BMW E30

E30

Production	1981–1994
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 2-door convertible 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform	BMW E30
Engine(s)	I4, 1.6 - 1.8 L (66 - 100 kW) I6, 2.0 - 2.5 L (92 - 126 kW)
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,570 mm (101.2 in)
Length	1988-89 Sedan, Wagon & Coupe: 4,450 mm (175.2 in) 1988-89 Convertible: 4,460 mm (175.6 in) 1990-91 Sedan, Wagon & Coupe: 4,326 mm (170.3 in) 1990-93 Convertible: 4,323 mm (170.2 in)
Width	Sedan & Wagon: 1,646 mm (64.8 in) Coupe: 1,661 mm (65.4 in)
Height	Sedan & Wagon: 1,379 mm (54.3 in) Convertible: 1,369 mm (53.9 in) Coupe: 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb weight	1,070–1,368 kg (2,359–3,016 lb)
Fuel capacity	62.1 L (16 US gal; 14 imp gal)
Related	BMW M3

BMW E30 318i Coupe, European Model

BMW E30 325es with "diving board" bumpers

BMW E30 3-Series Convertible

E30 Convertible built April 1993

E30 Station Wagon, branded as the '3 Series Touring'

The E30 automobile platform was the basis for the 1981 through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor of the BMW E21 in 1982 and was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1992. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet (convertible) E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it. The M3 cabriolet was never officially offered for sale in North America; it was offered only for the European market.

The famous BMW M3 was first introduced on the E30 platform. A widened version of the E30 front suspension and the drivetrain from the E30 325i were used in the BMW Z1 roadster.

The E30 3-Series was produced in four body styles, a four door saloon, a two door saloon, a five door estate (marketed as the "touring"), and a two door convertible. A Baur cabrio was also available. The 325ix was produced from 1986 to 1991, and featured all-wheel drive. It was available as a two-door (saloon) or a four-door (sedan) and as touring. The BMW M3 utilised a widened and heavily redesigned and restyled variation of the 2 door body style. The M3 shares few parts with other E30 models.

The primary distinctive feature of the BMW E30 models produced for the North American market in 1984-1987 are the elongated front/rear aluminum bumpers. These bumpers are commonly known as "diving boards." In 1988, the anodized aluminum bumpers were shortened by revising the cover/fillers and shortening the shocks. In 1989 the aluminum bumpers were replaced with shorter body-color plastic bumpers.

The cars were powered by a range of inline 4 cylinder (BMW M10 , BMW M40 , & BMW M42) and inline 6 cylinder (BMW M20 and BMW M21) engines, with both petrol and diesel power. Power output for the engines ranges from 140 N·m (100 lb·ft) torque for the 1.8 L (1766 cc) 4 cylinder engine, to 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) torque from the 2.7 L (2693 cc) 6 cylinder petrol engine. The E30 BMW M3 was fitted with a 4 cylinder engine (BMW S14) producing more power, but less torque. 0-60 mph times was around 6.4 seconds, very quick for a car in its time.

Engines

Following on from the E21, the E30 was fitted with M10 straight-4 and M20 straight-6 engines. The 316 used a 1766 cc M10 fed by a carburettor and producing only 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp), but this allowed BMW to offer a cheap, entry-level car in the range. The 318i had the same M10 engine, but with Jetronic fuel injection, pushing power to 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) and improving fuel economy. Finally, the 320i (2.0 L M20 with 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp)) and 323i (2.3 L M20 with 102 kW (139 PS; 137 hp)) completed the range.

Later, in 1985, a 2.5 L version of the M20 boosted the power of the top model to 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp), replacing the old 323i, 2300 cc and 112 kW (152.3 PS; 150.2 hp).

Europe and North America received an economy version called the 325e, or just 325 (the e stands for the Greek letter eta, signifying economy). Strangely enough, the engine was the largest available in the chassis, aside from the rare South African version which was available with the 3.3 L M30. The 2.7 L had a longer stroke than the 2.5 L, with a more restrictive head, four cam bearings instead of seven (less internal friction), and softer valve springs. This resulted in 121 hp (90.2 kW; 122.7 PS), redlining at 4500 RPM. In 1987, the engine was revised to become the 325i. With its shorter stroke, 6800 RPM redline, and newer Motronic fuel-injection system, dual valve springs included and power was boosted to 128 kW (174.0 PS; 171.7 hp).

In 1987, the E30 was revised. The revision contained two significant changes in the engine department. First, the M20 straight-6 engines changed from Bosch Jetronic to Bosch Motronic. This boosted the 320i to 96 kW (129 hp) and the 325i to 126 kW/172 hp, all the while improving the economy. The M10 was replaced by the new, belt-driven cam M40 which also incorporated Motronic injection. The new 318i now had 85 kW/114 hp and was noticeably smoother than the old 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) version. A new engine had been developed, a chain-driven cam 4 cilynder M42 1.8L DOHC 16 V engine creating the 318is in 1989. This is the most modern engine built to the E30 (this engine has been later used in early 318i E36s).

The 316 was replaced by a 316i, which used a 1600 cc version of the M40, producing 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp). Not quite as torquey as the 66 kW/88 hp 1766 cc M10 it replaced, it nevertheless offered superior performance. In some markets, like South Africa, the old M10-powered 316 continued a lot longer, gaining the new bumpers of the other models. In South Africa, The 316i was released in 1991.

Drivetrain

In total, seven transmission were available for the various models of the E30: four manuals, and three automatics.

A 4-speed manual was available for the 316 and 318i. The 316, 318i, and 320i also had the option of a common 5-speed manual, while the 323i and 325i had a different manual, and in addition, the 323i had a sports manual as an option. The transmissions for the 316 and 318i featured synchromesh on forward gears only, while the 320i and 323i, both with standard and sports transmissions, had synchromesh on reverse as well.

Both automatic transmissions were manufactured by ZF - they were the 3-speed 3 HP 22, which was available on the 316 and 318i models, and the 4-speed 4 HP 22, which was available on the 320i, 323i, 324td, 325, 325i and 325e models.

Transmission Gear Ratios:

	4-speed manual	5-speed manual			3-speed automatic	4-speed automatic
available on	316, 318i	316, 318i, 320i	323i standard, 325i	323i sports	316, 318i	320i, 323i	325i
1st	3.76	3.72	3.83	3.76	2.48	2.73	2.48
2nd	2.04	2.02	2.20	2.33	1.48	1.56	1.48
3rd	1.32	1.32	1.40	1.61	1.00	1.00	1.00
4th	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.23	-	0.73	0.73
5th	-	0.81	0.81	1.00	-	-	-
reverse	4.10	3.45	3.46	4.10	2.09	2.09	2.09

There were many differentials used on the E30 models. The 316 and 318i shared a differential, as did the 320i and 323i, with the standard transmission. 323i models with sports transmissions had a different differential. The 325i received its own ratio, as did the 325e. The various M3s had special ratios as well.

Differential Gear Ratios and Types:

model(s)	ratio(s)	case size	type(s)
316 before 9/84	3.64	small	open
316 after 9/84	3.91	small	open
316i M10	3.91, 4.10	small	open
316i M40	4.27, 4.45	small	open
318i M10	3.64, 3.91, 4.10	small	open
318i M40 2- and 4-doors	4.10, 4.45	small	open
318i M40 convertible and touring	4.27, 4.45	small	open
318is	4.10	small	open
320i before 9/85	3.46	small	open
320i 9/85 to 9/87	3.64, 3.91	small	open
320i after 9/87	4.10	small	open
320i convertible and touring	4.27, 4.45	small	open
323i before 9/84	3.23	medium	open
323i after 9/84	3.46	medium	open
324d	3.45	small	open
324td	3.25	medium	open
325i before 9/86	3.46, 3.73, 3.91, 4.10	medium	standard - open sports - mechanical limited-slip
325i after 9/86	3.64, 3.73, 3.91, 4.10	medium	standard - open sports - mechanical limited-slip
325i convertible before 9/86	3.46, 3.91	medium	standard - open sports - mechanical limited-slip
325i convertible after 9/86	3.64, 3.91	medium	standard - open sports - mechanical limited-slip
325i touring	3.91	medium	open
325ix 2- and 4-doors	3.64, 3.73, 3.91	medium	open, all viscous, 10-100% limited-slip
325ix Touring	3.91, 4.10	medium	open, all viscous, 10-100% limited-slip
325, 325e US-models	2.93, 3.23	medium	standard - open sports - mechanical limited-slip
325e before 9/85	2.79	medium	standard - open sports - mechanical limited-slip
325e 9/85 to 12/86	2.93	medium	standard - open sports - mechanical limited-slip|-
325e after 12/86	3.25, 3.46	medium	standard - open sports - mechanical limited-slip
M3 US-models	4.10	medium	mechanical limited-slip
M3	3.15, 3.25	medium	mechanical limited-slip
M3 convertible	3.25	medium	mechanical limited-slip
M3 Evolution I, II and III	4.10	medium	mechanical limited-slip

The all-wheel drive system on the iX models used four differentials to distribute power to the wheels, 37:63 split front to rear. The center and rear differentials use viscous couplings to split torque. The front differential was open.

Models

Europe:

• 1982-1987 316 - 1.6 L M98 I4, 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp)
• 1982-1990 316 1.8 - 1.8 L M10B18 I4, 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)
• 1987-1994 316i - 1.6 L M40B16 I4, 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp)
• 1982-1987 318i - 1.8 L M10B18 I4, 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp)
• 1987-1994 318i - 1.8 L M40B18 I4, 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp)
• 1989-1991 318is - 1.8 L M42B18 I4, 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)
• 1982-1985 320i - 2.0 L M20B20 I6, 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp)
• 1985-1991 320i - 2.0 L M20B20 I6, 129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp)
• 1988-1990 320is - 2.0 L S14 I4, 192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp)
• 1981-1986 323i - 2.3 L M20B23 I6, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)
• 1985-1987 325e - 2.7 L M20B27 I6, 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)
• 1985-1991 325i - 2.5 L M20B25 I6, 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)
• 1986-1991 325iX - 2.5 L M20B25 I6, 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)
• 1986-1988 M3 - 2.3 L S14 I4, 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp)
• 1989-1991 M3 Evo - 2.5 L S14 I4, 241 PS (177 kW; 238 hp)
• 1985-1990 324d - 2.4 L M21 I6, 86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp)
• 1987-1993 324td - 2.4 L M21 I6, 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp)

Other markets:

• 1984-1985 318i - 1.8 L M10B18 I4, 101 hp (75 kW) - North America
• 1991 318iS - 1.8 L M42B18 I4, 134 hp (100 kW) - North America
• 1984-1991 325e - 2.7 L M20B27 I6, 121 hp (90 kW) - North America
• 1986-1991 325es - 2.7 L M20B27 I6, 121 hp (90 kW) - North America
• 1987-1991 325i/is - 2.5 L M20B25 I6, 168 hp (125 kW) - North America
• 1988-1991 325ix - 2.5 L M20B25 I6, 168 hp (125 kW) - North America
• 1988-1991 M3 - 2.3 L S14 I4, 192 hp (143 kW) - North America
• 1984-1990 333i - 3.2 L M30 I6, 197 hp (145 kW) - South Africa
• 1989-1991 325iS - 2.7 L, 197 hp (145 kW) - South Africa
• 1991-1992 325iS - 2.7 L, 210 hp (155 kW) - South Africa

E30 production totals

1982	15,580
1983	218,201
1984	285,134
1985	297,886
1986	329,460
1987	316,075
1988	269,074
1989	257,307
1990	246,818
1991	56,363
1992	26,913
1993	18,440
1994	1,997
Total	2,339,248

Special models

In addition to the famous M3 there were other special models of the E30. For Portugal and Italy, due to their high engine taxes, a special model was created, the 320iS. This model was produced both in 2 and 4 door versions had a detuned version of the M3 engine. It was the same S14 engine but with 2.0l and 192 hp (143 kW). BMW South Africa's Motorsport division created the 333i in 1986 by fitting the 3210 ccm M30 "big six" ("M30B32" of the 733i E23/ 533i E12/ 533i E28/ 633CSi E24) engine to a 2-door E30. The resulting 333i was a major success in saloon car racing in that country and is now a collectors item. These cars, built with help from Alpina in Buchloe, Bavaria ,Germany, featured some interesting compromises like forcing the buyer to choose between air conditioning (vital in South Africa) or power steering (because of lack of space due to the large M30 engine). They were only built in small numbers in 1986.BMW South Africa provided the following specifications for the 333i: Powerplant - M20B32 6Cylinder 3210cc 145Kw (197Bhp)@5500RPM. 285NM torque@ 4300RPM. the cars was fitted with a 5 speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential. Braking was enhanced by 296mm Alpina dual ventilated grooved front disc brakes. ABS was optional. The cars were fitted with J7x16 Alpina wheels and Pirelli P7 195x50VR16)tyres. BMW provided performance figures were impressive with a top speed of 228km/h. 0-100km/h in 7.4 sec, and a standing kilometer in 27.7sec at sea level.

Later when it became clear that South Africa would not be getting the M3, the 325iS was created. Initially this was merely a 325i 2-door fitted with a bodykit and a close-ratio gearbox (improving acceleration at the expense of top speed and economy, but more changes were made to keep the car competitive in South African saloon car racing. Nevertheless, these cars were always sold to the public. This culminated in the 325iS Evo II of late 1991. By now several body panels were made of aluminum, preventing the car from being washed by automated car washes, and the M20 engine grew to 2.7 L and now produced 155 kW (210 hp)and a 0-62 mph in a mere 7.5sec.

The cabriolet version continued to be built to the end of April 1993 and the touring version continued to be built to the end of February 1994.