A friend of mine just bought a 1986 325i cabrio. I don't have the vin to hand, but according to the dealer that did the PPI for him, the vin number came up as being a 325e. The engine in the car is not an eta however, it is an "i".
The date of manufacture was 5/86. My friend was told that the 325i cabrio was not available until 87, although I am wondering if 5/86 does qualify as an 87 MY?
The dealer suggested that his car must have been an early pre-production model imported from Germany. The car has the larger "diving board" bumpers, although I suspect they may have been added after being imported. Further evidence that this was a euro-spec car is the presence of the side-marker (indicators) close to the front wheel arches, and elipsoid headlights. I believe the elipsoids weren't introduced until the tail light re-design, (car has original tail-light cluster), so these may have been added later.
The 3-spoke steering wheel is what I believe is referred to as the "sport" wheel (not the M3, "is" or "es" m-tech wheel), with the roundel mounted on the horn push in the centre of the wheel.
The car has the boot lid spoiler found on the likes of a 325is/318is, but this could have been added later.
The black leather front seats are heated, and appear to be identical to those found in the M3.
What is most bizarre is the presence of a 325il badge on the trunk. Very possible a PO put this on, but if they did it was done some time ago and put on very straight. I've seen E30s incorrectly re-badged with E36 style badge, but never one with an "L".
There is also a very small clip on badge on the front grill of the motorsport colours.
FWIW, the car is alpineweiss II, has the 14" basketweaves, came with an OEM hard top, and only 70k. Listed at $4,900, but paid $3,000 cash.
Can anyone shed any light on the unusual aspects to this car?