BMW 3 Series Sedan (E30) 325e (129 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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. Weighing only 1140 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.1 s). The top speed reaches 193 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 (129 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Focuses on smooth, economical driving with strong low-end torque, though the automatic transmission and 'eta' tuning mean less outright sportiness.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel efficiency for a 6-cylinder automatic, making it a cost-effective choice for daily driving and longer trips.

Best Use Case: Long-distance Cruising / Economy

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(Sedan (E30): 1984 - 1987).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:3 Series
Generation:Sedan (E30)
Modification (Engine):325e (129 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1985
End of production:1987
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:129 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:47.9 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:230 Nm @ 3200 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: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 mm
Piston Stroke:81 mm mm
Compression ratio:9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.1 sec
Maximum speed:193 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 113.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5 kg/Nm, 201.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1140
Max. weight:1600
Max load:460
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:425 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4325 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1645 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1380 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2570 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1410 mm
Rear (Back) track:1420 mm
Front overhang:761 mm
Rear overhang:994 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):125 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Tires size195/65 R14
Wheel rims size14

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