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BMW 3 Series Convertible (E30) 320i (129 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 3 Series:
The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Convertible (E30) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Convertible (E30)). With 164 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.5 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
320i (129 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 129 hp M20B20 engine, paired with a manual gearbox, offers a more engaging and responsive drive than the automatic, suitable for daily use and enjoyable on winding roads.
Fuel Economy
This trim provides a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for a classic convertible.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and iconic styling, especially as a convertible
- • Engaging driving dynamics with excellent chassis balance
- • Smooth and characterful straight-six engines (M20)
- • Strong enthusiast community and parts availability
- • Increasing classic car value and collectibility
- • High-quality interior materials for its era
Cons:
- • Age-related maintenance and potential for rust
- • Lack of modern safety features (pre-Euro NCAP)
- • Fuel economy is not competitive with modern vehicles
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated and sluggish
- • Original suspension components may need refreshing
- • Interior plastics can become brittle over time
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan (E30): 1984 - 1987).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Convertible (E30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 320i (129 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1985 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 129 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 164 Nm @ 4300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M20B20 More details about the engine M20B20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1991 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 66 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.9 kg/Hp, 100.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1280 |
| Max. weight: | 1680 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 312 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4325 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1645 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1370 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2570 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1405 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1415 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the BMW 3 Series? Tell us in the comments!