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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An E30 BMW is it a 3 Series?
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.
Why is the BMW E30 unique?
The E30 served as BMW’s entry-level luxury vehicle and was offered in a variety of body designs for the duration of its long production cycle. The early 1982 versions shared a coupe body shape with the E21 cars that came before them. In 1983, four-door sedans were launched, then in 1985, convertibles.
The E30 was the first 3-Series to provide a five-door wagon and a four-door sedan, which BMW would subsequently make in 1987. There is something for everyone thanks to the astonishing variety of body types, which enables fans to enjoy the E30 experience in their favorite setting.
How many different BMW E30 models exist?
The BMW 3 Series was available as a coupe, sedan, convertible, and wagon from 1982 to 1994. The latter was never formally imported into the country, but because of their age and the 25-year exemption rule, it is becoming more common to find them for sale. The E30 comes in two different iterations: one produced between 1982 and 1987, the other from 1988 to 1994. As America was a little slow to absorb all of the adjustments that trickled down from the Euro market, there are variations even within these subdivisions, which we’ll get to later.
Concerning the final years of E30 manufacture, it should be noted that only the convertible and Touring models were still in production from 1992 to 1994 because the E36 sedan and coupe replacements had already been unveiled by that point. It’s also important to remember that the E30’s American-market launch year is the 1984 model year.
Models were given names based on the size of their engines, with the suffix (i, e, es, is, or ix) adding further information. An almost universal “i” stood for “fuel injection,” and a “e” stood for “economy.” A trailing “s” indicated “sport,” and a “x” indicated all-wheel drive.
The 318i (four-cylinder) and 325i (six-cylinder) models were the only coupes available at first. The sedan was added in 1985, then the convertible in 1986, and finally the wagon in 1988. Also making its debut in 1988 was the M3, which was created so that BMW could compete in touring car racing.
You may come across sub-models like the 325e/es (1985–87), 325is (1987–91), and 325ix when looking to buy a 3 Series. There is, of course, the Baur “fixed-roof” convertible model that was offered before and for a small period of time during the existence of the factory convertible. Tuners like Hartge would also try their hand at special edition E30s. While there are a variety of E30 variants available only in Europe and South Africa, they complete the lineup of products sold at American dealerships and are outside the purview of this buying advice.
There are more than two million of these cars in existence worldwide. A little less than 350,000 of those were sold in the USA. The 318i and 325i are by far the two most popular models in America. The M3 (only 5,115 were sold here, out of slightly over 17,000 sold worldwide), the 325ix, and the 318is are examples of outliers.
The BMW E30—is it a classic?
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!
BMW E30 is it automatic?
For the 1986 model year, the E30 BMW 325i Automatic Sedan variant was released. The BMW M20B25 engine provided the power for these vehicles.
For the 1986 model year, the E30 BMW 325i Automatic Sedan variant was released. These cars were propelled by the 2.5L inline six BMW M20B25 engine, which produced 168 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque. A four speed automatic transmission was used to transfer power from the engine to the rear wheels. The 1991 production run of the Automatic-equipped E30 BMW 325i Sedan came to an end, but the model series would live on in the E36 BMW 325i of the third-generation 3 Series.
A 1989 BMW 325i Sedan sold for $19,000 on December 19, 2021, at the top sale price.
A 1990 BMW 325i Sedan sold for $6,800 on March 16, 2021, according to records.
The value of a BMW E30.
All E30 prices have been climbing rapidly in recent years. For a 318i or 325e in good condition, budget between $3,000 and $4,000, and between $5,000 and $6,000 for a 325i. If you want a car in exceptionally good condition, double these prices.
The BMW E30 is it rare?
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There are rare classic automobiles and then there are the really rare ones. With only 25 examples produced solely for the UK market, the Roberto Ravaglia edition E30 M3 is the most rare of all E30 M3s (BMW classifies the 480 Cecotto editions and 25 Ravaglia editions together, therefore the plaque reading 74/505). Only 16 of the 25 were made in Misano red, which is considered the model’s defining color. By winning nearly all of the races they contested, Johnny Cecotto and Roberto Ravaglia established the E30 M3 the most successful touring vehicle of all time and ensured the M3’s unquestionable legendary position. BMW created the M3 Cecotto and M3 Ravaglia as two limited edition versions as a tribute to their idols. The only E30 M3 made expressly for the UK, the Ravaglia is distinguishable by its limited paint colors (either Misano red or Nogaro silver), unusual wheels, body color painted rocker cover and plenum, and, of course, special edition plaque. It is unclear how many of the original 25 are still in existence, and even more critically, how many have the kind of provenance and history that today’s prices make crucial for any potential owner. This gorgeous M3 Ravaglia is one of them. The homologation special EVO II created towards the end of the chassis run is essentially a rarer variant of the Ravaglia and Cecotto cars.
Due to its near-perfect provenance, this excellent E30 M3 Ravaglia was delivered as a brand-new vehicle to Bolton BMW in September 1989. In its 28 years, the automobile has only traveled 53,500 miles with 4 keepers; the most recent owner, our customer, has had the vehicle since 1994 after purchasing it as an authorized used BMW from Vines in Horsham. In his 23 years of ownership, this man has only driven 14,500 miles; he keeps the car in a heated garage and only uses it sometimes on dry days.
Munich Legends has had the good fortune to care for E30 M3s for well over 20 years, and we are renowned across the automotive industry for our knowledge of these incredible vehicles. Our technical team thoroughly and meticulously examined this exquisite Ravaglia, and they are really pleased with what they found. The Misano red paintwork is in exceptional shape, has a deep, lustrous shine, and is quite original. It is also corrosion free, sturdy, and mechanically perfect. With a beautiful patina on the leather and barely any evidence that the car has traveled 53,000 kilometers in its 28 years, the interior is pristine. It’s all precisely how it should be.
With a fresh inspection, two services, a MOT, a pre-delivery check, and four new tires, this exceptional M3 Ravaglia will be handed over to its new owner.
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A BMW E30’s dependability?
After going over the fundamentals of the E30, let’s go on to discussing things to watch out for while buying one. The superb engineering of E30s is one of the main factors that attracts people to them in the first place. E30s are dependable, cozy, and simple to keep up on the whole.