This year BMW celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series, and we check the history of the model at BMWblog. The last time we looked at the first generation 3 Series (E21), which replaced the 02 series and enabled BMW to tackle the security, environmental and fuel crises of the auto industry in the 1970s and 1980s.
This time we check your successor, the E30 3 Series. Remember that BMW sold over 1.3 million units of the E21 with a customer satisfaction rate of 80 percent, the E30 was the model that really determined the unique identity of the 3 Series and significantly expanded its basis.
Admittedly, this was mainly due to the fact that the E30 had more configurations than its predecessor. In fact, it was the first 3 series that was available as a 4-door limousine or as a discount and as a high-performance M3. In addition, it was the first to include all -wheel drive and a diesel engine. In addition, the E30 platform was even used for the Z1 Roadster, which caused memories of the legendary BMW 507 after the war and had a limited production of 8,000 units.
Structure on the E21 – its design and its performance
Just as the styling of the E21 was a development of the 02 series, the E30 is based on the design framework defined by its predecessor. This meant that the exterior was sporty and a bit useful, while the interior had a cockpit oriented by the driver. The general aesthetics were even more sophisticated than that of the E21, but it was nothing too drastic.
With regard to the performance -related E30, the E30 of the E21 was clearly superior thanks to an improved chassis and a more varied drive train line -up. The area began with four-cylinder options, but the high-end models received the updated six-cylinder M20 engine that we saw in the E21.
As far as the technical data is concerned, the M20 generated 148 hp in the E30 323i and £ 151, and in the 325i it produced 168 hp and 164 pound foot torque. These figures were not exactly groundbreaking, but the E21 323i produced 143 hp and £ 140, the E21 323i torque and rose from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 9 seconds.
In any case, as already mentioned, the E30 area finally rose with the still strong M3.
The M3 of the first generation-a Touring car icon that will keep up with the Ferrari F40?
The E30 M3 was developed for homologation purposes and achieved considerable success in the DTM Racing series in Germany. The vehicle is based on the second-door 3 series and was driven by the inline four S14 engine. The basic model produced 192 HP, while models in limited edition such as M3 sports development were generated up to 238 hp. The time of 0 to 60 miles per hour was about 6.7 seconds.
Remarkably, the first generation M3 was remarkable enough that it was called one of one of one Automotive magazine 25 greatest cars of all time: driver cars and we previously claimed that it was as iconic a sports car of the 1980s as the Ferrari F40.
Since it had a total production run of almost 18,000 units, it is also very popular with the collectors. For example, an E30 M3 for $ 250,000 was sold in a Branda Trailer auction in 2020. This is more than the RRP of a Porsche 911 Turbo (197,200 USD) or even the 911 GT3 RS (USD 222,500).
Of course, those who want to own the second generation 3 series without spending so much money on the lower variants. At the end of the day, BMW made 2.34 million units E30 between 1982 and 1994, which is why the supply is not limited, and frankly, most E30 models would be an unforgettable driving and a fascinating addition to the garage of an enthusiast.
