BMW E30 3-Series

Cover image

Scoop!

September 1982CAR
This brand new BMW Three Series, '83 replacement for the Bavarian company's biggest selling model, packs a great deal of clever design to help mask the lack of eyeball appeal - and relatively poor aerodynamics - of its shape.

Cover image

BMW Three hides its talents

December 1982CAR
With BMW's vital new Three Series about to hit the road, Georg Kacher goes out driving with the men whose job it is to get the first cars right for launch. The Three's no eye-catcher, he says, but now it handles well — Georg Kacher

Cover image

Soon: BMW's Broadside!

January 1983CAR
This BMW, the four-door version of the newly-nimble Three Series, won't be around until the second half of next year, but when it comes, it could shock the Merc 190 with its power, compactness, competitive price and finish

Cover image

Newcomers

January 1983CAR
Six years' work have gone into BMW's new Three Series but you'd never realise it from the outside — LJK Setright

Cover image

Giant Test

October 1983CAR
Mercedes-Benz 190E v BMW 320i Four-door

Cover image

Hartge plan a 2.6 BMW

November 1983Performance Car
Hartge, the German firm who were the first to install the 3.5 engine in a BMW five series car, have developed a 2.6 engine for the three series. Based on the 2.3-litre block the Hartge brothers are looking for 215 to 220bhp from their new motor.

Cover image

Debut

May 1986CCC
Hype - or high performance? Today's generation of performance road tyres have similar very impressive, ultimate abilities, but each achieves these differently.

Cover image

The Finest Cut

September 1986Performance Car
You've seen the BMW 325i as a saloon and a Cabriolet, now Munich has taken the lid off completely, to launch this superb convertible

Cover image

Sierra RS Cosworth vs BMW M3

September 1986Performance Car
Ford and BMW both have serious European Championship saloon car racing aspirations for 1987. The Sierra RS Cosworth and the BMW M3 are the weapons they will use. What kind of car does the customer get?

Cover image

Anything you can do

September 1986Performance Car
BMW's new all-wheel-drive variation on their sporty Three-Series theme answers a lot of criticisms about BMW handling conditions in extreme conditions, but at the expense of more than a few dry-road sacrifices

Cover image

Open and shut cases

September 1986Performance Car
Baur BMW 320i Cabriolet

Cover image

Two more threes

May 1987Fast Lane
Both the BMW M3 and the 325iX are now available in Britain after all. That is, they are available to special order in left-hand-drive only, and delivery could take four months or more.

Cover image

All-wheel drive club

March 1988Performance Car
Audi Quattro v Mazda 323 Turbo 4x4 v BMW 325iX v Lancia Delta HF Turbo 4WD v Ford Sierra XR4x4

Cover image

Autobahnstormers

March 1988Fast Lane
Hartge H35-24

Cover image

Touring Scotland

June 1988Performance Car
Following several show appearances, the BMW five-door Touring 'estate' car is now on sale throughout Britain in 325i form.