The BMW E30, the successor of the E21 3 Series, is the second generation of the BMW 3 Series. It was manufactured between 1982 and 1994. In addition to being the first 3 Series to be produced in 4-door sedan and wagon/estate body types, the model range featured 2-door coupe and convertible body variants. It was propelled by four-, six-, and six-cylinder diesel engines, the latter of which was a first for the 3 Series. The first BMW with all-wheel drive was the E30 325iX.
Built on the E30 architecture, the original BMW M3 model was propelled by the BMW S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which had a maximum output of 175 kW (235 bhp). On the E30 chassis was also built the BMW Z1 roadster. The E30 started to be phased out in 1990 after the release of the E36 3 Series.
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BMW 3 series E30 specs and history
The BMW 3 Series, an entry-level luxury vehicle that was produced by BMW from 1982 to 1994, is now in its second generation and is known as the BMW E30.
The same, but improved! The engineers and designers that worked on the second generation of the 3 Series adopted that as their motto. The formula for developing a model with the index E30 was straightforward but effective: take the strengths of the E21 and multiply them.
They claim that after receiving official images of the new 3-Series, an editorial office of a reputable automotive publication assumed Munich had made a mistake and included a picture of the outgoing model instead. It makes sense that the “thirtieth,” developed by the Klaus Lute team, would follow E21 logically on the outside. However, the “shark” grille is no longer there, and all models of the model received “four-eyed” headlights independent of engine output. What’s more, the new design turned out to be more aerodynamically sophisticated. For instance, lifting capacity was 15 percent less.
Variety is the key term in the E30 lexicon. The new family, unlike its predecessor, provided five body styles: a 2-door and 4-door sedan, a wagon, and two cabriolets: a business car and a version from atelier Baur that was formally recognized in Munich. In 1985, the diesel model (324d, 165 km/h, 6.9 l/100 km) was introduced to customers. Later, the 325iX, with its 171 horsepower, became the first all-wheel drive BMW ever made.
Since the 1987 redesign—models from later production years are commonly referred to as E30 Series 2—a chic station wagon has been added to the lineup. Additionally, the engine lineup was altered, along with the front bumper, taillights, and side window chrome trim.
We also can’t forget about the M3, a model that will undoubtedly go down in history.
Documents, Please
All BMW E30 cars have a VIN plate on the dashboard, whereas U.S. models also have a VIN stamp on the passenger side of the firewall (behind the cowl vents and wipers). Depending on how the particular BMW entered the nation, whether it has been painted, or whether any body panels have been replaced, you might or might not locate VIN stickers elsewhere on the car.
One of the greatest sites in the nation to get top-tier E30 M3s is Cincinnati, Ohio’s Enthusiast Auto Group, according to Eric Keller. “There are at least 15 places where we check for the VIN when we’re checking an E30,” he says. Add two more doors if you’re considering a sedan. “The front bumper, fenders, hood, engine head, transmission, doors, quarter panels, rear bumper, dash, trunk, firewall, driver’s door jamb.”
If you’re really fortunate, you might even find the original build sheet still adhered to the pad of the back bench seat. A build plate is also fastened to the shock tower on the passenger side.
The 17-character VIN begins with a W to show that the 3 Series was made in Germany, is followed by a B to indicate that it is a BMW Germany vehicle, and then either an A (for a passenger car) or a S (for a sports car). The next few phases are the most challenging because BMW designed the E30 for a global market, which resulted in a lot of coding overlap. The model is identified by characters four through seven, so rather than becoming lost in a maze of contradictory letters and numbers, it’s best to use one of the many handy online decoders for BMW VINs. These decoders frequently also offer descriptions of the particular option codes listed on the data sheet for the car.
What makes the BMW E30 unique?
The car had everything, despite being considerably smaller than most of its luxury competitors. One of the few things that many people think is ageless is its boxy wedge form, which was a recurring motif throughout the automotive industry in the 1980s. It had the typical explosion of buttons, as is typical of most cars from this era, but aside from that, the interior was pure class, with only quality materials being used.
Is a BMW E30 a vintage vehicle?
The E30 has undeniably become a classic, and prices reflect this. The six-cylinder model is finest in an ideal world, but prices now reflect this, making the 325i Sport especially out of reach for many. Lowlier models can still provide much of the same feeling, though, if you’re willing to give up power and performance. They also provide a perfect starting point for DIY classic-car ownership.
It pays to get the nicest example you can because condition is everything and large projects are almost never beneficial, especially if rust is a problem. It is far wiser to purchase a really excellent 320i than a rough 325i!
How does BMW E work?
Although you may have heard a lot of “e” words at your local BMW Service Center, along with potentially some “f” and “s” words, phrases like “e36,” “e60,” and “e28” have specific meanings to BMW mechanics and aficionados. For instance, an e46 is referred to as a 2003 330i. Depending on the look and year of your BMW, these “e” designations are used to define BMW Body style design. Entwicklung, the German term for development or evolution when you link the ‘e’, is abbreviated as “E.”
If you don’t understand any of these terms, the following list should assist you identify the code name for your BMW.
When did BMW make the E30?
The E30 generation of BMW 3-series, which was produced from 1982 to 1994 and is known to enthusiasts as the “Ultimate Driving Machine,” is considered by many to be the pinnacle of “Ultimate Driving Machines.” Crisp handling combined with driver-focused ergonomics and classic styling make even the budget-conscious “eta” model a pleasure to drive.
a 325i an E30?
The BMW M3 from the E30 generation has become legendary among BMW fans. And with good reason. Few cars in history have had an engine built for motorsport and such pure driving characteristics, balance, and handling. The E30 lineup’s sweet spot, though, might actually be the BMW 325i.
The BMW 325i, according to veteran automotive journalist and owner of a German vehicle Jason Cammisa, is the Goldilocks of the E30 generation. As the owner of an E30 325i Touring, he makes this claim. He made his decision for a couple other reasons, though.
The BMW 325i is substantially less expensive than the E30 M3, yet it is also equally quick going straight. Additionally, compared to the high-strung four-cylinder of the M3, its inline-six is smoother and more polished. Additionally, it is more usable because it is cozier and simpler to live with. In contrast to the E30 M3, you can genuinely drive it every day with no problems.
Additionally, an E30 BMW 325i can be made to be as sharp as an M3 with minimal modifications, and doing so will probably be less expensive than purchasing an M3. It won’t, however, seem as stylish as the M3 with its boxy fenders.
It is also less expensive and simpler to maintain. Compared to an M3, a 325i is much cheaper and easier to get parts for. This means that a 325i will be much simpler to own in the long run than an M3. On the other hand, if the M3 isn’t used much, it will keep its high value and is likely to continue gaining. But what’s the purpose of owning an E30 M3 if you don’t drive it?
Therefore, keep an eye out for the Goldilocks BMW 325i if you’re in the market for an E30 3 Series.
Is the BMW E30 quick?
arriving at you from?
…rsunda, Sweden, and hot damn, this thing can FLY. This is video of the fastest car ever driven on ice. The Buldre Racing Team set a world record while competing in Swedish Speed Week in March 2019 with a BMW E30 M3 that had been modified and installed with a Toyota 2JZ engine that produces an astonishing 1,300 horsepower.
It’s surprising that no ice was melted while recording this video considering that the BMW E30 reached a top speed of 215.5 mph and an average speed of 212 mph. In fact, the Buldre Racing Team smashed a record for ice speed that they had previously set, with the previous record being in an Audi B5 S4 Avant, averaging 202 MPH.
Now, doing this on a flat surface would be one thing, but the driver must have ice coursing through him to drive the BMW that quickly on merely ice. I doubt that I’ve ever exceeded 50 mph when driving on ice, let alone 200 mph, especially with specialized tires.
As you can expect, Buldre has accomplished some pretty amazing things over the years. This video shows them pushing the Audi past the 200-mile mark.
Oh, and you are aware that they have visited the Nurburgring a few times. See one of their drivers complete a circuit of the renowned German track in a 750-horsepower Audi RS2.
And here is some more video of them playing around in the snow, just for fun.
Wow. It doesn’t seem like that horrible of a gig, tricking out cars and then driving those cars very, really fast. The unknown
How many BMW E30s were made?
In the 1980s, small rear-wheel drive saloons were hard to come by. The Alfa Giulia, Triumph Vitesse, and other sporting vehicles of the 1960s and earlier were all reminiscent of the E30.
There were several different variants of the well-over two million E30s produced, with engines ranging from the 86 bhp diesel to the 238 horsepower M3.
Despite having more features than earlier models, the weight of the construction was kept to a minimum thanks to stress analysis, and a five-door Touring joined the two- and four-door saloons, with two-door dropheads, which were originally built by Baur and then produced as a factory convertible.
BMW resisted the urge to alter a successful formula, instead improving nearly every aspect of the E21 for the E30. Electronics were utilized in fuel-injected vehicles, a lovely new five-speed transmission was available, the E21’s tail-happy handling had been dialed back in favor of a nice ride/handling compromise, and the heating and ventilation had been greatly enhanced.
In 1987, the five-door Touring was added to the lineup (left); the 325iX gave the 3 Series all-wheel drive.
The 323i offers a close-ratio ZF ‘box as an option for performance fans, but when the E30 was tested, sophistication really stood out. The 323i’s “excellent blend of elegance, smoothness, and reactivity” and its “high quality feel” were praised by Motor.
Although the back seat space was limited, the boot was enormous. The driving position “fits like a glove” and the “teutonically hard” seats were unexpectedly pleasant.
One of the few unique elements was a warning-light panel on the roof above the rearview mirror. Remember that the block from the four-cylinder engine served as the foundation for the turbo F1 engine in the 1980s, in case you thought it was the poor relation!
In order to set it apart from Baur’s Top Cabrio, BMW’s soft-top, which was gorgeous with its top disappearing out of sight, was unusual for the 1980s by having an open cockpit. The only issue the testers had was loud wind noise when standing. It was heavier due to additional bracing, and considerable scuttle shaking was unavoidable with the Sport setup typically used on the 325i, but in 1986 it was dubbed “the fastest production four-seater convertible you can buy.”
With 150 imports in 1986 and 250 in 1987, it was only available in the UK. The Touring, a true performance estate with a modest but useful load capacity that was slightly lighter than the convertible, debuted in 1988.
The M3 is not listed here because it will soon be discussed in its own buying guide. The same is true for other versions that were only available in specific markets, like 2.4 diesels and the 320iS.