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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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 quantity of BMW E30 sales
The Eighties yuppie set, or aficionados, at first didn’t take a shine to this high-strung, high-revving, four-banger homologation coupe. More than 19,000 E30 M3s were sold by BMW globally. However, during its production here from model years 1988 to 1991, only 5115 got it to North America.
The BMW E30 is it rare?
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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Are BMW E30 values rising?
The 325i saloon is the fastest seller, with prices ranging from PS1.1k for a project that only a real optimist would attempt to PS8.5k for a flawless time-traveling Tardis that will take you back to the roaring 1980s. White high-top sneakers and geometric jumpers are optional.
When the range was PS 1k to PS 6.75k, that is a 25% increase in a year. In our growth chart, the four-cylinder automobiles are right next to the Bugatti Veyron, Bugatti EB110, and Ferrari Enzo thanks to an 8.3% increase in price for a price range between PS0.9k and PS6.5k.
As usual, the movements are propelled by the force created when increasing nostalgia and the dearth of decent survivors intersect, and it’s forcing some extensive repairs when purchasers can’t find the cars they want in the condition they desire.
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How old are E30 M3 models?
generation E30 Based on the E30 3 Series, the initial BMW M3 was created as a homologation special in order to meet the requirements of the Group A Touring and Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, which called for the production of 5,000 vehicles.
How quick is a BMW E30?
This video of the world’s fastest automobile on ice is coming to you from?…rsunda, Sweden, and holy moly, this ride can FLY. 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
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.
Why is the BMW E30 M3 so costly?
The E46 has a hip combination of curves and athletic style. This M3 is a pleasure to drive, much like the other M3s mentioned before. Its acceleration not only sounds terrific, but it also feels great.
Five years ago, you might have been able to get one for around $10,000 to $15,000, but today, these vehicles can sell for anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000.
The short answer is that they are extremely fun to drive, have excellent build quality, are becoming more and more rare, and look beautiful.
They also have a sizable following among both young and senior people. They are also selling like hotcakes because nostalgia-related things appear to be at the top of people’s purchasing lists at the moment.
However, regardless of how the market for used vehicles develops in the future or how much these great cars cost, regardless of how much they are worth, they will provide their owners a degree of thrill that money simply cannot buy! And that is, quite simply, priceless.