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.
In This Article...
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.
The E30 was built by BMW in a variety of body types.
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.
Costs, Information, and Figures for the BMW E30 (1982–1994)
The E30 is a legendary automobile that combines sport and luxury in an aesthetically pleasing traditional style.
Similar to baseball, it is much simpler in principle than it is in practice to hit a home run in the automotive industry. Every player in the game tries, with each swing, to hit the ball hard enough to clear the fences. Every new car design aims to be a sales monster in the auto industry.
But in both cases, it is incredibly uncommon to succeed in either of them. But the world was never the same after BMW debuted the E30 in 1982 to replace the E21 model of the 3-Series. The Mercedes 190E and Audi V8 are just two examples of the vehicles that the E30 was designed to compete with in the luxury sports car market. But in order to compete both on and off the road, BMW developed the E30 and, more specifically, the M3 (which made its debut in 1986). The M3, which was created as a homologation model for Group A rally racing, required that at least 5,000 units of the race car’s manufacture be in use on public roads in order for it to be eligible for competition. Over the course of its production from 1982 to 1994, the E30 was offered with a broad variety of powertrains, each of which suited to a particular market segment.
Buyer’s Guide for the BMW 3 Series (E30)
The second-generation BMW E30 3 Series is one of the few vehicles that best captures the spirit of the 1980s, but finding one today can be difficult. Here’s how to obtain a spectacular illustration.
The E30 3 Series replaced the E21 generation in 1982 and is still regarded as one of BMW’s signature cars. When compared to an identical Ford or Vauxhall, it was more expensive and underequipped, but it had the cachet and level of engineering that discerning consumers still seek out today. The E30 has moved past the “banger” label it experienced in recent years; as a result, there aren’t many remaining, and the ones that are decent can be pricey.
Early in 1983, the E30 made its way to our shores with a limited selection of models, including the 316 with a carburetted M10 four-cylinder engine and the 320i and 323i with M20 straight-six engines with Bosch LE Jetronic injection. The three engines produced 90, 122, and 139 horsepower, respectively. The 323i had rear disc brakes, and both six-pot cars had vented front disc brakes. Right-hand-drive four-door vehicles as well as the LE Jetronic-injected 318i, a popular model in the E30 family, were introduced in September 1983. At this moment, the 323i received a power boost of 150 horsepower, and the 170 horsepower 325i took the place of the 323i in 1985. Minor changes to the trim and lower-profile tires across the board were also made.
Late in 1986, the 325i Sport also made its debut with 15-inch BBS wheels, a closer-ratio gearbox, a limited-slip differential, dechromed trim, sports seats, and a steering wheel. That same year, a 325i complete convertible was introduced, immediately outselling the Baur targa variant.
Plastic bumpers, larger taillights, remodelled rear arches and rear valances, new front apron and ellipsoid headlights, a new M40 engine for the 318i, and new Motronic 1.3 engine management on the 320i and 325i were all added to the revamped E30 3 series in 1987. At the same time, a 325i Touring estate was introduced, but the convertible would not get a stylistic update until late 1990.
When the M40 316i took the place of the 316i in late 1988 and the entire range received standard features including power steering, electric front windows, central locking, and green tinted glass, the 316i and 318i saw an increase in sales. At the same time, a new 325i Sport was released, and even six years later, the E30 3 Series was still doing extremely well in sales. In late 1989, a two-door-only 16-valve 318iS with the new M42 engine debuted. It produced 143 bhp, making it noticeably faster than the 320i and good for an additional 5 mpg. It also had upgraded suspension, dechromed trim, BBS wheels, and interior M3-style trim with tartan seat trim on BMW Sport seats. This was a great package that once more attracted a lot of purchasers.
Development came to an end when the E36 arrived in 1990, and the saloons stopped being produced later that same year. Between 1988 and 1991, the 316i (Touring), 318i, and 320i models were added to the lineup for the Touring and convertible variants, ending an 11-year run when the final Touring was produced in January 1994.
With a model for everyone, the E30 3 Series did a fantastic job of establishing BMW. It had always been a well-built vehicle with immediate appeal, outperforming the previous E21 3 Series in this regard. Ahead of the slick E36, it was also one of the final “traditional” BMWs.
Will BMW bring the E30 back?
Like last year, we will continue to select the BMW m3 e30 as our preferred vehicle in 2021.
This original BMW M3 e30 is completely equipped with modifications and DTM livery. It has all the necessary upgrades, including a fully original Recaro inside and DTM original (true racing ones, from BMW).
You name it: traditional) spoilers, DTMFiberworksz wheels, carbon fiber airbox, KW suspension, complete exhaust.
The best sensation is returning to the Nordschleife to take in the breathtaking roads and the Nordschleife itself at the Nurburgring.
As you can see, there were other great cars at the Nordschleife besides the BMW M3 e30 DTM. The car felt quite at home among BMW M3s, BMW antiques, and even a Koenigsegg.
The Corvette performed a sneaky lap at the Nordschleife after taking advantage of some fantastic Eiffel roads. Later, more on that.
We had to stop for dinner at the Paddock Restaurant because of the wonderful mural that commemorates real DTM racing.
What is so unique about the BMW E30?
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.
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!
An M3 or an E30?
Have you seen the BMW M3 for 2021? The current M3 is equally as powerful as it is breathtakingly beautiful, with 473 horsepower from an upgraded B58 engine. This vehicle, however, is supported by its illustrious ancestor, the BMW M3 E30. The BMW 3-Series with the M3 badge has always been a high-performance vehicle. In other words, BMW M GmbH, the company’s former motorsport branch, is where the M3 was born. BMW Motorsport Limited Liability Company is referred to as BMW M GmbH in Germany.
But the E30 is the first M3-ever, and since since, Bimmer has been producing them for every BMW 3-Series ever. From 1986 through 1991, BMW built the E30. The E30 is the first of its sort, to put it another way.
The purpose-built coupe with motorsport inspiration made its world debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in 1985 to rousing acclaim. After kicking a lot of asses in touring car racing, the M3 went on to become a true legend. Without highlighting the 1986 BMW M3 E30, the legendary vehicle on whose legacy they all stand, the M3’s story cannot be fully told.
Are E30 BMWs trustworthy?
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.