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BimmerWorth

3 Series generation

BMW E30

The E30 is the generation that established the 3 Series as a long-lived enthusiast car. It was offered as a saloon, coupe, convertible and touring, with a homologation-derived M3 sitting at the top of the range.

1982 – 1994M10M20M40M42S14

Generation highlights

  • Saloon, coupe, convertible and touring bodystyles
  • Rear-wheel drive throughout, with later all-wheel-drive variants in some markets
  • The E30 M3 used a four-cylinder S14 engine unrelated to the rest of the range
  • Originality, rust history and documented restoration work are common discussion points

What buyers ask about

For a car of this age, condition, originality and corrosion history are the details prospective buyers ask about first. Two E30s of the same year can present very differently.