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BMW M3 Coupe (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)
Coupe (E30) Overview:
BMW M3 (Coupe (E30)). With 230 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 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 241 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.3 (215 Hp) CAT Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very strong performance, with acceleration nearly identical to the 220 Hp Evolution, providing a highly engaging drive.
Fuel Economy
Boasts the best fuel economy among the 2.3L variants, benefiting from the catalytic converter for improved efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic status and strong motorsport heritage
- • Superb handling and engaging driving dynamics
- • High-revving, characterful S14 engine
- • Appreciating classic car value
- • Timeless design and build quality
Cons:
- • High maintenance and parts costs, especially for M-specific components
- • Firm ride quality, not optimized for comfort
- • Limited modern safety features due to its age
- • High purchase price for well-maintained examples
- • Potential for rust in older, neglected models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (E30): 1988 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | M3 |
| Generation: | Coupe (E30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 (215 Hp) CAT |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| 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: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 241 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.6 kg/Hp, 179.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.2 kg/Nm, 191.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1200 |
| Max. weight: | 1600 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 420 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 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) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the BMW M3 rank in your book?