Review of BMW E 30: characteristics, description and tuning

The BMW E 30 is a car that has already become legendary. It is recognized by any person, who understands cars and who is keen on them. This body is famous, and in his time he conquered tens of thousands of hearts of car enthusiasts. So, it is necessary to tell all the most interesting about this model.

Briefly about the model

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

Total cars in this body were released in an amount of 2,283,000 copies. The most popular option was, of course, a four-door sedan. And the coupe - it also quickly became bought and known. Design of this version of the developers created from scratch. The chief designer wanted to achieve perfect, perfect proportions. He transformed every body panel. It was decided to create a completely new concept. Even the lights and headlights he did not take from the sedan.

Then they released a cabriolet into the light. And then a compact hatchback came out. In Europe, it quickly became popular, but in America it was not in demand. Universal began to be published in the same year.

Last years

A little later the sedan was replaced with a new model. And the station wagons, together with the coupe and cabrio, continued to go out. In addition, the so-called compact models were also produced.

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

The 320i sedan came out from 1991 to 1998. It was completed with a 6-cylinder 2-liter 24-valve engine, the power of which reached 150 l / h. Naturally, the maximum speed also increased. Now the BMW E 30 could reach a record of 214 km / h. And it was solid technical characteristics.

Models produced in Europe

So, now it is worth to tell about which versions of the BMW E 30 were popular in Europe. The most modest was the car, equipped with a 1.8-liter engine, developing 90 horsepower. And it was BMW 316 E 30. Then there was another version - 316i. There were variants with 1.6- and 1.8-liter motors. The minimum power was 102 liters. With., And the maximum - 115. It was the motor M40B18 I4. In 1989, the light went to the model 318 is - with a 1.8-liter 136-strong unit. Only two years the concern produced this machine.

Then became popular 320i and 320is with 2-liter engines (125, 129 and 192 horsepower respectively). After the light came model 323i with a 2.3-liter power unit for 150 liters. from. And then a 2.5-liter engine appeared. He produced 170 "horses" and was installed under the hood of the model 325i, as well as 325iX. Still there were models for purchasing 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" - it's no surprise that these cars have become so popular.

And, finally, 324d and 324td. Also models that had the body of the BMW E 30. Slab engines, but economical - diesel after all. The BMW E 30 engine, mounted on the 324d, could produce 86 "horses" (2.4 liters), and on the 324td - 115 liters. from. (The same volume).

In general, as you can see, the line of motors is pretty big. However, this is not the whole spectrum. There were also power units, which were equipped with machines supplied to other markets. And they also need to be told about them.

Power units for export

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

What is interesting to know

Now some spare parts for the BMW E 30 is quite difficult to find. In particular, the gearbox. Although it breaks down in rare, isolated cases, it is not easy to get it. Because many cars were equipped with 4-speed hydromechanical automatic gearboxes. Now it is difficult to find such people. These machines were very popular mainly in the UK and the USA. The sports focus of the cars of the third BMW series attracted young buyers. And secured, as the model in those days was not cheap. It is now possible to find it for 100-200 thousand rubles, and in those days for it it was necessary to give a few thousand euros.

In the cars of this series, by the way, also installed engines for 6 cylinders. They then became direct competitors of higher-end models. The volume of the trunk of this sedan is 425 liters. A little, of course, but the machine is not designed to carry large-sized loads. But at the station wagon the volume varies from 370 liters up to 1125.

BMW 316

This is one of the most famous models that have the body of the BMW 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 length of the machine is 4326 mm, and in height - 1379 mm. It easily accommodates five people, and all feel comfortable and spacious. The ground clearance is 14 centimeters.

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

Under the hood of this model is installed an atmospheric engine, equipped with a mechanism of the phases of the gas distribution. 4-cylinder, 2-valve, row-located. The power is 89 horsepower. The car is equipped with a 4-speed "mechanics". The maximum he reaches is 175 km / h. Also can not but rejoice independent suspension - both front and rear. In general, the car is decent. Many people like to do tuning BMW E 30 on this model. Because, frankly, you can improve the appearance. True, the model has one big minus. In our time it is very difficult for a person who wants to become the owner of this machine, to find it in good condition.

BMW E30 325

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

The cabin is comfortable - the seats are easily adjustable, the light control is comfortable, the instrument panel is classic, even the reference one. On the ceiling is a self-diagnostic computer - 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 machine. Expenditure, of course, rather big. It leaves 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 thing this restoration can require this machine, so it's oil changes, racks, and it would be nice to install new drives. BMW E 30 325 - the car is excellent, many people like it. Perhaps that's why almost no one wants to sell it. After all, you have to part with the legendary car.

Benefits

Even today, when automobile concerns almost every few months produce amazing cars, the E30 BMW can please and give pleasant impressions to inexperienced people. The first thing that the owners of this car notices is comfort. The driver is really comfortable to sit at the wheel. There are no noises, nothing creaks, plastic quality, since 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 remarkable, even in the stream it is easy to rebuild without swings and risks. Safe, accurate and fast. The running gear is also good - irregularities and holes smooth out almost unnoticeably. A suspension many owners name "not killed". Although it is not worth testing. But many flew into the pits at a decent speed above 100 km / h, and everything treated. It should be understood that if you constantly practice this, then for a long time the car will not last.

In general, the car for its years has remained well. Here the whole point is how carefully the previous owner treated him.

Tuning

It happens that a person has solid savings, and in general he is not a poor person, but he likes "old", "old-school" cars. He buys BMW E30 and begins to improve it to your taste. He puts tens, hundreds of thousands of rubles into it, and the result is magnificent. Maybe I want the car to have a new torpedo BMW E 30. Modern panels in old cars look pretty interesting. And besides, it's very convenient. It would be nice to put a new rear bumper. Its price, however, rather big - about 20 thousand rubles, but it looks decent. The new front bumper will also look stylish. The price of it is the same as that of the rear.

In general, bodywork 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 an ideal body condition. Somewhere yes there is rot or rust, and simple painting here is indispensable. In fact, in the process of tuning people do not that the new body - they create a new car, taking as a "template" BMW E30. And, it should be noted, these cars look just amazing. So tuning is a useful and necessary thing. The main thing is that he is engaged in a professional in his field.