318i (E30 model)

BMW 318i (E30 model)

BMW's second version of the iconic 3 series. Built from 1982 to 1991.

The original standard tyre was a 195/65HR14 with the option of a 205/55VR15 on a 15 inch wheel. There was also a metric 200/60HR365 tyre option, but this is no longer available

The second-generation BMW 3-Series was known as the E30 and it arrived in 1983 in two-door saloon form, with 2.0-litre or 2.3-litre six-cylinder engines (320i, 323i) or for those on a budget there was the 1.6-litre four-cylinder 316i. A few months later a four-door saloon appeared with the same engine options, or there was a 1.8-litre 318i.

A Baur-built convertible was launched in 1984, but just three years later BMW introduced its own-drop-top E30; at the same time a facelift gave the E30 a more modern appearance. In the meantime, in late 1985, the 2.5-litre 325i had replaced the 323i and all cars got a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, although an auto was optionally available.

Another facelift in late 1987 brought revised lighting and bumpers while the 316i and 318i got a new four-cylinder engine. The big news for spring 1989 was the first ever 3-Series estate, the Touring; the twin-cam 318iS debuted a year later, then at the end of 1990 the E30 was superseded by the third-generation 3-Series, the E36.