1986 BMW 325E 2 Dr Sedan

Description

BMW’s E30 is the second generation of its legendary 3 Series, its most successful and populous model ever. Manufactured from 1982 to 1994, the new E30 model range included the existing coupe and convertibles and, for the first time, a four-door sedan and Touring (wagon) variants. Initially, the E30 used carryover four-cylinder (M10) and six-cylinder (M20) petrol engines from its E21 predecessor, plus with a six-cylinder diesel engine available in some markets for the first time. At the time there was a global focus on fuel economy and clean emissions, so an economy model badged 325e was introduced with a lower revving, more fuel efficient engine. The ‘e’ is an abbreviation for “eta”, which represents the thermal efficiency of an engine. To maximise low-rev torque, the 325e engine was the largest widely available in an E30 (aside from the South Africa-only 333i). The 325e engine had a longer stroke than the 325i version, with a more restrictive head, four cam bearings instead of seven, and single valve springs (instead of the dual valve springs). The 325e was first introduced in 1985 with, confusingly given the 325 designation, a 2.7 litre M20 engine producing 90kW at 4250rpm. Considered a bit under-performing, this was upgraded to 110kW in 1988. E30 suspension remained front MacPherson struts and rear semi-trailing arm across the life of the model, though along the way new families of four-cylinder petrol engines were introduced and the six-cylinder engine received various upgrades. There were several short-lived or limited-edition models too, including the 325is variant, launched in September 1988. The E36 3 Series replaced it in 1990.