BMW 3 Series Touring (E30, facelift 1987) 320i (129 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.2 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

Touring (E30, facelift 1987) Overview:

BMW 3 Series (Touring (E30, facelift 1987)). With 164 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1230 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 196 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

320i (129 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A smooth and refined inline-six, offering a good balance of performance and daily usability, more engaging with the manual gearbox.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption, acceptable for its class and power, but not a standout for economy.

Best Use Case: Daily driver, enthusiast, balanced performance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Engaging driving dynamics and handling
  • • Timeless, classic BMW design
  • • Practical Touring body style with good cargo space
  • • Wide range of engines, including smooth inline-sixes
  • • Strong aftermarket support and enthusiast community

Cons:

  • • Older safety features compared to modern cars
  • • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
  • • Fuel economy can be high on larger petrol engines
  • • Interior plastics can show age and wear
  • • Maintenance on some components can be costly

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (E30, facelift 1987): 1987 - 1992).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:3 Series
Generation:Touring (E30, facelift 1987)
Modification (Engine):320i (129 Hp)
Start of production:1988
End of production:1991
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:129 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:64.8 Hp/l [125mm less]
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:196 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.5 kg/Hp, 104.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.5 kg/Nm, 133.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1230
Max. weight:1710
Max load:480
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1125 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:370 l
Fuel tank capacity:62 l
Size:
Length:4325 mm mm [125mm less]
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
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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