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BMW 3 Series Convertible (E30) 325i (170 Hp)
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)
Convertible (E30) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Convertible (E30)). With 222 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1310 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.7 s). The top speed reaches 216 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
325i (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This M20B25 engine provides strong, smooth power delivery for its era, offering an engaging and spirited driving experience, especially with the manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is respectable for a performance-oriented straight-six from the 80s, balancing power with reasonable consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and iconic styling, especially as a convertible
- • Engaging driving dynamics with excellent chassis balance
- • Smooth and characterful straight-six engines (M20)
- • Strong enthusiast community and parts availability
- • Increasing classic car value and collectibility
- • High-quality interior materials for its era
Cons:
- • Age-related maintenance and potential for rust
- • Lack of modern safety features (pre-Euro NCAP)
- • Fuel economy is not competitive with modern vehicles
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated and sluggish
- • Original suspension components may need refreshing
- • Interior plastics can become brittle over time
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan (E30): 1984 - 1987).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Convertible (E30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 325i (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1985 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 68.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 222 Nm @ 4300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M20B25 More details about the engine M20B25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2494 |
| 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: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 216 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 169.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1310 |
| Max. weight: | 1710 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 312 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4325 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1645 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1370 mm [10mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2570 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1405 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1415 mm |
| 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 | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the BMW 3 Series rank in your book?