BMW 3 Series second generation
The BMW 3 Series second generation (1984–1991): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 22 versions in the United States.
Model codes: E30 · Sold in: United States and Canada
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | – | 4,320–4,460 mm |
| Width | – | 1,645 mm |
| Height | – | 1,360–1,400 mm |
| Wheelbase | – | 2,570 mm |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | – | 1,080–1,200 kg |
| Seats and space | ||
| Luggage space (EPA) | 255–651 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | 2,152–2,294 L EPA | – |
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia, US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
150 complaints for model years 1984–1991. 20 crashes · 10 fires · 23 injuries
- Engine 57
- Visibility and wipers 24
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 22 versions of the BMW 3 Series second generation
Show all 22 versions
United States 22 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–1993(FFS) · (FFS) (MPFI) | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1987–1992(FFS) (MPFI) · (FFS) | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1991(FFS) (MPFI) · (FFS) | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1991(FFS) (MPFI) | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1985–1991(FFS) | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 19–23 MPG (10.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 240–291 g/km |
| 1987–1991(FFS) (MPFI) · (FFS) | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1990–1991(FFS) (MPFI) · (FFS) | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1989–1991(FFS) (MPFI) · (FFS) | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1991(GUZZLER) (FFS), SIL | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA | 368 g/km |
| 1990(FFS) (MPFI) | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1988–1989(FFS) (MPFI) | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1988(FFS) (MPFI) | 2.3 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1988(FFS) (MPFI) | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1986–1988(FFS) (MPFI) | 2.7 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 276–291 g/km |
| 1988(FFS) (MPFI) | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 1985–1987(FFS) · (FFS) (MPFI) | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1985(FFS) | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1985(FFS) | 2.7 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1984(FFS) · (FFS) CA model | 1.8 L | Petrol | 3-speed automatic | – | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 240 g/km |
| 1984(FFS) · (FFS) CA model | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | – | 24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA | 230 g/km |
| 1984(FFS) · (FFS) CA model | 2.7 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | – | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 1984(FFS) · (FFS) CA model | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | – | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.