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BMW 3 Series Convertible (E30) 325i (171 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 226 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 (171 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A marginal power increase over the 170 hp version, this trim maintains the excellent performance characteristics of the M20B25, offering a truly enjoyable drive.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency remains consistent with the 170 hp variant, offering a good balance for a classic performance convertible.
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 (171 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1985 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 171 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 68.6 Hp/l [4mm less] |
| Torque: | 226 Nm @ 4000 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 |
| 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, 130.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 172.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1310 |
| Max. weight: | 1710 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 311 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4321 mm mm [4mm less] |
| Width: | 1641 mm mm [4mm less] |
| Height: | 1369 mm mm [11mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2570 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1410 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1420 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 125 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 |
| Tires size | 195/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
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