BMW M3 BMW M3 (E30)
BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E30)) was built from 1986 to 1991, as a 2-door 2+2 sedan; 2-door 2+2 convertible. Powertrain: 2.3—2.5 L S14 I4. Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive. Size: 4,345 x 1,680 x 1,370 mm (L x W x H). Weight: 1165 - 1360 kg.
Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.
Overview
The first BMW M3 was based on the E30 3 Series and was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules, which required a total of 5,000 of the base model to be built with a further 500 evolution specials. It was presented to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, and began production from March 1986 to June 1991. The E30 M3 was mainly produced in the coupé body style, but limited volumes of convertibles were also produced. The front splitter, the rear apron, sill panels, as well as changes to the body in the area of the rear window (C-pillar) and the bootlid improved the aerodynamics.
Engine
The E30 M3 used the BMW S14 four-cylinder engine, a high-revving DOHC design with a head closely based on that of the BMW S38 six-cylinder engine and the block from the BMW M10 four-cylinder engine with a 7,250 rpm redline. In countries where the M3 was sold with a catalytic converter, the initial versions were rated at 195 PS and had a top speed of 146 mph. In countries where a catalytic converter was not fitted, the engine was rated at 200 PS.
Suspension & Brakes
Differences from the standard E30 models included: 5-stud wheel hubs; 225/45R16 Pirelli P700-Z tyres; offset control arm bushings in the front suspension, for increased caster angle; front aluminium control arms introduced in 1989; revised front strut tubes with bolt on kingpins and swaybar mounted to strut tube, similar to the E28 5 Series; front wheel bearings and brake caliper bolt spacing from the E28 5 Series; 280mm x 25mm vented front & 282mm x 12mm solid rear discs; brake calipers similar to the E28 5 series
Motorsport
To keep the car competitive in racing following year-to-year homologation rules changes, homologation specials were produced and sold in limited volumes. These include the Evo 1, Evo 2, and Sport Evolution, with upgrades including weight reduction, improved aerodynamics, taller front wheel arches (to allow 18-inch wheels to be used in DTM racing), bigger brake ducts and more power output from the engine. With the introduction of the 2.5L evolution engine into racing in 1990, power increased to approximately 279 kW.
Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.
Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.
Against the other convertible models in this database (48 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.
- 241 mm below the median of 4,586 mm, and shorter than 100% of the 29 other convertible models in this database.
- 254 mm below the median of 1,934 mm, and narrower than 100% of the 32 other convertible models in this database.
- 92 mm above the median of 1,278 mm, and taller than 79% of the 28 other convertible models in this database.
- 108 mm below the median of 2,670 mm, and shorter than 91% of the 34 other convertible models in this database.
- Fuel use (combined)18 mpg = 13.1 L/100 kmEPA fueleconomy.gov, model year 1991
- Fuel cost per 100 km19.6513.1 L x your fuel price
- Fuel cost per 10,000 km1965consumption x distance x your fuel price
Costs are in your own currency: they use the prices you enter above.
Who it suits
- Drivers buying for enjoyment rather than space: coupes and roadsters trade rear space for style and handling.
- Executive and chauffeur use: the saloon body prioritises rear-seat comfort and a quiet cabin.
Check before you buy
- Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
- Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
- Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
- Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator
General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.
Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
Other generations of the M3
- BMW M3 (E36) · 1992 - 1999
- BMW M3 (E46) · 2000 - 2006
- E90/92/93 M3 · 2007 - 2013
- F80 M3 · 2014 - 2018
- G80 M3 · 2020-present
More from BMW · all BMW models
Can I import a BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E30)) from Japan?
By production year alone, BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E30)) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
What powers the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E30))?
Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 2.3—2.5 L S14 I4.
How big is the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E30))?
4,345 mm long and 1,680 mm wide and 1,370 mm tall, on a 2,562 mm wheelbase (2-door 2+2 sedan; 2-door 2+2 convertible). For container loading, use the container packer.
How much fuel does the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E30)) use?
The US EPA lists a combined 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) for model year 1991. Your own figure depends on driving and condition.
Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.
- en.wikipedia.org (retrieved 2026-10-19)
- fueleconomy.gov (EPA) (1991)
Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.
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