1988 BMW 325i E30 Touring Wagon

Description

The second generation 3 Series was launched by BMW in early 1983, building on the success of the original E21 and firmly establishing the model as the best compact sports saloon money could buy. The E30 range combined exceptional German engineering and superb build quality with plenty of performance from both four and six-cylinder engines. While the first generation 3 Series had only been sold in two-door guise, BMW expanded the model range for its successor to include both two and four-door saloons, a touring estate and even a full convertible. Harking back to the old 2002 Touring Wagon, the estate version of the E30 was unveiled at Frankfurt in 1985 and proved a resounding success, with combination of practicality, performance and style unmatched by any of its rivals. Sold with a variety of engine and transmission combinations, the ultimate Touring Wagon was the 325i, powered by BMW's superb 2494cc sohc in-line six, developing 171 horsepower at 5800 rpm. With Bosch ME-Motronic fuel injection, ZF rack-and-pinion steering, disc brakes (with ABS optional) and independent suspension all round, the 325i was a wonderful driver's car, capable of reaching 220 km/h and with exceptional acceleration figures for a car in this class. The E30 was easily BMW's most successful model to date and the Touring remained in production for several years after the new E36 was announced, with the option of four-wheel drive on the 325iX. With good examples becoming harder to come by, the E30 is becoming more collectible each year and still offer a fantastically rewarding driving experience.