85k miles. The second was a mechanical engineer in New Jersey who took her to 135k. The third was a privileged high school guy who loved her but took advantage with out much in return. Her front suspension was sagging and she was blowing black smoke but she had good bones. The first thing I did was replace all her computer sensors and treat her to a long drink of premium fuel, something she had been denied for some time. When I was done for $10,000 invested I had a street restored beauty. After that I just did regular maintenance on her. She was always ready to go. And go she did! She loved to tool thru curves and would cruse along happily for hours. She made several trips from NYC to Florida, 18 hrs straight. I kept her in the Hamptons until I moved full time to Florida. She really loved it there. Sadly, in a moment of foolishness, in 2016, I traded her for a feisty brilliant red 1993 325is (E36). She had 325,000 miles on her and her engine had never been opened! I’m sure she is still purring along. As for the 93, I’ve put many $1000 in her and she is looking good but she is a temperamental gal. Not like my stable blue 88 lover.
325i
ed, 07/31/2024
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great, now classic BMW with perfect balance and handling!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
best car for the money
bmwflying, 10/23/2003
1990 BMW 3 Series 325is 2dr Coupe
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
out handles out performs any japanese car under $20000 yes $20000 and i only paid 3000 leather seats full power 6 speaker stereo alarm on board computer anti theft radio code start 6 way adjustable recaro seats full size spare bult with quality and this in back in the 80's. Unlike the honda s2000 and thats a $30000 car and the funny thing is if you get a flat what do you do with the tire it wont fit in the trunk maybe put it in the rat skin leather passenger seat??? how many 20 year old japanese cars do you see driving in good condition with orignal motor and transmission 1 maybe 2 a day MAYBE.
Best Car Ever
SurfinSan Diego, 11/21/2010
1990 BMW 3 Series 325i 2dr Convertible
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
Owned this car for 11 years. No major repairs. As reliable as they come.Looks great if cared for. This car has been a beast. Hate to part with it but after 273,000 miles afraid it is only a matter of time. Could not have asked more from this car. Exceeded my expectations.