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 many BMW E30s were made?
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 stand for?
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.
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!
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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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.
Amount of E30 325is produced
Due to the 6-cylinder, 3.2-liter M30 engine that was added to the two-door E30 model, it was referred to as the “big six.” Its engine made it South Africa’s most agile streetwise performance, paired with the sporty suspension and low-profile tyres. There were just 210 units produced, with 145 kW of power and 285 Nm of torque.
How is the E30 M3?
The BMW E30 M3 is one of the most enjoyable and best handling cars I have ever driven. It offers astounding balance thanks to its 48/52 weight distribution, is telepathic in choosing the right line, and has an alive chassis that gives the car a personality, which is lacking in many of today’s uninspiring cars.
An E30 is it a sports car?
One of the best drivers’ vehicles ever produced, the BMW E30 M3 unquestionably contributed to the car’s iconic position among motorheads.
Automakers have created some of the most recognizable vehicles in history. The majority of reputable automakers, including Ford with its Mustang, Toyota with the Supra, and Ferrari with nearly 95% of its vehicles, have at some point produced a vehicle that completely changed the automobile industry. With its vehicles, BMW did not fall short of revolutionizing the industry.
The first inexpensive sports car to ever come out of Germany can be said to be the BMW M3 E30. It is actually one of the sought-after vintage BMWs out there. Several generations of astoundingly engineered M cars followed in the footsteps of the M3 E30. BMW’s M-Series requires no introduction at this point. True gearheads are aware of the importance of the M badge.
What is the value of an E30 M3?
A BMW M3 Coupe – E30 costs, on average, $68,805. When did the BMW M3 Coupe – E30 go on sale? A: Model years 1987 to 1991 saw the sale of the BMW M3 Coupe – E30.
Which automobiles may use E30?
According to a research based on a demonstration effort carried out by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the state of Nebraska, gasoline blended with 30% ethanol (E30) is safe for long-term usage in non-flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs).
After a year-long demonstration, approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in which the team at the UNL Engineering Department—led by Dr. Rajib Saha, assistant professor of Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering—compared various data points among a fleet of state-owned, non-FFVs, the team came to its conclusion. The study’s sample consisted primarily of Dodge Avengers. According to the report summary, the cost per mile for E15 and E30 vehicles was roughly comparable, and E30 had no discernible detrimental impact on vehicle performance.
Adil Alsiyabi, the lead UNL researcher on the E30 demonstration, said: “There has been contradictory message that utilizing larger blends of ethanol affects the fuel economy or wears down parts. “However, the findings indicate that none of that is accurate. We have demonstrated via extensive testing that greater ethanol mixes do not reduce efficiency or degrade engine performance. Our objective was to determine whether current-generation automobiles could use ethanol blends up to E30 without experiencing mechanical problems or a reduction in fuel efficiency.”
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) devices were used in the demonstration to collect data from about 50 vehicles during both warm and cold weather. Millions of data points were collected when the engine was started, allowing UNL researchers the chance to track fuel economy, vehicle performance, pollution control systems, and many other systems. Drivers also recorded their experiences with maintenance and efficiency each time they refilled the tank.
Only FFVs are permitted to use blends higher than E15 under current U.S. EPA regulations. This demonstration demonstrates that modern conventional automobiles may use E30 in a safe and cost-effective manner. The governor’s office claims that because ethanol is produced locally in Nebraska from maize, it is frequently less expensive than other types of gasoline. In addition, ethanol converts renewable octane into harmful compounds found in gasoline, making it a safer, cleaner fuel.
Will the E30 be 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 the E30’s horsepower capacity?
Over 1,000 horsepower is now regarded as hypercar territory. It is extremely impressive to witness a vintage BMW 3-Series with that kind of oomph since very few factory vehicles produce that much power.
The vehicle is a tweaked standard E30, not a substantially modified M3. Whether it was initially propelled by a four- or six-cylinder engine is unknown, but the original engine has long since been replaced by an S50B32.
That is the 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that was installed in the more recent E36 M3, Z3 M Coupe, and Z3 M Roadster, for those who are unfamiliar with BMW’s engine codes. It originally had 325 PS (321 hp / 239 kW), but this E30 model is said to be able to produce an incredible 1,100 horsepower.
The effort is being directed by a Romanian tuning company named WPP Performance. The car is hardly a sleeper with that enormous intercooler visible at the front, a custom hood scoop, roll cage, and a few other visual changes, none of which are there for aesthetic reasons. Few people, nevertheless, would have guessed that it has enough power to compete with exotic vehicles like Lamborghinis and Ferraris.
The video at the bottom of the page shows the enormous output being measured on the dyno. You’ll probably find yourself pressing the play button more than than because there’s also a second video that shows this insane Bimmer burning rubber on public highways.