1987 BMW 3 Series Reviews

21st Oct 2009, 16:15

These E30 3 series models were very well built. They were solid cars that used high quality materials all through, so unlike the E36 that followed it.

I owned 3 series models from E30 to E46, and the E30 is the high water mark so far as build quality goes, but beware that twitchy tail.

Reply to this comment

Delete this comment

1987 BMW 3 Series 325e 2.7 inline-six from North America

Model year	1987
Year of manufacture	1987
First year of ownership	2007
Most recent year of ownership	2008
Engine and transmission	2.7 inline-six Manual
Performance marks	10 / 10
Reliability marks	8 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	8.7 / 10
Distance when acquired	276000 kilometres
Most recent distance	290000 kilometres

Summary:

They don't make them like this anymore

Faults:

Normal wear items like brakes and some suspension bushings. Very good considering the mileage.

General Comments:

I bought this car for almost nothing from a guy that needed to sell it quickly. It ran well stock, but it was my project car and I turned it into a 327i using a euro 320i head and everything else (fuel injection, intake, cam, etc) from a 325i. I was astounded by the condition of the drivetrain even with a quarter million kilometers on the clock. The engine bores still showed the original cross-hatch! No smoke, no clanking noises, nothing! The Getrag 5-speed was flawless and noiseless, even the diff was quiet. The only mechanical fault in the drivetrain was some oil seepage from various gaskets and seals, which is hardly the fault of a high-mileage 20 year old car.

My 2.7i conversion ran great and felt torquier at all revs than a stock 325i, despite still having the 2.93 eta diff. Gas mileage wasn't bad either. I was going to change the diff, the suspension and some other bits, but then a fool in an SUV plowed into it while it was parked in front of my house. Total loss. Even so, these cars hold their value real well if they're in decent shape and the insurance covered my financial losses and then some. Looking for another one to do it all again. E30 forever!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2009

21st Oct 2009, 06:29

I stole this car for a song, I drove it on two, no make that three 1200 mile round trips, over 28 mpg, smooth at very high speeds, only problem was that narrow... seat, killed me, but with the top down on cool days, none better. Some other guy said, won't run under 3000 rpm, not built to, car cruises at 3000 at 72-74 mph, try shifting at about 5500, and you will see how good it runs.

Mine - red, black convertible. Oh, this is my second 300 series... dink4380.

Reply to this comment

Delete this comment

1987 BMW 3 Series 325is 2.5 straight six from North America

Model year	1987
Year of manufacture	1987
First year of ownership	2007
Most recent year of ownership	2007
Engine and transmission	2.5 straight six Manual
Performance marks	9 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	6 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	8.0 / 10
Distance when acquired	78000 miles
Most recent distance	99000 miles

Summary:

Finally understand 'Ultimate Driving Machine'

Faults:

Sunroof motor loosened up and was slipping, easy fix.

Exhaust - from cat back rotted, aftermarket replacement $300.00.

Rear shock mount bushings, common problem, cheap and easy fix.

Otherwise just routine scheduled maintenance.

General Comments:

For 20 year old technology, this car is incredible. Power, weight bias and steering geometry make this little car one very impressive unit - even twenty years after.

Power is a little modest when compared to same age American V8's in a straight line. But throw in some twisties and it's on.

As far as how Japanese compacts compare in the performance department - they simply don't!

I bought this car for $2500 to save some gas and to keep mileage off my late model truck, and I ended up falling in love within the first hundred miles.

I will continue to maintain and possible even restore this sweetheart.

If you have an opportunity to get a clean one - jump on it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th April, 2009

1987 BMW 3 Series IS 2.5 from North America

Model year	1987
Year of manufacture	1987
First year of ownership	2008
Most recent year of ownership	2008
Engine and transmission	2.5 Manual
Performance marks	8 / 10
Comfort marks	6 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	7.0 / 10
Most recent distance	208000 miles
Previous car	BMW Mini

Summary:

This is a fun to drive vehicle

Faults:

Needs a steering rack badly.

General Comments:

Well I just bought it a few days ago; paid $1500.00. Bought it as a daily driver alternative to my gas guzzling Dodge Ram 1500.

The car is amazingly fun to drive, even at 20 years old... it's still got plenty of speed & can keep-up with the best of them on the highway at 80+ mph..

The car is in need of a steering rack, which is leaking like crazy. To my amazement the mechanic quoted me $700.00 for a new rack (I was not ready for this). Otherwise the car is in good condition, in spite of needing a good paint job..

Can someone tell me if I got a good deal on this car?

BTW, this car very much reminds me of my 2004 Mini Cooper, which I recently got rid of..

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th June, 2008