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BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3 (215 Hp) CAT
Overall Rating
BMW M3:
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.
The initial model was available in a coupé body style, with a convertible body style made available soon after. M3 saloons were offered initially during the E36 and E90 generations. Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been rebranded as the 4 Series range, making the high-performance variant the M4. Variants of the 3 Series since then have seen the M3 produced as a saloon, until 2020, when the M3 was produced as an estate for the first time, alongside the saloon variant....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Convertible (E30) Overview:
BMW M3 (Convertible (E30)). With 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1360 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.3 s). The top speed reaches 239 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.3 (215 Hp) CAT Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most potent variant, offering exhilarating performance with its high-revving S14B23 engine, delivering strong acceleration for its era.
Fuel Economy
Impressive for a performance car of its time, balancing spirited driving with reasonable fuel consumption thanks to the catalytic converter.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic S14 engine with high-revving character
- • Exceptional handling and driving dynamics
- • Rarity and strong collector appeal
- • Timeless design and open-top driving experience
- • Motorsport heritage
Cons:
- • High acquisition and maintenance costs for a classic
- • Lack of modern safety features and technology
- • Firm ride quality may not suit all
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards
- • Limited practicality and trunk space
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (E30): 1988 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | M3 |
| Generation: | Convertible (E30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 (215 Hp) CAT |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 215 Hp @ 6750 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 93.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 230 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S14B23 [Same engine] More details about the engine S14B23 |
| Engine displacement: | 2302 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.4 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93.4 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 239 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.3 kg/Hp, 158.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 169.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1360 |
| Max. weight: | 1720 |
| Max load: | 360 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 303 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4345 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1680 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1370 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2565 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1414 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1435 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.1 m [above average] |
| 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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