Which E30s didn't have ABS?

[B5234FT]

Hi,

Which models in the E30 range weren't fitted with ABS?

Also, if the ABS fuse is pulled, do you get sensible brake bias, or does the ABS block provide bias control like many modern cars such that you end up very rear biased without it?

Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

Those where the original purchaser was too tight/stupid to tick the appropriate box.
There is no 'ABS fuse' to pull, but if the ABS is disabled by other means, the brakes behave like no ABS was fitted.

[Speedtouch]

AFAIK, most late '80s/early '90s facelift E30s apart from perhaps the base model 316i were fitted with it as standard, however, pre-facelift, it was generally only fitted to the 325i/325i Sport models.

[BenHar]

Any with drum brakes on rear do not have ABS.

Don't know if any with discs all round came without.

Ben

[bss325i]

ABS was an optional extra on all E30's with only the M3's and 325i's from early '86 having it as standard.

[maxfield]

If the ABS is disabled it is also an MOT failure.

[Brianmoooore]

Any with drum brakes on rear do not have ABS.

If the ABS option was ticked on any of these lowly models, you got the rear discs instead of drums, so the only certainty is that if you have an E30 with rear drum brakes, then it doesn't have ABS.

[clipper]

Any with drum brakes on rear do not have ABS.

Don't know if any with discs all round came without.

Ben

Even on the 325i with discs all round it was optional. Mine is an '86 325i and doesn't have it.

[B5234FT]

Thanks for the info. I'm aware of the MOT issues. TBH it's something I'd like to have for road use, but be able to turn off on track.

My currect clio for instance has ESP and when you pull the fuse it has no bias control and the static bias based on the disk and caliper sizes is to the rear making it almost impossible to drive quickly. The only way to disable the ABS is permanently, by removing it and fitting a proper bias valve.