- This 1991 BMW 325i convertible includes the rare Sport Appearance package.
- It’s currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer with no reserve.
- Bidding ends early on Friday, April 14.
If you were a yuppie attempting to survive in the decade of M.C. Hammer time, then you likely yearned for an E30 BMW 3-series convertible like this 1991 example currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.
It’s a 325i, which means its original owner shelled out the extra coin to skip over the entry-level 318i’s wheezy four-cylinder in order to enjoy the smooth operation of BMW’s legendary inline-six engine. It’s also equipped with the Special Appearance package that combined the racy M3-inspired looks of the M-Technic package with the tamer suspension and smaller wheel and tire package of the standard 325i convertible.
In other words, Special Appearance package-equipped 325i convertibles were for those who favored form over function. It’s why we actually dig the fact this example is not one of the rarer five-speed models. BMW’s four-speed automatic may neuter the 168-hp 2.5-liter six-cylinder’s straight-line acceleration, but it also completely jives with this car’s ethos of strictly looking sportier than the average 325i ’vert.
Yes, the run-of-the-mill 325i convertible was also available with a five-speed manual, but if you’re a yuppie trying to make it in the ’90s, then you need your right hand free to hold your built-in car phone or blocky cell phone. Manually swapping cogs just isn’t in the cards.
These 325i convertibles with the Special Appearance package are a rare breed. BMW reportedly produced fewer than 1000 examples of its compact convertible with this option. All wore either white or black paint.
Although this E30 droptop’s relative rarity adds value, it’s still no E30 M3. Whereas solid examples of E30 M3s typically sell for north of $50,000, the last 325i convertible with the Special Appearance package to cross Bring a Trailer’s virtual auction block sold for $23,100 in October of last year.
That prior car also showed nearly 30,000 fewer miles on its odometer and didn’t appear to suffer from any notable rust, unlike this 325i, which reportedly has rust in its left door jamb. A number of repainted areas, a top that’s slow to close, and wear on the seats are other issues that affect this 3-series.
Still, this car seems to be in good shape for its age, even if it’s not exactly in concours condition. Plus, the seller includes plenty of service documentation, indicating this 3-series was mechanically well-cared for.
Admittedly, 325i convertibles with the Special Appearance package may not be the most sought-after variants of the E30 3-series. However, if you’re looking to cosplay as a yuppie in a low-mileage, ready-to-drive late-1980s or early-1990s BMW 3-series, then this rare example is a likely affordable and interesting way to do so.
Senior Editor
Despite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend.
