BMW · 1982–1994

BMW E30

The BMW E30 is the second generation of BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1982 to 1994 and replaced the E21 3 Series. The model range included 2-door saloon (sometimes referred to as a coupé) and convertible body styles, as well as being the first 3 Series to be produced in 4-door saloon and wagon/estate body styles. It was powered by four-cylinder petrol, six-cylinder petrol and six-cylinder diesel engines, the latter a first for the 3 Series. The E30 325iX model was the first BMW to have all-wheel drive. The first BMW M3 model was built on the E30 platform and was powered by the high-revving BMW S14 four-cylinder petrol engine. The BMW Z1 roadster was also based on the E30 platform. Following the launch of the E36 3 Series in 1990, the E30 began to be phased out.

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Predecessor: BMW 3 Series · Successor: BMW 3 Series

All BMW E30 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Development

Development of the E30 3 Series began in July 1976, with styling being developed under chief designer Claus Luthe with exterior styling led by Boyke Boyer. In 1978, the final design was approved, with design freeze (cubing process) being completed in 1979. BMW's launch film for the E30 shows the design process including Computer-aided design (CAD), crash testing and wind-tunnel testing. The car was released at the end of November 1982. Externally, the E30's appearance is very similar to twin headlight versions of its E21 predecessor, however there are various detail changes in styling to the E30. Major differences to the E21 include the interior and a revised suspension, the latter to reduce the oversteer for which the E21 was criticised. Minor update (1985). In September 1985 the exterior and interior trim were updated. The 323i model was replaced with the 325i at this time and the diesel-engined 324d was introduced. A factory convertible entered the model range. However, the Baur remained on sale, alongside the factory convertible. The M3 convertible was only offered for the European market. Major update (1988). At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1987, BMW introduced a major update to the E30 (often called Series 2). The changes to the lineup were the addition of the Touring (station wagon) variant and removal of the 325e model. The 1988 update models remained largely unchanged until the end of production, with the addition of the 318is model in 1989. External styling changes included redesigned rear lights, front bumper and a reduction in the amount of chrome trim. The back was completely redesigned with new redesigned larger rear fenders and front wings slightly inflated and wider in the end. The four-cylinder engine was upgraded from the BMW M10 to the BMW M4

Body styles

In addition to the two-door saloon and Baur convertible body styles of its E21 predecessors, the E30 later also became available as a four-door saloon and five-door station wagon (marketed as "Touring"). The Touring body style began life as a prototype built by BMW engineer Max Reisböck in his friend's garage in 1984 and began production in 1987. The factory convertible version began production in 1985, with the Baur convertible conversions remaining available alongside it.

Engines

Initially, the E30 used carryover four-cylinder (M10) and six-cylinder (M20) petrol engines from its E21 predecessor. Over the production run, new families of four-cylinder petrol engines were introduced and the six-cylinder engine received various upgrades. A six-cylinder diesel engine was introduced, in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. Factory specifications are shown below. Four-cylinder petrol. At the launch of the E30 range in 1982, the 316 used a 1766 cc version of the M10 fed by a carburetor and producing 66 kW (90 PS). The 318i had the same M10 engine, but with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel-injection, increasing power to 77 kW (105 PS) while also improving fuel economy. The 1987 Series 2 update introduced a new four-cylinder engine: the M40, which used Bosch Motronic fuel-injection. In the 318i, a 1,796 cc (110 cu in) version of the M40 was used. The 316i model replaced the 316, using a 1,596 cc (97 cu in) version of the M40. While smaller and less torquey than the 1.8-litre engine in the 316, it had higher peak power thanks to the fuel injection. The 318iS was released in 1989, using the new M42 engine and only being available with two doors. This is the most modern engine available in the E30 range, incorporating DOHC, the updated Bosch Motronic 1.7, hydraulic valve adjusters and coil-on-plug ignition. In some markets, the M42 engine was used in the 318i models, instead of the M40. The M3 is powered by the S14 engine, a high-revving four-cylinder engine. Six-cylinder petrol. At the launch of the E30 range, the six-cylinder models consisted of the 320i, which had a 2.0 L (122 cu in) version of the M20 producing 92 kW (123 bhp), and the 323i, with a 2.3 L (140 cu in) M20 producing 102 kW (137 bhp), both using Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. These models

Drivetrain

In total, six transmissions were available for the various models of the E30: four manuals, and two automatics. The E30 was offered with rear-wheel drive, or permanent all-wheel drive (325iX saloons and estates only). Manual transmissions. 4-speed Getrag 242 — 316 and 318i models 5-speed Getrag 240 — 316, 318i and 320i models (with a different bellhousing for the 320i, to suit the BMW M20 engine, and another different bellhousing to suit the later M42-engined 318i/is). 5-speed Getrag 260 — 323i, 325e, 325es and 325i models. 5-speed Getrag 265 — M3 model (dog-leg shift pattern for European models and a standard H-pattern for North American models). Automatic transmissions. 3-speed ZF 3HP22 — 1981 to 1985. 4-speed ZF 4HP22 — 320i and 323i models until 1985, available on all models from 1985 onwards.

Suspension

One of the features that added to the roominess of the E30 was the suspension. The front MacPherson struts and rear semi-trailing arm suspension were a compact arrangement that left a lot of cabin and boot space for the car's overall size. The semi-trailing arms have been criticized for the dynamic toe and camber changes inherent to the suspension geometry, causing bump steer in hard cornering situations (such as racing and autocross). Nonetheless, reviewers praised the handling of the E30. A widened version of the E30 front suspension and the drivetrain from the E30 325i were used in the BMW Z1 roadster. The BMW Z3 and BMW Compact (E36/5) rear suspensions are also very similar to the E30, but utilizing five-lug hubs. The Z3-based BMW M Coupé uses a widened version of the same rear semi-trailing arm suspension along with stronger hubs.

Brakes

For the front wheels, all models use disc brakes. Early 316/318 models have solid discs, while all subsequent models have vented discs. For the rear wheels, most models use solid disc brakes, except for some four-cylinder models which use rear drum brakes. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) became available in 1986.

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Specifications

name: BMW 3 Series (E30)
Manufacturer: BMW
Production: 1982–1994
Model years: 1984–1991 (North America)
Class: Compact executive car (D)
Body style: 2/4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 5-door wagon
Layout: Rear-wheel drive, All-wheel drive (325iX only)
Related: BMW M3 (E30), Alpina B3 E30
Engine: Petrol:, 1.6-1.8 L M10 I4, 1.6-1.8 L M40 I4, 1.8 L M42 16v I4, 2.0-2.5 L S14 I4, 2.0-2.7 L M20 I6, 3.2 L M30 I6, Diesel:, 2.4 L M21 I6
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed ZF 3HP automatic, 4-speed ZF 4HP automatic
Wheelbase: 2570 mm
Length: 4320 -
Width: 1645 mm
Height: 1360 -
Kerb weight: 1080 -
Predecessor: BMW 3 Series (E21)
Successor: BMW 3 Series (E36)
Assembly: West Germany: Munich; Regensburg, South Africa: Rosslyn (BMW SA)
Designer: Claus Luthe, Boyke Boyer