Background

The E30 was the successor to the popular E21 three series and start life in 1983. The E30 was more of an upgraded E21 than an all new car and used some of the same engines. Major changes included improved front and rear suspension design, more modern interior design and a deeper front spoiler. In europe the touring and convertible models lived on until 1993 while the saloons were discontinued in 1991 to be replaced by the E36.

The E30 saw BMW moving to a more expensive market segment than it's predecessor, a trend followed when the E21 and later E36 models came out and followed to this day. The E30 must still be regarded as a classic car with a cult following to match. For me no other car represents BMWs and what they stand for than the E30, I've owned three. The four headlight grill is even carried on today in all models as a symbol of the marque.

Models

The E30 arrived in two door form only in January 1983. It stayed that way until January 1984 when the four door was introduced to widen the car's market. Also around 1986 the convertible appeared with its manual and optional electric folding roof. The convertible had large strengthening sections added to prevent the scuttle shake present on so many of it's rivals, this added to the weight of course.

Towards the end of the models life the "lifestyle" touring five door mini-estate was added. The car never had a large load area but looked great. It was even possible to buy an Alpina 2.7 litre estate! I've owned a 318i touring and loved it. In the UK touring and convertible models retain the values amazingly well. Low depreciation has always been a BMW strong point and these models performed very well indeed in this regard.

Another rare model was the later 325iX four wheel drive with rear wheel bias. These cars shared their transmission with the E34 525iX. There was also a 324td turbo disel saloon available only in mainland europe.

US versions of this car were denied some of the engines and had the ugly US super-bumpers inflicted upon them. The US specification E30 bumpers weren't quite as bad as those on earlier BMWs. There was also the US only 325es sports models with the eta engine.

Of course the Ultimate three series must be the M3. The car was constantly upgraded with various Evolution versions produced for racing homologation. Alas almost all M3s were left hand drive. E30 M3 fanatics should note that these cars have an E24/28 type wheel fitment and do not accept normal E30 wheels.

My favourite E30 was the 1989/90 318iS with the M42 16 valve engine and M-Tech stiffened suspension. This car had bucket seats and a three spoke leather sports steering wheel as standard to match its racy image. The 318iS was a low cost sports car with fun handling and a willing engine the like of which BMW hasn't produced since.

All european E30s except the M3 and convertible received a minor face lift in mid 1987. The chrome bumpers were replaced with more modern black ones which were often colour coded later the models life. Almost all post-87 cars had power steering as standard (except the 318 carb) and a lighter spring on the accelerator pedal. Only the final few years of the convertible gained the newer style tail lights.

A model especially worthy of note is the 1989/90 325iS or Sport. These cars had a subtle factory body pack, M-tech suspension, standard ABS, LSD, sporty interior and new bumpers. These cars were quite something.

Over 2.2 million E30s were made during its ten year life.

E30 M3, best looking BMW ever?	Or did Alpina do a better job?
Euro 316, I used to have one of these.	UK 1991 325i Sport. I want one!

Engines

The smaller E30s used the M10 four cylinder engines descended from the 2002 and E21. In mid-87 these were replaced by the 318i and 316i with the M40 injection engine and more power to match. The ultimate four cylinder E30 was the 318iS with the new M42 16 valve DOHC engine pushing out 140bhp with a lust for high revs, great fun in a nice light car!

All 320i, 323i and 325i models used the excellent M20 "little six" 12 valve engine. Older models had Jetronic-L but after the 87 facelift they received Motronic. The rare South African built 333i used the M30 "big six" engine from the six and seven series cars. European consumers also had the option of a 2.4 litre diesel unit.

The US market saw many of these cars arrive in "eta" form. The 2.7 litre eta engine was designed to use less fuel while still offering good performance, surely only Americans could ask for a 2.7 litre economy engine!This was a fairly durable engine whose only failing was its unwillingness to rev at high speeds.

*ABS was fitted as an option to later models only, may have been standard on late US models. Some models had a limited slip diff, LSD part numbers have an S or Z if you want to check yours.

See the engine details page for power figures. US power figures for this car were slightly lower than euro figures and the cars were a little heavier. In addition the 316, 316i, 320i, 333i and all touring models were never available in the US.

Known Problems

The 8 valve M10 1800cc engines in this car can suffer from valve tick if badly adjusted.

Ensure cam belts on the M20 and M40 engines are changed every 50,000 miles.

Head bolts should never be reused if the head is removed.

Six cylinder oil filter housings can leak but it's not that common.

Watch for rust just behind the front shock towers, it's easily fixable if caught early and often minor.

Rust can form arounf the rear number plate lights.

Overheating in traffic may be a sign of a broken cooling fan clutch.

Rattles from the rear may be worn rear shock absorber mounts.

A wobbly front or vibration when braking end could well be worn control arm bushings.

Reversing light switch mechanism can fail.

Lack of power on Motronic cars is often due to a worn rotor arm.

Fuel tank eventually rusts where the flexible filler pipe joins it. It'a a real hassle to replace.

Beware of profile gasket failure on 318iS M42 engines (see E36 page).

A loud ticking sound, especially on a cold start, on an M42 1.8 16 valve engine is often a failing chain tensioner. Cheap and easy fix. Often mistaken for tappet problems.

Links

Great site at www.bmwe30.net

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