BMW celebrates 50 years of the 3 series series in 2025 and creates a great opportunity to rethink key moments in the history of the 3 Series. A central chapter dates from 1984 when the prototype engineer Max Reisböck took care of transforming an E30 into a more practical car. While BMW had previously offered a Touring model, the 2002 tour from the early 1970s was actually a flow rear. Reisböck, without a real car in the line -up at this time, decided to build one all by itself.
In a video that was published on the official social media accounts of BMW, Reisböck explains how the 3 Series E30 Touring was created. His concept was simple and yet smart: move the C-pillar onto the back of the car. Easier said than done, since the vehicle required a rear windshield, which BMW did not offer because the model did not officially exist. Fortunately, the rear glass of a Volkswagen Passat was compatible with the prototype. As for the quarterly glass, it came from an E30 coupé and was adapted to the car.
Reisböck started with a damaged 323i sedan and spent six months to convert it into a car. Apart from the expansion of the roof and the installation of new glass, he produced a back hatch with leftovers. As soon as the construction was completed, he brought the car to BMW for checking.
His manager spent half an hour to inspect the individual long roof before explaining: “BMW no longer leaves this vehicle.” Within three months, the company is a production version that remained remarkably loyal to the prototype. The most important change was a longer tailgate to improve freight access.
The production of the 3 Series touring was started until 1987. BMW built over 104,000 units before ending production in 1993. Until then, the larger 5 -series touring (E34) had been on the market for around three years. Fast lead to 2025, and both cars remain part of the BMW line-up despite the dominance of SUVs.
