1983-1991 - E30 BMW
Background
By 1983 the E30 was the successor to the popular E21 series. More than just a slightly altered E21 the E30 was an all new car. Some of the most notable changes include the improved front and rear suspension designs, the updated interior and a deeper front fascia. The touring and convertible models lived on until 1993, while the saloons were discontinued in 1991 to be replaced by the new more refined E36.
BMW moved forward with the E30 into a more expensive market than it’s brethren the E21 and on down the road the E36 followed this path as well. The E30 body style is regarded as a classic much like that of the 2002’s are both have a cult following.
Models
In 1983 the E30 arrived in a two door coupe, the saloon wasn’t introduced until 1984. By 1986 the E30 convertible had been introduced with a manual or optional electric tops. To strengthen the convertible sections were added to prevent the car from flexing and shaking present on many of the car rivals, however this did add some weight.
In Europe only the “Touring” model was introduced as a wagon. It featured a large rear cargo area and looked great as well. If you wanted some performance in your wagon you could even order up an Alpina 2.7 liter. This model was never imported into the U.S., Resale value on the touring and convertible models remained very high as any BMW does.
The 325iX all wheel drive with a real wheel bias model was also introduced. The 325iX shared the transmission from the E34 525iX, there was also a 324td turbo diesel saloon made available only in Europe.
As always some of the U.S. versions of the 325iX were denied some of the engines due to strict emission standards, and had some ugly U.S. bumpers to boot. Although the U.S. specification E30 bumpers weren’t quite as ugly as earlier models. The 325es was a U.S. only sports model equipped with the emissions compliant engine.
Now we can’t forget to mention the king of 3 Series the M3. The first E30 M3 was such a hit that BMW came out with the Lightweight version and the Evolution. Most of the M3s were left hand drive, and E30 M3 enthusiast need note that these cars are equipped with an E24/28 wheel fitments and do not accept normal E30 wheels.
By 1987 all the European E30’s received a minor face lift, with the exception of the M3 which remained the same. Chrome style bumpers were replaced with color coded bits or black style. Just about all post 1987 E30’s had power steering with the exception of the 318 carburetor model, and the accelerator pedal had a lighter spring. In the final years of the convertible only a few were equipped with the newer style tail lights Only the final few years of the convertible gained the newer style tail lights.
The 1989/90 325iS sport model, was equipped with a factory body kit, M-Tech suspension, standard ABS, Limited Slip Differential, sporty interior and new bumpers.
During the ten year run over 2.2 million E30’s were made.
Engines
The lower end E30’s used the M10 four cylinders brought over from the 2002 and E21. By mid-87 the M10 was replaced with the M40 fuel injected engine with more power. The 318iS was powered by the M42 16 valve dual overhead cam engine pushing out 140 ponies, this made for great fun in a super light car!
The 320i, 323i and 325i models were fitted with the M20 12 valve inline six cylinder. The older models were fitted with the Jetronic-L, after the 1987 face lift they were fitted with Bosch Motronic units. The very rare 333i used the M30 six cylinder borrowed from the six and seven series, this vehicle was only available in South Africa. Consumers in the European market had the option of a 2.4 liter diesel unit.
The U.S. spec 2.7 liter engine was designed for economy, it used less gas but still offered up some good performance. The 2.7 liter was moderately durable however it had an unwillingness to rev at high speeds.
