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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E30) 325e (122 Hp) Automatic
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 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1180 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.8 s). The top speed reaches 188 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.
325e (122 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Designed for economy, offering strong low-end torque but less top-end power, resulting in relaxed rather than sporty acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel efficiency for a 6-cylinder engine of its time, prioritizing economy over outright speed.
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(E21: 1982 - 1983).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 325e (122 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1983 |
| End of production: | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 4250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 45.3 Hp/l [30mm less] |
| Torque: | 230 Nm @ 3250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M20B27 More details about the engine M20B27 |
| Engine displacement: | 2693 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 188 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.7 kg/Hp, 103.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 194.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1180 |
| Max. weight: | 1640 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 404 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 500 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4325 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Width: | 1645 mm mm [35mm more] |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2570 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Front track: | 1407 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1415 mm |
| Front overhang: | 761 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 994 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the BMW 3 Series rank in your book?