Briefly about the model
The BMW E 30 is the 3rd generation of the BMW third series, which was released in the nineties. This model replaced the previous one. The car has become longer, taller and wider. The wheelbase was also increased - by as much as 13 centimeters. Due to this, the cabin turned out to be more spacious, and passengers began to feel more comfortable.
A total of 2,283,000 cars in this body were produced. The most popular option was, of course, the four-door sedan. And the coupe - it also quickly became popular and famous. The developers created the design of this version from scratch. The chief designer wanted to achieve ideal, perfect proportions. He transformed every body panel. It was decided to create a completely new concept. He didn’t even take over the headlights from the sedan.
Then they released a convertible. And then the compact hatchback came out. It quickly became popular in Europe, but was not in demand in America. Station wagons began to appear in the same year.
Optics tuning
Optical tuning solves two key problems - external transformation of the car and increased safety, especially at dusk and at night. They need to be solved together. Installing new lenses, replacing headlights, adding lighting effects - all this allows you to add originality to your car, improve light transmission and visibility.
Tinting
Tinting has always been popular among car owners - it is inexpensive and effective. However, changes to the rules and standards have imposed some restrictions on this type of tuning. Buy high-quality, certified tinting products that meet all regulatory parameters. Only in this case there will be no problems in the future, and your BMW 3 will receive a worthy original solution.
Wheel tuning
Replacing standard wheels is a way to decorate a car and improve some of its characteristics.
For tuning, original BMW 3 wheels of the corresponding car model or products from other manufacturers are used - as a rule, they are more impressive in decorative terms, have different colors and structural design. Making your BMW 3 better is not difficult and not as expensive as it seems. Our store offers a wide range of specialized tuning products. A wide selection, reasonable prices, high-quality solutions for individual tuning operations or for a comprehensive transformation of a car - we have created all the conditions for purchasing any spare parts and accessories for high-quality tuning of any BMW models of the third series.
Last years
A little later, the sedans were replaced by a brand new model. And station wagons, along with coupes and convertibles, continued to be released. In addition, so-called compact models were also produced.
Until 1999, the most popular model remained the BMW 316. Not the E 30, but the E 36. Many people confuse these models with each other. Even with a rather modest engine, the volume of which was 1600 cubic centimeters, the car developed power ranging from 90 to 102 horsepower. And only in 1999 this car began to be equipped with a much more powerful power unit. An 8-valve 4-cylinder engine began to be installed under its hood. Its power was 105 hp. With. The maximum that this car could squeeze out of itself reached 190 km/h.
The 320i sedan was released from 1991 to 1998. It was equipped with a 6-cylinder 2-liter 24-valve engine, the power of which reached 150 l/h. Naturally, the maximum speed has also increased. Now the BMW E 30 could reach 214 km/h. And these were solid technical characteristics.
Models produced in Europe
So, now it’s worth talking about which versions of the BMW E 30 were popular in Europe. The most modest was a car equipped with a 1.8-liter engine developing 90 horsepower. And it was the BMW 316 E 30. Then another version appeared - the 316i. There were options with 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines. The minimum power was 102 hp. s., and the maximum was 115. It was an M40B18 I4 engine. In 1989, the 318 is model was released - with a 1.8-liter 136-horsepower unit. The concern produced this car for only two years.
Then the 320i and 320is with 2-liter engines (125, 129 and 192 horsepower, respectively) became popular. Then the 323i model was released with a 2.3-liter power unit producing 150 hp. With. And then a 2.5 liter engine appeared. It produced 170 “horses” and was installed under the hood of the 325i model, as well as the 325iX. M models were also purchased. That is, M, M3 Evo, M3 Evo II. The 2.3- and 2.5-liter engines amazed with their power. 205, 215 and 238 “horses” - it’s not surprising that these cars have become so popular.
And finally, 324d and 324td. Also models that had the body of a BMW E 30. Weak engines, but economical - diesel, after all. The BMW E 30 engine installed on the 324d could produce 86 “horses” (2.4 liters), and on the 324td – 115 hp. With. (same volume).
In general, as you can see, the range of engines is quite large. However, this is not the whole spectrum. There were also power units that equipped cars supplied to other markets. And we need to talk about them too.
Tuning the brake system of the BMW E30.
The brakes after tuning are quite consistent with the engine, suspension and even modifications in the interior: 4-piston Wilwood calipers and 11.2-inch brake discs. Brembo brake discs are installed at the rear, Hawk Brake pads and Goodrich reinforced brake hoses are installed at the front. The brakes are covered by Compomotive alloy wheels measuring 18x8 and Yokohama Parada 225/35R18 tires. When going to competition, Randy boots his BMW E30 on even lighter 15x7 HRE Club Linea wheels with Toyo RA1 Proxes tires, which helps avoid unnecessary slippage.
Power units for export
A few words should be said about the engines that were used in cars supplied to North America and South Africa (yes, they also drive BMWs there). The 318 BMW has a 101-horsepower 1.8-liter M10B18 I4 engine under the hood, the 318iS has a 1.8-liter 136-horsepower engine. The 325e model boasts a 2.7 liter engine with 122 hp. Under the hood of the 325es is a 2.7-liter, 129-horsepower M20B27 I6. The 325ix model was equipped with a 2.5 liter engine and 170 hp. power. The M3 car was equipped with a unit for 195 “horses”, and its volume was 2.3 liters. And finally, the 333i. The 3.2-liter engine, producing 197 hp, is the most impressive version of all of them. And it was exported just to South Africa.
BMW E30 suspension tuning.
The BMW E30 suspension was also modified by Motronix Motorsports. ERS adjustable stiffness struts with Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers were installed forward, and short Intrax springs, again with Bilstein shock absorbers, were installed back. This combination allowed the car to drop 2.25 inches in the rear and 2.75 inches in front. After tuning the suspension, the car “fell” on the front wheels, which gave its appearance a fair amount of aggressiveness. A set of adjustable Suspension Techniques anti-roll bars front and rear, polyurethane stabilizer bushings also from Suspension Techniques and Sparco front strut braces gave the BMW E30 body the missing rigidity and gave the driver confidence in the car’s cornering behavior.
What's interesting to know
Now some spare parts for the BMW E 30 are quite difficult to find. In particular, the gearbox. Although it fails in rare, isolated cases, getting it is still not an easy task. Because many cars were equipped with 4-speed hydromechanical automatic transmissions. Nowadays these are difficult to find. These cars were very popular mainly in the UK and the USA. The sporty nature of BMW's third series cars attracted young buyers. Moreover, they were wealthy, since the model in those days was not cheap. Nowadays you can find it for 100-200 thousand rubles, but in those days you had to pay several thousand euros for it.
By the way, 6-cylinder engines were also installed in cars of this series. They then became direct competitors to higher-end models. The trunk volume of this sedan is 425 liters. A little, of course, but the car is not designed to carry large loads. But for a station wagon, the volume varies from 370 liters to 1125.
BMW 316
This is one of the most famous models with a BMW E30 body. This version has a rear-wheel drive system and a fairly good wheelbase of 2571 mm. Overall, the dimensions of the car are impressive. The machine is 4326 mm long and 1379 mm high. It easily seats five people, and everyone feels comfortable and spacious. 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 there is a naturally aspirated engine equipped with a valve timing mechanism. 4-cylinder, 2-valve, in-line. Power is 89 horsepower. The car is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. The maximum it reaches is 175 km/h. Also, we can’t help but rejoice at the independent suspension – both front and rear. In general, the car is decent. Many people like to tune the BMW E 30 on this model. Because, frankly, the appearance can be improved. True, the model has one big drawback. Nowadays, it is very difficult for a person who wants to become the owner of this car to find it in good condition.
BMW E30 interior tuning.
Inside the BMW E30, the driver and front passenger enjoy anatomical OBX seats with 4-point Sparco belts; Additional safety is provided by the white 6-point frame R30. For greater convenience, those frame parts that run parallel to the doors can be retracted, which facilitates entry and exit and makes the BMW E30 more comfortable in everyday use. Auto Meter Phantom-series sensors are built into the front panel, opposite the gear shift knob. In addition to the voltage and oil pressure gauges, there's also a boost pressure gauge, awaiting the day when a mechanical Vortech supercharger appears under the hood. The musical component is not forgotten either: a Kenwood head unit, a 12-inch JL Audio subwoofer in a portable case that “lives” in the spare tire well, 5.25-inch Cerwin Vega/Eclipse component speakers and Zapco AG360 and AG200 amplifiers - all this allows Randy to Fill the BMW interior with your favorite music at any time.
BMW E30 325
Another bright representative of the series under discussion. Many people think that this car can only be disassembled. The BMW E 30 is, although not a new car, but quite worthy. If you find a model in good condition, you can see that it has been perfectly preserved. The combative, even somewhat aggressive appearance is unlikely to leave fans of sports cars indifferent.
The interior is comfortable - the seats are easily adjustable, the light control is convenient, the instrument panel is classic, even standard. There is a self-diagnostic computer on the ceiling - the system itself monitors the coolant and oil levels and lighting.
External tuning
External tuning of BMW 3 is an affordable solution for car personalization. Replacing rear/front mudguards, radiator grilles, installing eyelashes on headlights, roof rails, trims or covers on rear-view mirrors, creating spectacular geometry and decor using accent stripes - this is a list of the most relevant tuning operations for car owners. They do not require structural changes, but allow you to transform the appearance of the car, giving it originality, sportiness and perfection.
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 car. The expense, of course, is considerable. It uses about 14 liters per 100 km during quiet driving, and all 25 if you use it at full speed. Good brakes, it must be said, are equipped with wear sensors.
The only restoration this car may require is an oil change, struts, and it would be nice to install new discs. The BMW E 30 325 is an excellent car, many people like it. Perhaps this is why almost no one wants to sell it. After all, you will have to part with the legendary car.
Advantages
Even today, when automobile concerns release amazing cars almost every few months, the E30 BMW can please and evoke pleasant impressions among inexperienced people. The first thing that owners of this car notice is comfort. It is really comfortable for the driver to sit behind the wheel. There are no noises, nothing creaks, the plastic is of high quality, because 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 excellent, even in traffic you can easily change lanes without swaying or taking risks. Safe, accurate and fast. The chassis is also good – it smooths out bumps and potholes almost imperceptibly. Many owners call the suspension “indestructible”. Although it's not worth trying. But many flew into the pits at a decent speed above 100 km/h, and everything worked out. You need to understand that if you constantly practice this, the car will not last long.
Overall the car is well preserved for its age. The whole point here is how carefully the previous owner treated it.
Tuning
It happens: a person has substantial savings, and in general he is not a poor person, but he likes “grown-up”, “old-school” cars. He buys a BMW E30 and begins to improve it to his taste. He invests tens, hundreds of thousands of rubles in it, and the result is magnificent. Maybe you want the car to have a new BMW E 30 dashboard. Modern panels in old cars look quite interesting. And besides, it is very convenient. It would be nice to get a new rear bumper. Its price, however, is rather high - about 20 thousand rubles, but it looks decent. The new front bumper will also look stylish. Its price is the same as the rear one.
In general, body work 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 perfect body condition. Somewhere there will be rot or rust, and simple painting will not do. In fact, in the tuning process, people do not just create a new body - they create a new car, using the BMW E30 as a “template”. And, it should be noted, these cars look simply amazing. So tuning is a useful and necessary thing. The main thing is that it is handled by a professional in his field.
