BMW 3 series (BMW E30): specifications and photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

BMW E30 is a car of the second series, which was originally produced as a sedan. The first model was presented in 1982, in November. The presentation took place in the UK, and then the car made a splash among people who had been waiting for new items for a long time. Needless to say, the first copies were delivered to customers a couple of months later - at the beginning of next year (1983). So we should talk about this model in more detail.

About the concept

The BMW E30 has become a replacement for such a popular car as the BMW E21. The predecessor was very popular. He was a representative of a small third series produced by the Munich concern. Often a follower of E21 is called a “transitional” model. Although it must be admitted, it is completely independent. But this is in terms of the concept. But if we talk about design, then yes, you can call it transitional. This car seems to be moving from sharp "shark" edges to the smoother, softer, rounded lines and shapes of modern cars. This design became the founder of further versions - E36, E39, etc. These models, as you know, were very popular in theirtime.

Changes

In the brand new BMW E30, there is almost nothing left of its predecessor. On some models (namely, 316, 316i and 318i), an engine from E21 was installed. They also flaunted the M10 engine under the hood. But strong changes have affected the body (its structure), both suspensions and the braking system. Also, the developers have significantly increased the level of ergonomics in the cabin, which is also important.

By the way, absolutely all models (with the exception of the 316th) were equipped with the same four-head lighting system. Still, in addition to the above, the novelty of the early eighties could boast of improved heating and ventilation of the cabin, power mirrors, chairs that are adjustable in height, an electronic speedometer and a maintenance indicator. In general, the car has become really more modern, comfortable and convenient. This could not but rejoice.

About powertrains

About which BMW E30 engine is considered the most powerful, it is necessary to tell. But it's worth starting small. The least powerful is the 1.8-liter 90-horsepower, which was installed under the hood of the 316th model. The most impressive version is rightfully the 2.5-liter M20B25 I6 engine, which produced 170 horsepower. There was also another unit. They could boast of the BMW M3 E30. Take, for example, the Evo II model - a 2.5-liter, producing 238 "horses"! An excellent indicator. Before him, in 1989, there was a 2.3-liter, whose power was 215 hp. s.

The strongest movers were thosewhich were equipped with machines supplied for export. These engines were a 2.3-liter unit with 195 “horses” and a 3.2-liter engine with a capacity of 197 hp. With. But these cars were delivered only to the markets of North America and South Africa. In Europe, it was possible to purchase other, less powerful models. But, in principle, the inhabitants of our continent had enough of the provided choice, which was quite rich - about twenty different options.

About the body

About the BMW E30 engines - one of the most important parts of the discussion of cars - has already been said, and now it's worth talking in more detail about the body.

In terms of design, the car is quite attractive. Despite the fact that the Munich developers decided not to decorate the model with a slanted forward grille (which has been a characteristic feature of all BMWs produced for the past twenty years), the car was a success. No wonder this body is still popular today. And in any traffic flow, you can easily recognize the BMW E30.

Tuning - it is the method of such work that many owners of this car try to improve its appearance. They are trying to make it more powerful, muscular, aggressive. Fortunately, today it is real. There are a huge number of parts offered by various companies for purchase. For example, the new BMW E30 torpedo. The interior stylized as modernity in old cars looks quite original. By the way, many people strive to improve the interior, since usually the driver andspend time. It is possible, with a considerable amount of money and the efforts of specialists, to make an excellent, outwardly new car.

Salon

The interior of the BMW E30 is well made, but the so-called “spirit of the seventies” is felt. The manufacturers installed the steering wheel sloping, straight “in Italian”. But there is an adjustment. The front panel can be called truly German. There is a minimum of all kinds of keys and buttons, just like buttons. The archaic exhaust button cannot but please, due to which you can control the lighting. This is a very handy feature.

The dashboard can be safely called the standard of convenience and ergonomics. Indeed, the BMW developers managed to create a decent “working” area for the driver. All scales are easy to read and visible - the steering wheel does not close the view. Inside there is a BMW E30 stove, comfortable comfortable seats, space. Of course, the finish is rustic - which is why many people decide to upgrade the interior.

By the way, initially only a two-door sedan was released (that's what it was called then, not a “coupe” as it is now). But then a four-door appeared. BMW decided to develop this model because a car was released that immediately became popular - the Mercedes E190. The car of their inveterate competitors. So BMW decided to keep up. They improved the technical characteristics, interior, but still, to be honest, lagged behind the model produced by the Stuttgart concern.

About all versions in brief

BMW E30produced in various versions. Convertibles, sedans, coupes - the bodies were different, but in technical specifications they were similar to each other. So, for example, since the late 80s, all of them have been equipped with central locking. Electric windows began to appear, power steering, light-alloy wheels, an on-board computer, headlight cleaner, windshield washer, electric drive, curtains, ABS and much more. Then, from the beginning of the 90s, they began to transform the appearance - they lowered the grille, changed the chrome bumpers to black, modified the headlights, and increased the size of the rear lights.

In general, this is a solid car. For true connoisseurs of the classics, one might say. The only problem is original spare parts and maintenance. But if the machine is treated properly, it will last for many more years.