E30

BMW E30

History

The E30 replaced the E21 as BMW's Three Series car in 1981, and was the basis for the original M3.

Models

The E30 range was determined primarily by its engine range.

Base models

Name	Volume	Engine code	Years	No. Produced
316	1766cc 1596cc	M10B18 M40B16	1982–1990 1988–1995
318	1766cc 1796cc	M10B18 M40B18	1982–1990 1987–1995	89,637
320i	1990cc	M20B20	1982–1991
323i	2316cc	M20B23	1982–19850	60,706
325i	2494cc	M20B25	1982–1990	196,996
324d	2443cc	M21D24	1985–1993	75,696
324td	2443cc	M21D24	1985–1993	21,514

Sports

Name	Volume	Engine code	Years	No. Produced
318iS	1766cc	M42B18	1989–1991	41,234
M3	2302cc	S14	1986–1991	17,184
M3 Evolution	2302cc	S14	1987–1987
M3 Evolution II	2302cc	S14	1988–1988
M3 Sport Evolution	2467cc	S14	1990–1990

Overseas Models

South Africa

Name	Volume	Engine code	Years	No. Produced
320iS	1990cc	S14	1982–1990	3,748
333i	3210cc	M30	1985–1987	204

North America

Name	Volume	Engine code	Years	No. Produced
325e	2693cc	M20B27	1982–1990	189,287
325iX	2494cc	M20B25	1982–1990	29,589

Dimensions and Weights

Dimensions	Saloon	Touring	Cabriolet
Length	4325mm		4450mm
Width	1645mm
Height (unloaded)	1380mm		1370mm
Wheelbase	2570mm
Front overhang	761mm		845mm
Rear overhang	994mm		1075mm
Front track	1407mm
Rear track	1415mm
Min. turning circle (wheels)	9.8m
Min. turning circle (overall)	10.5m
Boot capacity	404 litres		312 litres

Weights	316	318	318 with catalyst	320i	325e	325i	325iX	324d	325i	325i Convertible
Unladen weight	1000kg	1010kg	1020kg	1080kg	1120kg	1125kg	1215kg	1155kg	1275kg	1355kg
Max. weight limit	1460kg	1470kg	1480kg	1540kg	1580kg	1585kg	1675kg	1615kg	1715kg	1735kg
Front axle load limit	750kg	7760kg	760kg	810kg	800kg	800kg	855kg	820kg	830kg	860kg
Rear axle load limit	825kg	825kg	825kg	825kg	890kg	890kg	900kg	890kg	960kg	945kg
Trailer load limits
Unbraked	500kg
Braked	1200kg
Max. roof load	75kg									50kg

• for 4-door saloons, add 20kg
• for automatic transmissions, add 20kg

Technical

Main article: Technical

Like any BMW, the E30 is a complex precision machine, precision-built and designed to last. But even the simplest of machines needs maintenance occasionally, so keep your E30 running the way it should, it helps to familiarise yourself with the design, and the components. The Technical section of the E30 Zone Wiki is your one-stop source for maintenance tips, common problems, upgrades and troubleshooting.

Engines

Main article: Engines

The E30 was available with a range of 4- and 6-cylinder engines to entice both the frugal and the frivolous. The most humble of these was the early 316, which featured a carbureted 4-cylinder M10 engine, while the most powerful standard car was the 325i, with its 6-cylinder M20.

As the E30 developed, more powerful variants evolved. The M10 was eventually replaced by the fuel-injected M40.

Drivetrain

Gearbox

Main article: Gearbox

Differential

Main article: Differential

When upgrading your engine, upgrading your differential at the same time is almost mandatory.

Brakes

Main article: Brakes

While moving in the E30 is an utterly delight, the need to stop moving is sometimes necessary. For that reason, the E30 was fitted with front discs on all models. The smaller-powered 316 and 318 saloons were fitted with rear drum brakes, while all six-cylinder models and Tourings had rear discs as standard.

Suspension

Main article: Suspension

All E30s are fitted with McPherson struts for front suspension, bolting up to a single control arm at the bottom. This is reinforced by an anti-roll bar connecting the control arm to the front subframe. The rear wheels have independent suspension of springs and shocks, and are connected to the rear subframe via trailing arms. Another anti-roll bar clamps the trailing arms to the body.

Steering

Main article: Steering

Body Styles and Fittings

Main article: Bodywork

Interior

Main article: Interior

The interior of the vehicle is where the E30 owner experiences the car. From its upholstery to its instruments and everything in between, learn more about the Interior here.

Electrical

Main article: Electrics

M-Technic

Main article: M-Tech