Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E30) 325i (170 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)
Sedan (E30) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E30)). With 222 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1200 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.3 s). The top speed reaches 218 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
325i (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent performance for its time, offering strong acceleration and a sporty driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy given its performance, making it a capable daily driver or enthusiast car.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless styling
- • Excellent driving dynamics and handling
- • Engaging manual transmissions available
- • Robust and characterful engines, especially the M20 six-cylinders
- • Strong aftermarket support and enthusiast community
- • Classic car status with appreciating value
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Rust can be a significant issue, particularly in older models
- • Maintenance costs can increase with age and mileage
- • Some parts are becoming harder to source
- • Fuel economy on higher-performance models can be modest by today's standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (E30): 1985 - 1986).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 325i (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1986 |
| End of production: | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 68.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 222 Nm @ 4300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M20B25 [Same engine] More details about the engine M20B25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2494 |
| 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: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 218 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 141.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1200 |
| Max. weight: | 1660 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 425 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4325 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1645 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2570 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1405 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1415 mm |
| Front overhang: | 761 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 994 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 |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the BMW 3 Series live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!