The BMW E30 is the Ultimate Sports Saloon
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- čas přidán 29. 03. 2024
- At its launch in 1982, the E30 BMW 3 Series did little to differentiate itself from the original. But by intersecting with societal changes, neatening up the edges, and playing a marketing blinder, BMW propelled themselves to build the cars to be seen in during the 1980s - and today we take the iconic 325iS for a drive.
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In America the E30 is the beginning of what BMW is today.
The E30 was the perfect symbol of the executive-bound Yuppie of the 80s.
Excellent video, sir. Keep up the good work!
Thank you my friend 🙂
My dad had a 1990 325i. When I was 14 it was the first car I ever sat in the driver's seat of. He taught me the basics of driving in the empty car park of a closed down mill close to where we lived. That was in 1998. I've had a few cars over the years (Fiesta, Saxo, Golf GTI, Civic Type R) but I always wanted a proper 6 cylinder BMW. No other cars I drove came close to the way that 325i felt, even at the low speeds I drove it at when I was 14 /15. My dad died in 2020, just 1 year before I finally got my own BMW. I know the new ones are not the same as the old ones but I wish he was still here so I could have given him a go in my M140i. Great cars.
In the early '80s a friend let me drive his 323i. I had 1.3 Marina at the time, so it was like driving a rocket in comparison. Excellent video.
Well yes, 2 and a half times the bhp does tend to do that.
@@andrewpreston4127
So the Marina would be equally enjoyable with the same power?
There’s more to a good car than the horsepower alone..
From direct experience in period, I can confirm a 325i was no match for a Marina 1700L. BMW failed to give trouble starting in cold and damp weather, lacked 1920s gearbox noises, had no trunnions or lever arm dampers, didn't set up wild steering oscillations at motorway speeds and its turbine smooth power pack was surely no match for BL's mighty single overhead cam O Series. And the paint didn't fall off BMWs either.
@@e28forever30 Good point,
@@philhealey4443
😂👍
That is a particularly smart example of the E30. They are also from an era before everything was electronic and coded to the car, or covered in plastic shrouds. Making them easier to work on yourself.
What a novel concept
Ed, you’ve done it again! ( you’ve hit me right in the heart ❤️) I had the E30 323i six four door in the mid eighties when my kids were 4 and 6 years old respectively. It was in bright metallic silver and the paintwork was good enough to be on a new Rolls Royce. We had a 2 mile straight leading from town to our village, and whenever we were on our way home, my kids used to say: “Daddy, put it in hyperthrust” 😁😁…Thank you for sharing another wonderful, wonderful episode 🖖
Thanks Phil 🙂
Nice video, 100% agree these older designs are so much more stylish than the modern weird designed modern stuff.
Eighties BMW’s are fantastic!
Thanks Steve 🙂
BMW lost the plot after the E92 😢
The South African market, due to the embargos of the time, got two very special South African only E30 models, the 333i and the 325is (EVO I & EVO II), the latter being developed for the local Touring Car series where it battled the very quick Opel Kadett GSi "Superboss", some of the most exciting racing i`ve ever seen.
The 333i was developed due to the E30 M3 not being available to the market, that car today is highly sought after by collectors.
I did ponder for rather too long about whether to talk about the 333i. But without even going into any depth about other engines than the M3 and 325i, I thought it wasn’t worth the added depth. Would love to experience one someday.
I owned an E 30 back in the 90's when I lived in Madrid. I became a bit obsessed with finding a really good one and I searched for a couple of months scouring the local papers until I eventually found a low mileage maroon one in near perfect condition. It was one of the best cars I've ever owned and a real joy to drive. I took it all over Spain and Portugal and on those open, straight empty roads of Iberia its GT qualities really came into their own. There was nothing about I didn't like, it was supremely comfortable, it handled well and I loved the engine and gearbox. I still miss that car and if I followed my heart I'd get one again to drive around the empty roads of west Wales where I now live. I have a Saab 95 wagon now which I love (I'd love to see a Twin Cam video on that) but there was something about that BMW that was really special and unforgettable. Another great video from Twin Cam!!
Thanks 🙂
So what happened to the BMW?
When did you let it go?
Which year?
What vehicle replaced it?
Was it better?
So much great information, so well written, no gimmicks, just a great watch. This channel is getting better and better. Bravo Sir!
Thanks John 🙂
Currently have E30 325I SPORT..GREAT CARS
hi wat color is it hope red is your answer
@@brianearl7358 sorry its a dolphin grey tech 2 manuel
Absolutely adore my E30, despite being off the road for 2 years. Just looking at it sat on axle stands brings me a bit of joy, a car I always wanted and was actually obtainable when I was 21 years old! Can't wait to get mine back on the road, and videos like this really encourage me to do so on a tighter schedule...
Looking back, 1980s yuppies had great taste in cars.
in a world of 1970’s cars these were like spaceships and still are.
Former Yuppie here 😂😂
The same as the tiktok gen now it keeps going. 😊
they could just afford the best
The 325i Sport on launch in 1987 cost £16,685 compared to £17,840 of a 325i Convertible and £14218 of a standard 325i.The 4wd 325iX was £18,345.
The E30's M20 engine took very little from the E21 unit - same basic design but everything was different. Lighter block, pistons and crank, bigger inlet ports, a revised cam and LE Jetronic replacing K Jet (323i) and the Solex 4A1 DVG carb (320)
Great era of BMW the E30 3 Series of the 1980's😎😎😎😎music that engine note
Ed, Love your enthusiasm for the baby Bavarian.
Some petrolheads came of age when BMW were identified as a low volume, high end, ultimate driving machine car maker, and owning (as opposed to renting/leasing), such a car was something exceptional and distinctive.
Became a BMW addict in 1981 with an E21 323i Alpina C1, until 1988 when it was changed for the E30 M3 Evo II.
Ed, if after driving this 325i, you must in the future, create a video on the E30 M3.
My all time favorite Bimmer - brings back memories of their advertising slogan back then, The Ultimate Driving Machine.
I have not had much time to watch anything on CZcams of late. It is a joy to catch up with this channel and what a video, about a car marque that I have a passion for and about one of their key models. As well presented as ever, I'd say you've even gone up a notch. Great stuff.
Thank you my friend 🙂
I know I'm a day late, but really enjoyed this video.
The existence of the low spec models is completely justified as it means I have more chance of affording an E30 haha
You can get an E30 325i in Australia for under 5k still.
I had a 1985 model 318i. Probably the best everyday driver I ever owned, and so kept it till 1996. I ordered an E30 325i Sport like the one shown in the video - dynamically a good step forard, but for various resons cancelled the order and bought a 911 instead. Overall, I should have stuck with the 325i...
Ed
Great, and getting better….
I bought a year old E30 two door poverty spec model in 1991. As a 29 year old, t’was my pride and joy! I went on to own a number of new successor BMWs (all delivered on August 1st), but my E30 was always my favourite .
Thanks Mike 🙂
Great Video Thank You(;
BMW Classics never go out of style!
Thanks Darren 🙂
I have anE30 318i M10 B18 engine 1766 105bhp 1986 my ownership 34 yrs mileage 187k
I lowered suspension 37mm (notional).fitted adjustable . Spax shocks &grooved solid discs
and 'fast road' pads.Injection system is Bosch L jetronic. Tyres 195x60x14 alloy Bottle Cap type.I maintain it and the only replacements are the consumables.I replace things before
they fail,It is garaged.I am NOT an'anorak'
I enjoy your informative episodes and salute you as a fellow BMW fan
Thank you my friend 🙂
Me and a friend have just restored a 323i convertable.
This is one of my all time favourites. My neighbour, who owned a "computer company" bought a brand new burgundy metallic 2 door 320i in 1983. With the bottle cap alloys and the small lip on the boot and brown tinted windows. It was amazing! Personally I would love an early E30 323i with the chrome bumpers and the smaller front spoiler. But until that happens I have a German and Dutch version of the brochure as a substitute 😅
An Ed classic video for a classic BMW. Brilliant stuff!
Thanks mate 🙂
I loved my straight six engine 265 from factory, awesome sound and pulling power 😊
You could always recognise a BMW from the front... This was a a monster... Thank you for sharing so many memories... Roger
Thanks Roger 🙂
This takes me back. I was lucky enough to get a new white 325i 2 door company car in August '87. Was a lovelt fast and smooth car, but expensive! From memory the only standard bits were ABS and PAS, everything else was a cost extra. Mine just had the BMW alloys added, but even then it was £20K on the road, which was alot of money back then.
Had fun driving it and a fond memory.
Omg watching my youth, seeing my father’s 325i color Diamantschwarz and honey rate spiked BBS alloys!!! The looks and sound were and still are cool.
I've owned my e30 for 17 years now (in my avatar) and still enjoy that snarl from the 6 under the bonnet
Out of my small fleet of cars the e30 is the one I never drive straight home in !
That’s so recognisable!
When I drive my E28 home, I am always tempted to take the long route, to let the straight six sing!
Thanks for explanation, Ed, I am just glad that driving is still part of your return. Cheers!
Rob
Insurance is always the issue. Brokers are not interested due to my age.
A friend had one of those in dolphin grey, lovely car to drive yet so different from my same age Prelude, controls were so much heavier and needing a firm grip, yet you could park my 4ws Prelude with one finger. Wished you could get one with a 6pot, that engine sounded amazing, the 16v Honda had this unexciting 'hollow' sound. Some lucky person is going to be soo happy after the auction.
In 1988 I had the chance to buy an '86 325i but just couldn't quite afford it. I ended up buying an 8-valve Golf GTi. Still a great car, but I still regret not being able to buy that BMW.
Your videos really are getting good! Superbly professional, great to watch and very interesting. Back when I lived in South Africa, we didn’t get the E30 M3. Instead, we got something unique to BMW South Africa - the BMW 333i (with an engine derived from the 7-series).
Thanks mate 🙂
Of course, with that M30 Big Six.
The 325is a.k.a 'GUSHESH PANTSULA THEMBA LAMAKABASA".In South Africa this car is a icon.
You should be on TV
In the early 90's this was often referred to as and BMW Cortina due to it's boxey shape. Today one looks fabulous and the other is a Ford. Great video Ed
Thanks Robin 🙂
Another great video! I like that you included more driving time and commentary/critique. However, you desperately need a mic for the exhaust note. I too looove the sound of a straight six, but i couldn’t hear that special sound in this video.
Nice video, thanks. I’m a merc man but feel like an E30 now.
Thanks 🙂
Gorgeous and yes, as a BMW 6 cylinder driver (albeit a F22 version), I couldn’t agree more that there’s nothing like a six to drive behind. I’m a total fan too! Great stuff Ed. It’s a shame BMW seem to have diversified and diluted their range to the extent they have and the styling of many of their latest models isn’t to my taste, great cars though I’m sure many of them remain. Still, I’m a car fan and at the end of the day a company has to remain profitable. Often those two qualities are, sadly, mutually exclusive. Happy Easter.
Well done, Ed. Although I' m not a fan of BMW ( like many Germans ), this story is really good.
Thanks mate 🙂
Ed, this video almost makes me like a BMW. I shall have to be more careful in future.
Ed, brilliantly researched and presented as usual and they let you drive it - yeah!!!!!!!
I was never a fan of this generation of 3 series. as you point out, they were an inbetweener size wise and were kind of exotic here in the Solent region of England. however, they were incredibly well built and a huge step up in quality from the usual mass market producers.
your Ford analogy is spot on. from the Cortina MK1 to the MK4 they were the fashion statement of the day and that was a key reason why they sold so well; the MK5 being an exception as it was a better looking evolution of the bland MK4 styling.
Thank you my friend 🙂
What happened to BMW styling???? The cars of the 60's, 70's and 80's "maybe a little of the 90's" were great cars being both easy to maintain and easy on the eye.
Lusted after one of these for a long time. I could have afforded one when my fiesta went bang, but I took my parent’s offer of my Dad’s Octavia VRS TDi, which was a lovely car, and suited what I needed at the time and for most of the time I owned it, but part of me wished I went with the E30.
Wouldn’t swap my E39 for one, not unless something had gone catastrophically wrong with my car and it was uneconomical to repair.
God it's good to have you back to satisfy the growing withdrawal symptoms I was beginning to experience by your long absence while other pretenders were snapping at your heels whose research are in ways equal to yours. But while the video claims to be paid promotion, and thus slightly loses the inner feeling of independent edge, your unique trade mark of driving to let us see your bubbling enthusiasm remains, I am so glad the the dealer has seen sense and allowed you to drive the cars they wish to sell; and I am doubly glad to see you back! Hope it was a holiday or study and not illness that took you away! And finally, would love to see how the Metros are coming along. Great stuff!
Loyal subscriber Rob
Thanks as always Rob, but every video I’ve ever done on a Manor Park car is marked as such. That’s not because any money has been exchanged, but because they’ve supplied me with the subject in exchange for a little shout out.
Great video Ed. Have nevet driven an E30 but they do look so cool. I always wanted a BMW, more seci
specifically an M3 but sadly the E30 M3 is megga money and only available in LHD form so my initial intention was to get an E46 M3. Unfortuntely I live in an Outer London suburb and owning an E46 M3 became an expensive proposition with the ULEZ expansion last August even though I was not planning to use the E46 as a daily driver. Ended up getting a manual E92 M3, a car which is not perfect by that screaming V8 really is something else and very happy with it so far despite the terrible MPG figures and ruinous road tax. Keep the videos coming Ed, you really are a natural behind the camera.
Aren’t all petrol cars built after 2001 ULEZ exempt?
@@TwinCam, I think the general rule is that all cars from 2006 are ULEZ exempt but there are a few cars from 2001-2006 which are exempt and according to a post in the M3cutters forum that includes the E46 M3. A bit frustrating as when I when I was researching this I was led to believe that no pre 2006 cars are ULEZ exempt.
I had one in about 98. Lovely build quality, lovely look but heavy clutch. Better off with the auto and (AC) if you can find one, and just cruise in style.
i’ve owned a few of these and driven a lot more. Sounds like the exhaust is blowing on the example driven here.
Certainly doesn’t sound so in person.
I now own a completely rebuilt 89 325is with a Stromung cat back. Sounds fantastic. Ironically, while the M20 engines made them so successful, from personal experience, the best non-race engine fitted to the platform from the factory was the DOHC M42 with hydraulic lifters. The lighter, much revv happier and fuel efficient motor with non-distributor ignition was just the better fit for this chassis. The M20s revv like molasses, need frequent valve adjustments, belt- and distributor services and are guzzlers. The 2.5 also didn't actually feels much faster. By 1990, the M20 had been in use for 13 years and at least the Cabriolets should have gotten the M50 (DOHC) for their final years which was such a big improvement in the E34 power and revving wise. I will S54 swap my car that already has significant suspension upgrades and a big brake kit but will keep the VIN matching engine.
Early 90's I got my driving licence. I had E30 318i and later on E30 325i. My biggest mistake was to sell it. +30 years later, I have E36 318is coupe and Z3 in my garage for sunday drives. Daily drivers are now something else because BMW hurt my eyes. Comeback might be possible with Neue Klasse, it looks like modern E30 / 2002 era.
I’m hoping so as well. I don’t think the Neue Klasse SUV looks great, but the style may well translate better over to a Saloon. Plus it needs chrome kidneys.
Honda Concerto in the background ❤
A Saloon as well. Built by Rover!
I used to have a 1988 325is : (
That reg plate, GBA Gameboy Advance
Great video but 2 things. If you had a passenger ride in an e30 318is then it has the same suspension as the 325i sport. Secondly there is no way that exhaust is standard. All of mine were much quieter.
If that engine is running out of power above 5000rom, it might need a new cam, I don’t remember them being like that, mind you it’s been 27 years since I drove a 325iS
That’s a lovely car. I have a scale model, which is all I can afford…
Had a 1990 320i M-Technic convertible with all factory options, A/C,ABS, headlamp wipers, Recaro leather seats, 13 button computer, M-Technic suspension etc, etc, loved it from top to bottom, still can’t explain why I sold it, sorely miss it.
Body roll with M-Technic suspension??? Mine was completely flat, suspect that it was tired on this example, btw apart from the front spring rates due to the difference in weight from the 4 cylinder engine, it’s exactly the same setup as on the M3
Have to agree with other comments re the exhaust, spoils the car as the engine is silky smooth, the standard exhaust sounds far better. Disagree on your comment on the heel & toe as I also had an E46, both were as easy as each other.
I highly doubt even the most immaculate Sport suspension is flat. No manufacturer wanted that in the ‘80s.
@@TwinCam I’ve driven numerous E30 M3’s which were “flat”’without the body roll that you mentioned and body roll as I said was not present on my car.
The M3’s suspension & the M-Technic suspension were identical.
@arthurdardalis Is this flat as in actually flat, or flat compared to average ‘80s cars?
@@TwinCam flat compared to other 80’s cars, my 320i had less body roll than the Capri injection I had
You talk about “quite a lot of arm twirling” being necessary but watching you drive it’s not really obvious.
There’s a nice looking white Giulietta in the background of some shots, it would be good to hear your opinion on this late lamented classic.
Exactly, it doesn’t feel it either. The rack is very long lock-to-lock though.
Is this for sale
As I said at the beginning of the video, this car was a part of an auction at Manor Park Classics. However, the auction has now happened, and the car sold.
I began lusting after a 3-series in the 70s, and I eventually owned two 3-series estates: an E46 and an E91. Both great cars until they start needing new parts. Today's BMWs have none of the charm of the older ones; the stylists are obviously on a different page.
There's one of these rusting away on the owners drive, on my estate. F reg. Not moved in donkeys yrs.
325i. The car I never achieved in period due the poverty of double digit mortgage rates, but many happy hours were spent ogling these gleaming beauties on a main dealer's forecourt for free. And I did manage a brochure.
😎😎❤❤👍👍
1988
great content, good video. well researched, but the summary opinion shows a British perspective. the uk was not "the market"; the continent was the market, second only to the US
Did you ignore A) the fact I’m British, B) the fact the Sport being offered in this form was for Britain, and C) the fact I even say in the video that I’m taking a British perspective? 🤣
I believe BMW hit its styling peak with the earlier cars. Needing or just tacking on spoilers never appealed to me. 🤔
I can’t remember whether I cut it out of the video, but I wouldn’t have a Sport. Regardless, 99% of E30s didn’t have body kits, and look all the better for it.
Aah the good old days, when cars were made for grown-ups. Even if they were loadsamoney reckless ones, they were stylish loadsamoney reckless ones. I would probably disagree about the exhaust though. Perhaps it is just the recording, but it sounds a bit parpy, like there is a small leak, and some backpressure because of baffle or wadding degradation. Very fixable though, it will be interesting to see how much this fetches. I wonder how much a Porsche 944 turbo (2.5 but 4-pot) was back then.
You need to get hold of a Saab 900, these 2 represented the yuppie culture lol Though you could argue Saab had an even better image?
Certainly put the allegro to shame
The phrase you are looking for is….yuppie mobile.
I didn’t use that term as I really don’t think it’s descriptive of the E30. A Sport like this, fair enough, but generally, the yuppie-types were outnumbered by the middle class folks moving from Granadas and Carltons, or just stretching up to one from a Sierra or Cavalier.
Simple, they started with the E21 and improved it.
I would much rather have an Alfa Romeo 75 2.0TS. Known as the Milano in the USA. Better performance, better handling and better looks better.
I like the 75 very much, but you surely can’t believe it’s better looking? Plus, it’s missing two cylinders…
I bought a black E30 325i in 1986. Collected from the factory in Munich, and drove back to UK. A few weeks later, I went outside one morning, and found that the rear gas shock absorbers had collapsed. I only owned the car for about a year, before I moved it on for a Porsche 911 SC. My general view of the E30 , in retrospect, is that the engine was wonderful. That 6 cylinder thrum. Plenty enough power for me, and that untamed rear end that BMW ought to have sorted from the previous incarnation of the 3 series. The rest of the car? I refer to the typical German person's view of cars...., Mercedes ?.... they're just the taxis, and BMW's... just cars, what's remarkable about them ?. For me, other than the engine, the E30 was just another 3 box saloon of the era.
Dare I say it….325i MTech looks nicer than an M3.
Ah. Loads of Yuppies were sent skyward in the run of the E30...
The aftermarket exhaust on that car ruins the original silky smooth sound. It sounds coarse and unrefined. I am reluctant to change the original exhaust on mine in case the same thing happens. Can you even get original spec exhausts for these cars anymore?
I have to thoroughly disagree with the coarseness and lack of refinement you perceive over video. It sounds utterly sublime in person. Operatic.
Of course you can.
Just visit your dealership.
Meanwhile, this one sounds as it should: glorious !
I kick myself for ever selling mine.
Such a shame BMW couldn't update their 5 or 7 series that fast. Those looked too dated by mid-80's compared to Merc or even Ford.
Indeed, the E23 7er was an old (and ugly IMO) car, dating to 1977. Similarly, the E28 5er was just a heavily facelifted E12 5er, dating to 1972. However, it’s clear that their desirability went through the roof when the E32 7er and E34 5er came in for ‘87 and ‘88 respectively.
@@TwinCam E34 was a hit for sure. I remember a lot of those (used) here in Russia being used by both gangsters, businessmen and ricers. Durable cars and awesome handlers.
I must agree that the E28 looked rather dated by the mid eighties with those chrome bumpers, but it is one of their best designs imho.
Absolutely adore mine!
@@TwinCam
The E28 is very close in looks to the E12, but you’d be surprised how few parts they share.
Engine, gearbox, doors ( they did the Alfa Romeo trick there, reusing those doors ), and a couple of other bits and bobs, that’s it.
I hope you can get one on the channel one day, preferably an M30 version, they’re very enjoyable and don’t feel much bigger than an E30.
Always find this car extremely over rated.
The e21 was beautiful and clean.
The e30 is dull
I like the E21, but find its edges awfully scruffy and the rear end terminally bland.
@@TwinCam wow I’m really surprised you’d see it as scruffy. As for me the reason I prefer it over the e30 is that it has very clean sharp lines.
Iv had a few both (and still do) and like both. But the e21 is the far better looking car for me. And I simply cannot understand all the hype around the e30 at all. While the e21 gets ignored.
An e21 323i with the alpina wheels👌🏻👌🏻
BMW has totally lost the plot these days.
It’s a shame, but I’m hoping the upcoming Neue Klasse Saloon sorts things somewhat.
As much as I love Beemers, as I get older and softer, I prefer a nice soft wallowy Merc. Hence my recent purchase of a W203 C200K. Does me just fine.
I’ve always had a hot and cold relationship with Mercs. Some really appeal like an R107, W114, or W116. But I don’t think I’ve ever *liked* a single one built since about 1995.
@@TwinCam I totally understand where you are coming from. In an ideal world I'd love a W123 280E. Or maybe a S123 280TE. Or maybe even a C123 280CE. But alas finances at the moment do not allow such things. Maybe one day.
Oh yeah. A nice six-pot 123 is a cool thing.