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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What E30 Should You Purchase?
Throughout 2.3 million vehicles in a variety of model variants were produced by BMW for the US market over the course of its 8-year production run from 1984 to 1992. How do you know you’re obtaining the right E30 for you if you’re new to the E30 scene or an old pro seeking to pick up another? We’ll try to give you a run-down of the numerous E30 versions available now on the Classic Bimmer Bits blog so you can make the best choice.
What Every Gearhead Should Know About Owning A BMW E30
The BMW E30 unquestionably has the two most crucial characteristics a discerning gearhead could ask for in a contemporary classic: it’s enjoyable to drive and simple to own.
Only a few of BMW’s cars over the years have garnered as much adoration from motorheads as the E30 generation 3 Series. The inexpensive E30, produced between 1982 and 1994, gave BMW a new identity, making the E21 generation before it one that is easily forgotten. The first E30s arrived for the 1984 model year, but the American market took its time embracing the vehicle.
BMW was able to dominate the American luxury market with the E30’s broad mission statement while also leading its factory racing initiatives. One of the most convenient modern classics to drive and own today is the 3 Series. A dramatic contrast to the larger coupes and sports sedans now on the market, handling is pleasurable and graceful even though power is limited in any model without the M label thanks to the nimble chassis and low curb weight. Here is a list of reasons why every gearhead needs to possess a BMW E30, albeit the 3 Series offers a lot more.
E30 BMW 3 Series
For the 1983 model year, BMW 3 Series’ E30 second generation was unveiled. One of the most well-known BMW 3 Series generatio…
For the 1983 model year, BMW 3 Series’ E30 second generation was unveiled. The E30 generation of the BMW 3 Series is one of the most well-known, and it included models such the 316, 316i, 318i, 318is, 320i, 320is, 323i, 324d, 324td, 325, 325e, 325es, 325ix, 325is, and 325i. The M3, as well as its well-known M3 Evolution and M3 Sport Evolution derivatives, were first offered in the E30 generation of the BMW 3 Series. Numerous E30s were modified into race cars because of their well-known drivability. The E30 3 Series, which was produced until 1994, was phased out in favor of the E36 model.
A 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution sold for $256,556 on January 22, 2021, according to records.
A 1987 BMW 325is sold on March 11, 2020, for $275, the lowest price ever recorded in sales history.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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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What is so unique about the BMW E30?
Because so much was crammed into this relatively tiny vehicle, few luxury cars of the era could compare to the 3-series in terms of total value. By no means was it the most economical vehicle on the market, but it gave so much more than its competitors could at this price point, had unmatched fit and finish, excellent performance, and only the best materials were used.
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