It’s hard to argue that the E30 BMW 3 Series isn’t particularly important to the brand. It was one of the models that cemented BMW’s luxury sports status in the United States; it brought us the first ever BMW M3; it introduced four-wheel drive; and of course won countless motorsport awards in the DTM and other racing series. Probably the most underrated car in the E30 3 Series? The E30 Cabriolet, which is also celebrating its 40th birthdayTh Anniversary in 2026.
The E30 BMW 3 Series drives topless
When BMW introduced the E30 3 Series Cabriolet, it marked a turning point not only for the model range, but also for the brand’s approach to open-top cars. After all, it was the first self-developed convertible since 1956, three decades earlier. The E30 Cabriolet was BMW’s first factory-built convertible in modern times. Engineers have extensively reinforced the chassis to maintain rigidity. The vehicle’s clean, pillarless design retained the E30’s clean proportions and driver-focused character. BMW also didn’t see the E30 convertible as a novelty. It was offered with a wide range of engines, from four-cylinder models to a delightful inline-six, ensuring it drove like a true 3 Series. Its debut helped cement BMW’s reputation for combining everyday practicality with enthusiast appeal – no roof required.
Even though the E30 3 Series Convertible officially celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, that doesn’t mean that it was previously impossible to drive a convertible with a folding roof. Before the E30 Cabrio came onto the market, customers could order a car called the Baur TC2. Baur, a Stuttgart coachbuilder, was the authorized dealer for soft-top versions of BMW’s mainstream cars. The company took care of everything from the 02 series onwards and even took care of the production of the legendary BMW M1 separately. Even after the debut of the “real” 3 Series Convertible from BMW, you could still order a Baur TC2. The Baur cars even had their own option code: “829 Preparation for Convertible Conversion,” which directly translates to “Preparation for Convertible Conversion.”
The E30 convertible through the ages
At the time of release, the E30 Cabrio was only available with a six-cylinder engine. The 325i Cabriolet was the first of these cars, followed in 1990 by a four-cylinder version, the 318i. BMW even briefly produced an E30 M3 Cabriolet; As of 1988, 786 examples were produced. In the last two model years (1991 and 1992) the convertible dispensed with the “springboard” front bumpers, which were eliminated for the rest of the range in 1989.
The E30 Cabrio set the standard for how the brand handles its open-roof cruisers. These days, E30 3-Series convertibles can generally be had for less than an equivalent coupe, sedan or Touring. Blame this on the added complexity and weight of the convertible top or its slightly less serious aesthetic. The exception is of course the M3 convertible; Rarity goes a long way. Funnily enough, this also makes the E30 Cabrio the best value for money of the generation; After all, by 2026 standards, it’s not like any E30 would be particularly fast. The car’s most endearing assets – classic design, naturally aspirated and linear performance, and effortlessly good steering – remain intact even without the roof. So it’s probably no surprise that the E30 Cabrio still deserves recognition 40 years later.
