• Seller: Alex V ecchio
• Location: Brooklyn, New York
• Mileage: 66,200 Shown
• Chassis #: WBAAV33491FV01244
• Title Status: Clean

Small BMWs are some of the most rewarding driver’s cars ever produced. They provide excellent performance, their compact size makes them ideal for coping with the cut-and-thrust of heavy city traffic, they are economical, and they have a reputation for bulletproof reliability. This 2001 BMW 325i Sedan is a gem that has a genuine 66,000 miles on the clock. It presents well, is in excellent mechanical health, and has been treated respectfully throughout its life. The owner admits it no longer gets driven regularly and deserves a new home with someone who will appreciate all it offers. Therefore, he has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

This little Bimmer has been part of the same family since Day One. The owner’s father purchased it in 2000, using it for the first few years for the five-minute commute from home to the train. This ended in 2004 when his father moved to the city, with the car placed into dry storage and receiving little use between 2004 and 2010. The owner became its custodian in 2010, and the trend of dry storage and limited use continued until now. The lack of exposure to the elements, adverse weather, and harsh UV rays has left it well-preserved and rust-free. The original Bright Red paint shines nicely, with only a few minor marks and defects on the bumpers, which are visible in the photo gallery below. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the lights and plastic are excellent. The windshield has some slight pitting, but the remaining glass looks spotless. The car rolls on its original 16″ alloy wheels, but the owner admits the tires are old and require replacement.

History shows that BMW fits its cars with some of the sweetest engines in automotive history, and the numbers-matching 2.5-liter six-cylinder powerplant residing in this engine bay is no exception. It produces 189hp and 181 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, while the four-wheel power disc brakes ensure it stops on a dime. The surprise with these cars is the excellent performance of what many would consider a relatively modest engine. They are happy to be taken to the limit, but the inherent flexibility means cars like this 325i will pull away strongly from relatively low revs. The 325i has a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality because while it can top 145mph on the open road, cruising at freeway speeds will reward the driver with fuel consumption of around 30mpg. This little Bimmer is in excellent overall mechanical health and has a genuine 66,000 miles on the clock. The only issues identified are the older tires and a slight leak from the engine valve cover, a professional mechanic found the issue and reported to the seller that the part is about $70. Our own quick search reveals that the part can be had for as little as $46, so not a terribly expensive issue to fix. The buyer will need to source a replacement spare wheel and tire, but scouring the usual online auction sites or a Pick-A-Part should bring positive results. Otherwise, this classic is set to provide its new owner with years of reliable and rewarding service.

Opening the doors reveals an interior that carries the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated respectfully. There is slight wear on the outer driver’s seat bolster, but a leather specialist should have no trouble addressing that cheaply. Some plastic items are slightly scratched, but there are no signs of abuse or mistreatment. The biggest challenge the winning bidder faces is tackling the sagging headliner. This is typical of many vehicles from this era, and the owner has stapled it into place so it doesn’t cause any drama. There are several options available to potential buyers that would eliminate the problem without breaking the bank. Otherwise, this interior presents nicely. Power windows are part of this package, although the driver’s window motor is slow and may require replacement. The only other functional issue is the windshield washer motor that doesn’t operate. Replacements are available for under $40, and installation is a breeze. The interior has enough luxury touches to ensure every journey is pleasant. The winning bidder receives dual airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/CD player.

This 2001 BMW 325i Sedan has much to offer its new owner. It is a practical classic that can comfortably seat four people. It presents well, is rust-free, well-equipped, and has a known history. Its few faults should be easy and relatively inexpensive to address, although the winning bidder could ignore them and enjoy the car without spending a dime beyond the purchase price. It could function effectively as a comfortable and economical daily driver, providing weekend fun as a bonus. Those attributes make it worth a closer look.

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