BMW 3 series E30 history and specs

Aside from USA models, the 1987 update models remained largely unchanged until the end of production. In South Africa, only the coupes and sedans were built, four cylinder gasoline (petrol) models production continued there until 1992.

* The first E30s were produced in December 1981 (323i models only), but the numbers are not known

The total production from 1982 to 1994 was 2,339,520 units.

At the launch of the E30 range, the 320i (2.0 L M20 with 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp)) and 323i (2.3 L M20 with 105 kW (143 PS; 141 hp)) were available, both using Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. These models were not sold in North America, presumably for emissions reasons. In 1985, the 323i was replaced with a 2.5 L version of the M20, which produced 126 kW (169 hp) and used Bosch Motronic fuel injection. This engine was available in the 325i variants (including the all-wheel drive 325iX).

An economy version called the 325e (the e signifying efficiency/economy) was released as a lower revving, more fuel efficient engine. To maximise low-rev torque, the engine was the largest available in the chassis (aside from the rare South African version which was available with the 3.2 L M30). The 2.7 L had a longer stroke than the 2.5 L, with a more restrictive head, four cam bearings instead of seven (less internal friction), and single valve springs where the 2.5l had doubled up springs. This resulted in 90.22 kW (123 PS; 121 hp) at 4250 rpm and, more importantly, 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) at 3250 rpm (peak torque for a 325i is 215 N·m (159 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm).

The 1987 "Series 2" update boosted the 320i to 95 kW (129 PS; 127 hp) and the 325i to 126 kW (171 PS; 169 hp) and improved fuel economy.

In 1985, BMW introduced the 324d, which has the 2443 cm3 M21 diesel inline-six with swirl chamber injection; it produces 63 kW (86 PS). In 1987 a turbocharged version called the 324td with 85 kW (116 PS) arrived. This model also has an all-new electronically controlled injection pump (DDE) developed by Bosch, which provides higher power and smoother running.

In total, eight transmissions were available for the various models of the E30: five manuals, and three automatics.

Manual transmissions

The standard gearbox for the 316 and some 318i models is the Getrag 220 4-speed, these models had the option of the 5-speed Getrag 240. The Getrag 220 does not have synchromesh on reverse.

The 5-speed 318i models use the Getrag 240 gearbox. This gearbox is also used on the 320i, however with a different bell housing to suit the M20 engine.

The 323i, 325e, 325es and 325i use the stronger Getrag 260 5-speed.

Some European market facelift M20 cars (320i and 325i) were also available with a ZF manual transmission, however this was not a listed option, or specific to any particular market or factory, and is thus very rare to find.

The M3 was fitted with a Getrag 265 five-speed manual gearbox. This featured a dogleg shift pattern for European models and a standard H-pattern for North American models.

Automatic transmissions

Both automatic transmissions were manufactured by ZF - they were the 3-speed 3 HP 22, which was available on the M10 316 and 318i models until year 1985, and the 4-speed 4 HP 22, which was available on all models later. 320i and 325i have the option of the sport automatic, that was an electronic box rather than the usual fully mechanical box. This is much less common to find in USA than Euro market cars, though it is still fairly uncommon in Euro market cars too.

Factory differential ratios

There are a number of options for the gear ratio for E30 differentials, with an optional limited-slip option.

From the factory, the E30 came with medium case differentials with the following ratios in the following cars:

• 325e: 2.93, 2.79 (Early cars)
• 325i manual: 3.73
• 325i automatic: 3.73 (Early 325i), 4.10
• 325ix manual: 3.91 (Viscous)
• 325ix automatic: 4.10 (Viscous)
• M3: 4.10

The 4-cylinder cars (other than the M3,) came with small case differentials in the following ratios:

• 84-85 318i manual: 3.64
• 84-85 318i automatic: 3.91
• 91 318i, 318is: 4.10
• 91-94 318ic automatic: 4.27

Compatible differentials

All E30 differentials, small case or medium case, are interchangeable. The E28 5-Series and E24 6-Series shared the same differential, and can be used in the E30 after swapping the rear cover and output flanges. This provides options for ratios such as 3.25 and 3.46 that wake up the 325e, or provide a proper final drive ratio for engine-swapped cars without overdrive.

In New Zealand, where the M3 was never officially sold, the local importer created a sporting version of the sedan called M325i. About 100 such cars were imported beginning in late 1986 until at least 1990. Fitted with the standard non-catalyzed 171 PS (126 kW) 2.5 litre engine they benefitted from a Motorsport fettled suspension, the M-Technic body package, 15-inch BBS cross-spoke wheels with wide, low profile (225/50) tyres, and a limited-slip differential. The M325i is quite similar to the British market 325i Sport, also developed as a response to the absence of a right-hand-drive M3.

BMW South Africa's Motorsport division created the 333i in 1986 by fitting the 3.2 L M30 "big six" engine to a coupe E30. The resulting 333i was a success in South African saloon car racing. These cars were built with help from Alpina in Buchloe, Germany. Due to the space constraints caused by the large M30 engine, the buyer was forced to choose between air conditioning (vital in South Africa) and power steering. Only 204 of these cars were produced.

The 333i produces 145 kW (194 hp) at 5500 rpm and 285 N·m (210 lb·ft) at 4300 rpm. Official performance claims are 0–100 km/h in 7.4 s and a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph).

The 2.7 litre 325iS (commonly called "Evo 1") was created by BMW South Africa to replace the 2.5 litre 126 kW 325i in Group N production car racing, as a response to the introduction of the Opel Kadett 2 litre 16V to the Class A category. It was launched in the first half of 1990 and was powered by an Alpina-fettled, 2.7 litre M20 engine which produced 145 kW (194 hp). BMW claimed a 0-100 time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of approximately 230 km/h. The 325iS used aluminium doors, fenders and bonnet and was fitted with the 5-stud race-tuned suspension from the European BMW E30 M3 (which was not sold in South Africa).

Following the introduction of the upgraded Opel Kadett 16V SuperBoss, in 1991 BMW South Africa introduced the 325iS Evolution HP (commonly referred to as the "Evo 2"). The motor was upgraded to produce 155 kW (208 hp), due to improvements to the induction system, increased compression ratio, an upgraded cylinder head, an increased rev limit and a revised exhaust system. Despite the increased power, BMW's official performance figures were unchanged over the 325iS.

The Evolution HP was equipped with a front splitter/underbody tray to aid high-speed under-floor aerodynamics. The aluminium panels were no longer used, due to cost and repair-ability issues. The differential ratio was shortened and shorter springs were used in the front suspension.

The Evolution HP won the Group N Class A title in 1993, winning 20 of the 24 races and setting several lap records in the process. The Robbi Smith and Geoff Goddard Evolution HP won the season-ending 9hr race by 10 laps.

The JPS Edition is an Australian-only model built as a tribute to the 635CSi cars competing in local touring car racing. The JPS in the name refers to the sponsor of the race cars, John Player Special cigarettes. The cars are based on a 323i coupe and are coloured black with gold pinstripe and gold BBS wheels. Other features included Recaro sports seats, JPS badging, a limited slip diff, sports suspension, sunroof and unique body kit.

The number of JPS cars produced is unknown, however it is speculated to be over 70.