EN: BMW E30: Pure Driving Machine
EN: Experience the iconic design and unparalleled driving dynamics of the second generation 3-series (1982-1994).
View Models Technical SpecsEN: Evolution of a Legend: The E30 Development
EN: Launched in 1982 under chief designer Claus Luthe, the E30 was an evolution of the E21. The focus was on improved aerodynamics (Cd value ~0.38 vs E21's ~0.44), safety (stiffer cage construction), and driving dynamics. The near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive were core principles. Did you know development started in the late '70s?
EN: Production & Variants (1982-1994)
EN: Built in Munich and Regensburg. Sedan (until '91), Coupé (until '91), Baur TC (until '91), Convertible (from '85 to '93), Touring (from '87 to '94). The South African market even had unique models like the 333i!
EN: M3: Homologation Hero
EN: The E30 M3 was built purely for Group A race homologation. Won the WTCC ('87), multiple DTM & ETCC champion. The S14 engine was a masterpiece: based on the M10 block with a shortened version of the M88/S38 (M1/M5) cylinder head.
EN: Timeless Classic Status
EN: From popular 'youngtimer' to sought-after classic. Loved for its pure, direct steering feel, tuning potential, and relatively simple yet effective technology.
EN: Facelifts & Updates
EN: Roughly two types: Type 1 (Pre-facelift, '82-'87) with chrome bumpers and Type 2 (Facelift, '87-'94) with integrated plastic bumpers, different taillights (larger), and projector headlights (on later models). Internal updates occurred continuously.
EN: An E30 for Everyone: More Details
EN: The E30 came in many flavors. Below is a deeper dive into the most popular variants:
EN: Coupé (2-door Sedan)
EN: (1982-1991) The sporty choice, technically a 2-door sedan. Lightest variant. Recognizable by frameless side windows & angular B-pillar. Popular for M20 swaps. The 318iS ('89-'91) is the 'little M3' with sports suspension. Watch out: Rust rear window, sills, under skirts (facelift).
EN: Sedan (4-door)
EN: (1983-1991) Practical while retaining driving fun. Structurally stiffer than coupé due to fixed B-pillar. Popular as a fast family car (325i) or base (316i). More rear headroom. Watch out: Generic E30 rust, check door bottoms.
EN: Baur TC2 (TopCabriolet)
EN: (1983-1991) Unique Baur Targa conversion. Retains B/C-pillars for stiffness. Hard panel front, soft top rear. Rare. Various engines. Watch out: Condition of seals, specific Baur parts.
EN: Convertible (Full)
EN: (1985-1993) BMW's own stylish open E30. Required major reinforcements (weight!). Top disappears under metal lid. Mostly as 318i, 320i, 325i. Facelift most desirable. Watch out: Top condition/mechanism, rust in top compartment, sills extra critical.
EN: Touring (Estate/Wagon)
EN: (1987-1994) First lifestyle estate (idea Max Reisböck). Surprisingly spacious (~1125L) and sporty feel. Instant hit. 316i to 325i & 324td. Watch out: Rust tailgate (window, license plate), rear wiper/washer function.
EN: M3
EN: (1986-1991) Homologation legend. Unique S14 (2.3L, 195-220hp; 2.5L Sport Evo, 238hp), 'dogleg' box, 5-lug, different body panels, aero. Interior often with sport seats. Evolution models = upgrades. Extremely valuable. Watch out: Originality (replicas), expensive M3 parts, S14 maintenance.
EN: 325ix (All-Wheel Drive)
EN: (1985-1991) BMW's first AWD 3-series. Permanent 4x4 (37% front/63% rear) via planetary & viscous couplings. Higher stance, plastic flares. Different front suspension. Mainly as 325ix. Brilliant in slippery conditions. Watch out: AWD complexity, specific parts, rust under plastic.
EN: 325e ('eta')
EN: (c. 1985-1987) Efficiency focus (eta = η). M20 2.7L optimized for low-end torque. Max ~4750rpm, ~122hp. Ideal for relaxed cruising. Popular base for 'stroker' M20 engine (eta block + i head). Watch out: Check correct Motronic type.
EN: Alpina (C1, C2, B3, B6)
EN: (Various years) Not built by BMW, but by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen. Refined, powerful E30 variants with modified engines (e.g., C1 2.3, C2 2.5/2.7, B3 2.7, B6 2.8/3.5), suspension, interior (fabric/leather, plaque) and exterior (stripes, wheels, spoilers). Focus on high-torque power and comfortable speed. Exclusive and highly sought after. Watch out: Authenticity (check Alpina numbers!), specific Alpina parts (very rare/expensive).
EN: Technology: The Heart of the E30
EN: The E30 combined proven technology with innovations for its time. An overview of the main engines:
M10 (4-cilinder)
EN: 8V SOHC, 1.6/1.8L (316, 318i pre-FL). Iron block, chain. Simple, robust, base for F1 Turbo! Codes: M10B16/18
M40 (4-cilinder)
EN: 8V SOHC, 1.6/1.8L (316i, 318i FL). Successor M10 w/ belt & hyd. lifters. Camshaft wear issue. Codes: M40B16/18
M42 (4-cilinder)
EN: 16V DOHC, 1.8L (318iS). Chain. 136hp. Sporty, high-revving. Also E36 Compact/Z3. Code: M42B18
M20 (6-cilinder)
EN: 12V SOHC, 2.0-2.7L (320i-325i/e). Belt. Iconic sound. Proper maintenance vital. Codes: M20B20/23/25/27
S14 (4-cilinder M3)
EN: 16V DOHC, 2.3/2.5L (M3). Race-derived, indiv. throttle bodies, chain. High-rev (~7300rpm). 195-238hp. Codes: S14B23/25
M21 (6-cilinder Diesel)
EN: 12V SOHC, 2.4L (324d, 324td). Belt. First 3-series diesel. 'td' w/ turbo (115hp). Robust. Code: M21D24
EN: Typical E30 Points of Interest & Features
EN: Timing Belt (M20/M40/M21): Crucial interval (approx. 4-5 yrs / 60-80k km)!
Rust: Check: sills (in/out), jacking points, wheel arches (f/r), battery tray (under seat/trunk), scuttle/windshield base, door bottoms, firewall, pedal floor area, sunroof drains!
Suspension: MacPherson front, semi-trailing arms rear. Playful character; bushings (subframe, control arms) wear out.
Electronics: Check Control can be faulty. SI board batteries (service indicator) leak/fail.
Limited Slip Diff (LSD): Optional (std on M3). Usually 25% clutch-type or viscous. Highly sought after!
EN: E30 Trivia / Did You Know?
EN: South African Special: 333i
EN: Exclusive to South Africa: the 333i (1985-87) with the 3.2L M30 "Big Six" engine (approx. 197hp). Massive torque! Choice: air conditioning OR power steering, not both.
EN: Color Palette & Interiors
EN: Besides standard colors, there were striking options like Hennarot, Lapisblau, and Malachitgrün. Iconic interior fabrics like the 'Hahnentritt' (houndstooth) and the 'Überkaro' check pattern.
EN: 'Check Control' System
EN: Advanced for its time: a panel above the rearview mirror warned about fluid levels, faulty lights, and open doors/trunk.
EN: Popular in Film & Media
EN: The E30 starred in countless films, series, and music videos ('80s/'90s), often as a symbol of success, sportiness, or underdog status (think Frank Ocean - Novacane).
EN: The Vibrant E30 Community
"EN: The E30 community is invaluable. Through forums like E30Forum.nl or R3VLimited (international), you'll always find help, advice, or that one rare part."
"EN: Working on it yourself is part of the charm. Workshop manuals (Bentley!) are essential. Parts are still reasonably available through specialists like Schmiedmann or Walloth & Nesch."
EN: Get in Touch
EN: Specific questions about an E30 type, maintenance history, or restoration? We're happy to share our knowledge.
Phone: +31 6 123 456 78
Email: info@e30archief.nl