A Rare Custom Build BMW 325is Vanishes in Harbor City, CA

STOLEN 1989 BMW 325is

REWARD

In an alarming turn of events, a 1989 BMW 325is was stolen on December 13, 2024, from a residence in Harbor City, California. The car was on a trailer at the time, and video footage has emerged showing the audacious crime. At approximately 5:40 PM, a Ford SUV can be seen pulling up to the insured’s home, with three men quickly hooking up the trailer and making off with both the trailer and the vehicle.

The BMW 325is, a model long regarded as a classic in the automotive world, was anything but ordinary. This particular vehicle was a one-of-one custom creation, boasting an LS7 Twin-Turbo engine with an astounding 1,500 horsepower. In addition, the owner proudly claimed it to be the first car in the world to feature an onboard water system, known as the Aquaphant. This unique feature, along with the car’s custom modifications, set the vehicle apart from any other on the road, making its theft not only a tragic loss for its owner but also a blow to automotive enthusiasts everywhere.

The 1989 BMW 325is: A Classic in the Making

The 1989 BMW 325is holds a special place in the hearts of car lovers and collectors alike. A staple of BMW’s E30 generation, the 325is was revered for its perfect balance of performance, luxury, and style. Powered by a 2.5-liter inline-six engine, the 325is was designed to offer an engaging driving experience with a precise, sporty feel. However, what made this particular 325is so special was the extensive customization it underwent.

The owner spared no expense when it came to modifying this car, and the result was a machine that could easily compete with supercars of its time. The addition of the LS7 twin-turbo engine, which was sourced from Chevrolet’s high-performance Corvette, combined with the water-cooled system, created a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle that could easily outperform most cars on the road.

Why Was This 1989 BMW 325is Stolen?

While the circumstances surrounding this theft remain under investigation by Hinch Investigations, a private investigations firm specializing in classic car theft, a few potential motives can be inferred. Typically, high-performance and rare cars such as this BMW are stolen for several reasons:

1. Parting Out for Rare Components: Due to its unique modifications, the stolen BMW could be stripped for its high-value parts. The LS7 twin-turbo engine alone is worth a significant amount, not to mention the car’s custom upgrades and specialized components.
2. Resale for the Right Buyer: Another possibility is that the thieves may have had a specific buyer lined up for this rare, modified 325is. Cars with such unique builds are often sought after by collectors or enthusiasts willing to pay top dollar for one-of-a-kind vehicles.
3. Track Use or Personal Enjoyment: The car could also be stolen for personal use, particularly if the thieves were after a high-performance vehicle. With 1,500 horsepower at their disposal, a car like this would be an attractive option for someone looking for a racing or street car, although modifying it for personal use would require significant work and resources.
4. Quick Flip for Cash: Sometimes, stolen vehicles are simply resold quickly to unwitting buyers, often through shady networks or black market channels. With its modifications, this 325is could fetch a high price among those in the know, making it an appealing target for thieves looking to make a fast profit.

Whatever the reason, the theft of this rare BMW is a reminder of the lengths to which thieves will go for a prized vehicle. With the Hinch Investigations now investigating, it’s hoped that this rare 325is will be recovered before it vanishes into the criminal underworld.

The Aftermath

This theft underscores a troubling trend in stolen car cases, especially when it comes to high-performance or rare vehicles. The ease with which thieves can target vehicles, even those on trailers, highlights the importance of robust security measures. Whether it’s advanced surveillance systems, tracking devices, or even physical locks, car owners must be vigilant in protecting their prized machines.

For now, the search for the 1989 BMW 325is continues. As the investigation unfolds, the owner remains hopeful for its recovery, knowing that such a customized car doesn’t just vanish without a trace. With the footage of the theft circulating and the unique features of the car making it a recognizable target, there’s a glimmer of hope that this one-of-a-kind BMW will be brought back home where it belongs.