BMW 316s/BMW 316/BMW 316i/BMW 318i/BMW 318iS/BMW 320i/BMW 320iS/BMW 323i/BMW 324d/BMW 324td/BMW 325i/BMW 325ix/BMW 325iS/BMW 325e/BMW 333i/BMW M3 (E30). 1982–94 (prod. 2,344,341). 2- and 4-door saloon, 2-door cabriolet, 2-door full convertible, 5-door estate. F/R, F/A, 1573, 1596, 1766, 1795 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1990, 2302, 2453 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 1990, 2316, 2494, 2693, 3210 cm³ petrol, 2443 cm³ diesel (I6 OHC). More formal, upright replacement to E21, finding huge business in the 1980s as archetypal “yuppie” car. Styling masterminded by Claus Luthe. Stylistically out of step with aerodynamic craze of the decade, but sold well on prestige and engineering image; M3, however, was highly competitive and considered a true driver’s car. Baur cabriolets replaced by factory convertible from 1987; Touring estate returned in 1987 after absence in E21 series. BMW 325iS and 333i were South African specials, considered collectors’ items today. Z1 (covered separately) considered part of E30 series.

Manufacturing location: Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa

Marque: BMW | Model: BMW 3er-Reihe | Predecessor: BMW 3er-Reihe (E21) | Successor: BMW 3er-Reihe (E36)

Off-site link

• BMW Car Club of BC: resources