The BMW E30 3 Series

The new BMW 3 series was introduced late 1982, codenamed the 'E30', it became commonly available by 1983. The first offerings were made in the 316, 318i, 320i and 323i, with a wide assortment of power options, ranging from from 66kW to 110kW. The new 3 series Bimmer left behind the '70s era look and took on a more concerted and reserved appearance, the front of the E21 slimmed and refined to melt into that of the new E30. Some say the front lost some 'grandness', a borrowed characteristic of the first 7 & 6 series. But others appreciated the break towards modernization and the leap by BMW to set the 3 series out upon its own new, bright and promising destiny.

The 318i, had a 1.8-litre overhead camshaft fuel-injected four-cylinder engine that had peak power of 77kW and maximum torque of 145Nm. Originally the choice for buyers gave a five-speed manual or 3 speed automatic, with independent suspension all-round and disc brakes. Standard on the 318i and others were power mirrors, tachometer, radio cassette, full wheel trim and chrome exhaust-pipe outfitting.

The 320i and the 323i quickly distinguished themselves from the rest of the fleet with their impressive six cylinder engines, while modest in their displacement, did give the threes' some currency against the bigger 5 series, both had rev counter and check control as standard. While these models had two doors, BMW made ammends and souped-up the series with four-door editions in 1985. This potentially blurred the line between 3 & the 5 series, with some buyers looking to the larger threes as a humble alternative. Also in 1985, came power steering as an option, with central locking and an Alpine radio cassette as new standards. BMW added sports suspension in 1986, while power steering became standard along with a leather steering wheel, air conditioning and an improved radio cassette in 1989.

1985 saw minor modifications to the 3, with the 320i beefed up to 95kW, while a diesel edition (notably the first BMW 3 series diesel) was released shortly after in the six-cylinder 63kW 324d (also notably the least powerful member of the E30 fleet). A BMW Christmas truly reigned down this year, with the subsequent introduction of the 325i , 325e, 325ix and 325i convertible. The 325ix was an all-wheel-drive unit, while the 325i convertible was the first of its kind and the 325i was the prudent replacement for the 323i, with a fury of 124kW.

In 1990, the 318is performed well in the features bracket, revitalizing the last the E30's prior to discontinuation in 1991. It was a sporty example, a Coupe beautifully equipped with sunroof and air conditioning for comfort, with the fun and smooth 5 speed gearbox as obligatory. The 318is powers along the road with a 24-valve double overhead camshaft 1.8-litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine. Maximum output was 100kW, with torque at 172Nm, enough to have the 318is capable of 202km/h.

Technical Profile: The E 30

We were only able to get our hands on an 1984 E30 323i, only it gives a fair idea ofthe stock and stable standard of the E30 fleet. The 323i slots in the mid-range of the offering available from BMW in that era in the three series line. While not as flashy as the well-equiped and luxurious 328i, the 323i departs from the noticable simplicity of the entry-level 320i.

Fuel Consumption

With modest sized engines (indicative of model number, so a 318i will have a 1.8 litre engine, a 325i = 2.5 litre etc.) toe E30 achieves well in the fuel consumption stakes. Our figures were based on city and country driving. In the city, the car tends to stop often and accelerate quickly, using more fuel. Our country stats were based on constant high speed driving, along, say a highway.

litres/100km

Model Type (E30)