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.
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How uncommon are BMW E30s?
A 1990 BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution III that is incredibly uncommon will be auctioned off by Collecting Cars. American bidders can immediately place bids on the automobile, and international bids will be accepted through October 20. One of the most elusive BMWs in the world is the E30 M3 Sport Evolution III. There were only 600 manufactured, and it was constructed between 1980 and 1990.
The E30 M3 was a hit right from the bat. Even though it dominated the DTM and won a ton of races, BMW didn’t take its success for granted. Instead, the Munich engineers chose to work on making the car even better. This is how the Sport Evolution model, which has a name that is also extremely appropriate, came to be.
The Sport Evolution was an improvement, if you will; it increased power output, stiffened the car in numerous areas, improved the brakes, and improved the exterior design to take advantage of aerodynamics. Other improvements included a reworked differential, 16-inch BBS alloy wheels, and adjustable front and rear spoilers.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder “S14” engine in the E30 M3 Sport EVO generates up to 238 horsepower and powers the rear wheels through a dogleg five-speed manual transmission. Only Brilliant Red or Jet-Black paint jobs with red bumper stripes were offered for the EVO III, which also featured lighter windows with thinner glass. Recaro front seats, red seat belts, and suede steering wheel, gear shifter, and handbrake grip trim can be found inside.
Electric windows, anthracite headlining, a sliding sunroof, headlamp washers, a rear window sunblind, velour floor mats, an on-board computer, a BMW Bavaria radio system, and headlight beam adjustment are further features of this vehicle.
Along with updated H&R Cup suspension that was purchased in packaged, brand-new condition under the current owner, an aftermarket Stromung performance exhaust system has also been added. A finned differential cover, an oil cooling kit, and a UUC short shifter are additional fitments.
There were 33 offers at the time of writing, with the highest bid resting at $120,000. The car has 128,000 kilometers on it.
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.
What should I expect to pay for an E30?
E30 dashes are generally fractured. Although it is difficult to replace and pricey to buy, they can be replaced with an uncracked example. All E30 prices have been climbing rapidly in recent years. For a 318i or 325e in good condition, budget between $3,000 and $4,000, and between $5,000 and $6,000 for a 325i.
What E30 is the most dependable?
“Of all the E30 motors, the S14 is perhaps the most reliable and long-lasting. If the owner was conscientious about maintaining it, the drivetrain might easily have 300,000 miles on it.
Has the E30 got a turbo?
This BMW 3-Series coupe from the E30 generation has been modified to become a race vehicle specifically tailored for hill climb competitions. It has a superb 2.5-liter M50 inline-six engine that has been turbocharged to produce 870 horsepower.
The vehicle made an appearance during the recent Osnabruck Hill Climb in Germany and appeared incredibly fast. Though this one keeps true to the brand, it reminds us of the 2JZ-powered E30 M3 we saw at the same event a few years ago.
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What was the selling price of Paul Walker’s E30?
It seems that not all of Paul Walker’s cherished BMWs have been put up for auction. A nearly-original 1991 BMW 3 Series M3 that belonged to the Fast and the Furious actor was recently discovered by Reserve Auto Group and sold for an astounding $150,000 USD.
Different M3 E30 variants typically cost between $30,000 and $70,000 USD, however if in good condition and have little mileage, some highly desirable vehicles can cost over $100,000 USD. In addition to having a famous owner, this particular vehicle was actually sold by Walker himself a few months before to his terrible passing in November 2013.
The automobile has only 13,200 miles on the odometer, which is low considering that it is nearly 30 years old and was frequently driven by Walker himself. It also still retains most of the original electronics and functionality. Although it now has 16-inch Evo wheels and BMW OEM Hella European headlights, it also comes with the factory wheels and headlights if the owner prefers an untouched appearance. The factory paint job and interior are both in fantastic condition.
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Why are E30s so well-liked?
By the time the E30 was introduced in the early 1980s, BMW had established itself as a premium brand, and the relative affordability of the 3-series appealed to the generation’s young professionals. For better or worse, this resulted in it turning into one of the most popular luxury vehicles ever. One benefit of this is that many vehicles were kept, and while some models have grown significantly in value, the E30 has mostly remained a usable classic that can be driven on a daily basis.
Is the E30 a joy to drive?
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.
Could I use E30 as fuel?
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.
How many E30’s 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.
Is E30 bad for your engine?
The consumption of E30 does not negatively affect engine performance. E15 and E30 both have equivalent levels of fuel efficiency. National adoption of E30 can result in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.