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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How numerous BMW E30s were produced?
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.
What does BMW’s E30 mean?
39 remarks. The E30 chassis code BMW 3-series generation, which was produced from 1982 to 1994, is sometimes referred to as the “Ultimate Driving Machine” by enthusiasts. Even the cost-conscious “eta” model is enjoyable to drive thanks to its sharp handling, driver-focused ergonomics, and classic styling.
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!
A rare BMW E30 M3?
Despite being 30 years old, the BMW M3 E30 is still a highly sought-after German performance vehicle, particularly when it’s an M3 E30 Sport Evo (Evolution III), which is one of the most uncommon models ever produced.
As a Group A homologation special, just 600 copies of the Sport Evo III were produced between 1989 and 1990. As a result, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder S14 engine was upgraded to produce 238 BHP. This engine’s output is routed to the rear wheels via a dog-leg five-speed manual transmission.
The style and differential ratio were adjusted in other places. BMW added brake cooling ducts to their front bumpers, a bigger front wing with an adjustable spoiler, a second adjustable spoiler at the back, and 16″ BBS alloy wheels on all four corners.
This “Brilliant Red” model has Recaro front seats for a racing feel and smaller window glass for weight reduction. The interior is further enhanced by the generous amounts of suede covering the steering wheel, gear shifter, and handbrake grip. Other features include an on-board computer, a BMW Bavaria radio system, a sliding sunroof, headlamp washers, rear window sunblinds, velour floor mats, and headlight beam adjustment. A new stereo has also been incorporated with contemporary features including Bluetooth connectivity.
The H&R Cup suspension and new performance exhaust system complete the special car, and an interior plaque honors the vehicle’s accomplishments. Without even considering the fact that it’s an Evo III, this is one of the cleanest E30s available. As a result, the current bid on Collecting Cars’ website is $140,000 USD. This price is anticipated to increase before the auction closes at 11 p.m. EST today.
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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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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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The last E30 production date is.
The E30 was made in Rosslyn, South Africa, Munich, Germany, and Regensburg, Germany. In October 1982, series production got under way.
Complete knock-down kits made in Germany were used to assemble the models that were sold in Indonesia and Thailand. These kits were assembled in Jakarta and Bangkok, respectively.
Due to the release of the E36 3 Series coupe variants in 1990, the E30’s production cycle started to wind down. At Regensburg, sedan production came to an end on April 30, 1991. Up to the final E30 model, a Touring, which was made in 1994 and offered as a 1995 model year, other variations were gradually phased out.
A BMW E30 can go how fast?
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