30 is a car that has already become legendary. Any person who is more or less versed in cars and is fond of them will recognize him. This body is famous, and at one time it won tens of thousands of hearts of motorists. So, you should tell all the most interesting about this model.

Briefly about the model

BMW E 30 is the 3rd generation of the BMW third series, which was released in the nineties. This model came to replace the previous one. The car has become longer, taller and wider. The wheelbase was also increased - by as much as 13 centimeters. Due to this, the cabin turned out to be more spacious, and passengers began to feel more comfortable.

In total, cars in this body were produced in the amount of 2,283,000 copies. The most popular option was, of course, the four-door sedan. And the coupe - it also quickly became bought and famous. The design of this version was created by the developers from scratch. The chief designer wanted to achieve ideal, perfect proportions. He transformed every body panel. It was decided to create a completely new concept. He did not even take over the headlights from the sedan.

Then they released a convertible. And then came the compact hatchback. In Europe, he quickly became popular, but in America he was not in demand. Station wagons began to appear in the same year.

Last years

A little later, sedans were replaced with a brand new model. And station wagons, along with coupes and convertibles, continued to appear. In addition, so-called compact models were also produced.

Until 1999, the BMW 316 remained the most popular model. Only not the E 30, but the E 36. Many people confuse these models with each other. Even despite the rather modest engine, the volume of which was 1600 cubic centimeters, the car developed power ranging from 90 to 102 horsepower. And only in 1999 this car began to be equipped with a much more powerful power unit. An 8-valve 4-cylinder engine was installed under its hood. Its power was 105 liters. With. The maximum that this car could squeeze out of itself reached a figure of 190 km / h.

The 320i sedan was released from 1991 to 1998. It was equipped with a 6-cylinder 2-liter 24-valve engine, the power of which reached 150 l / h. Naturally, the maximum speed has also increased. Now the BMW E 30 could reach 214 km/h. And those were solid specs.

Models produced in Europe

So, now it’s worth talking about which versions of the BMW E 30 were popular in Europe. The most modest was a car equipped with a 1.8-liter engine that develops 90 horsepower. And it was a BMW 316 E 30. Then another version appeared - 316i. There were options with 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines. The minimum power was 102 liters. s., and the maximum - 115. It was the M40B18 I4 engine. In 1989, the 318 is model was released - with a 1.8-liter 136-horsepower unit. The concern produced this car for only two years.

Then the 320i and 320is became popular with 2-liter engines (125, 129 and 192 horsepower, respectively). After that, the 323i model was released with a 2.3-liter power unit with 150 hp. With. And then came the 2.5L engine. It produced 170 “horses” and was installed under the hood of the 325i, as well as the 325iX. There were also purchased models M. That is, M, M3 Evo, M3 Evo II. 2.3- and 2.5-liter engines were amazing with their power. 205, 215 and 238 "horses" - no wonder these cars have become so popular.

And finally 324d and 324td. Also models that had E 30. Weak motors, but economical - diesel, after all. The BMW E 30 engine installed on the 324d could produce 86 “horses” (2.4 liters), and on the 324td - 115 hp. With. (same volume).

In general, as you can see, the range of motors is rather rather big. However, this is not the whole spectrum. There were also power units that were used to complete cars supplied to other markets. And we need to talk about them too.

Power units for export

A few words should also be said about the engines that were equipped with cars supplied to North America and South Africa (yes, they also drive BMWs there). The 318 BMW has a 101-horsepower 1.8-liter M10B18 I4 engine under the hood, 318iS - a 1.8-liter 136-horsepower. The 325e model boasts a 2.7-liter engine and 122 hp. Under the hood, the 325es has a 2.7-liter 129-horsepower M20B27 I6. The 325ix model was equipped with a 2.5-liter engine and 170 hp. power. The M3 car was equipped with a unit for 195 “horses”, and its volume was 2.3 liters. And finally, the 333i. The 3.2-liter engine, producing 197 hp, is the most impressive version among all listed. And it was exported just to South Africa.

Now some spare parts for the BMW E 30 are quite difficult to find. Particularly the gearbox. Although it fails in rare, isolated cases, getting it is still not an easy task. Because many cars were equipped with 4-speed hydromechanical automatic transmissions. Now these are hard to find. These machines were very popular mainly in the UK and the USA. The sporty focus of BMW's third-series cars lured young buyers. And secured, since the model in those days was not cheap. Now you can find it for 100-200 thousand rubles, but in those days you had to pay several thousand euros for it.

By the way, engines for 6 cylinders were also installed in the cars of this series. They then became direct competitors to higher-end models. The trunk volume of this sedan is 425 liters. A little, of course, but the car is not designed to carry large loads in it. But for a station wagon, the volume varies from 370 liters to 1125.

BMW 316

This is one of the most famous models having E30. This version has a rear-wheel drive system and a fairly good wheelbase of 2571 mm. In general, the dimensions of the car are impressive. The machine is 4326 mm long and 1379 mm high. It easily accommodates five people, and everyone feels comfortable and spacious. Ground clearance is 14 centimeters.

The car is quite dynamic, and thanks not only to its technical characteristics, but also to its low weight. The curb weight is less than a ton - only 989 kilograms.

Under the hood of this model is equipped with a valve timing mechanism. 4-cylinder, 2-valve, in-line. Power is 89 horsepower. The car is equipped with a 4-speed “mechanics”. The maximum it reaches is 175 km / h. Also, independent suspensions - both front and rear, cannot but rejoice. In general, a decent car. Many people like to do 30 on this particular model. Because, frankly, the appearance can be improved. True, the model has one big minus. Nowadays it is very difficult for a person who wants to become the owner of this car to find it in good condition.

BMW E30 325

Another bright representative of the discussed series. Many people think that this car can only be expected by disassembly. BMW E 30 - although not a new car, but quite worthy. If you find a model in good condition, you can see that it has been perfectly preserved. Combat, even somewhat aggressive appearance is unlikely to leave indifferent fans of sports cars.

The salon is comfortable - the seats are easily adjustable, the light control is convenient, the instrument panel is classic, even a reference one. A self-diagnostic computer is located on the ceiling - the system itself monitors the level of coolant and oil, lighting.

Technical features of the 325th BMW

The engine of the car is good, it works like a mechanical watch, and this is one of the main advantages of the car. The expense, of course, is rather big. It takes about 14 liters per 100 km with a quiet ride, and all 25 if you use it at full speed. Good brakes, I must say, are equipped with wear sensors.

The only restoration this car might require is oil changes, struts, and it would be nice to install new wheels. BMW E 30 325 is a great car, many people like it. Perhaps that is why almost no one wants to sell it. After all, you have to part with the legendary car.

Advantages

Even today, when automobile concerns release amazing cars almost every few months, the E30 BMW can please and cause pleasant impressions for inexperienced people. The first thing that owners of this car notice is comfort. The driver is really comfortable to sit behind the wheel. There are no noises, nothing creaks, the plastic is of high quality, because even after almost 30 years it looks fresh and not shabby.

The dynamics are excellent, the car does not stall, the acceleration is decent, the handling is excellent, even in the stream you can easily change lanes without swaying and risks. Safe, accurate and fast. The chassis is also good - it smooths out bumps and pits almost imperceptibly. Suspension many owners call "indestructible." It's not worth trying though. But many flew into the pits at a decent speed above 100 km / h, and everything worked out. You need to understand that if you constantly practice this, then the car will not last long.

In general, the car is well preserved for its age. It's all about how carefully the previous owner handled it.

tuning

It happens like this: a person has solid savings, and in general he is not a poor person, but he likes “adult”, “old school” cars. He buys a BMW E30 and begins to improve it to his taste. He invests tens, hundreds of thousands of rubles in it, and the result is magnificent. Maybe you want the car to have a new BMW E 30 torpedo. Modern panels in old cars look quite interesting. And besides, it is very convenient. It would be nice to put a new rear bumper. Its price, however, is rather big - about 20 thousand rubles, but it looks decent. The new one will also look stylish. Its price is the same as that of the rear.

In general, body work in the case of the E30 is the most popular. And one of the most expensive. Old cars, even high-quality ones, are rarely in perfect body condition. Somewhere, yes, there is rot or rust, and simple painting is not enough. In fact, in the process of tuning, people do not only make a new body - they create a new car, taking the BMW E30 as a “template”. And, it should be noted, these cars look just amazing. So tuning is a useful and necessary thing. The main thing is that a professional in his field does it.