The E30 was the second edition of BMW's 3-series, the class of small, sporty saloons that had begun with the E21. Launched in 1982, the E30 was available in a number of body styles incorporating a 2-door Coupe and a 4-door Saloon, as well as a Touring and Cabriolet. Its replacement, the E36, was launched in 1991, with the final E30 leaving the factory doors in 1994.
During its lifetime it was treated to a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines including a Diesel variant, and went through a major facelift in 1987 that affected the Bumpers and Lights. Performance models included the four-wheel-drive 325iX and the timeless classic M3.
It was even tinkered by such master modifiers as Alpina, Hartge and AC Schnitzer. For a limited run, Baur produced a soft-top version of the Coupe before the official Cabriolet was launched. Overseas saw special runs of now sought-after classics including the Portuguese 320iS and the South African 333i. In the UK, buyers were treated to the elevated LUX and SE trim levels, with the ultimate equipment level being the Sports models.
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