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1986 BMW E30 M3 review


 
  Review 
 
   
-->   Article summary:
Page 1 :  BMW E30 M3 review

Page 2 :  Suspension

Page 2 :  Engine & transmission

Page 3 :  Cockpit


Cockpit

Difference between cheaper E30s and M3 at the inside included adjustable Recaro seats trimmed as standard, with hound-stooth check cloth centres, plain grey bolsters and PVC backs. Also a three-spoke leather-rimmed Motorsport steering wheel fronted the standard E30 instrument binnacle although there were new VDO instruments with red needles. There was also a 160mph speedo and 8000rpm tach, separated by a Motorsport logo, one of which could also be found on the gear knob. Also individually contoured rear seats, tinted glass and electric door mirrors were standard, air conditioning, electric windows, an electrically operated sunroof and full leather trim were cost options. Other possible upgrades included an on-board computer and heated front seats.

 

Half-leather Motorsport-striped trim got on the options list soon after. Several years later, a new three-spoke leather-rimmed steering wheel and grey cloth upholstery were introduced for 1990 model year examples.

 
Standard equipment
Central locking with deadlock
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Speed sensitive power steering
Heated washer nozzles/drivers door lock
Oil temperature gauge
Active check control
Catalytic converter
Rear fog lights
Driver’s footrest
Deep contour Recaro seats with racing harness eyelets
 
Optional Equipment
Headlight beam throw adjuster
Electric heated mirrors
On-board computer
Air-conditioning
Cassette holder
Headlamp wash/wipe system

Leather interior (leather seats cost 1,310 UK pounds in 1990)

Electronic Damping Control suspension system with three settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport. These settings are chosen by the driver through a knob mounted next to the handbrake handle.

Electric front windows (cost 413 UK pounds in 1990)

Sunroof, manual or electric (cost 745+ UK pounds in 1990)

Radio (radio fitting service was 187 UK pounds in 1990)

Optional cassette holder on center tunnel console
 
Closing comments

One of the myth-cars of the 80’s, the E30 M3 was the first Motorsport Department model to reach world-wide fame and success. With perfect weight balance and super-sharp steering it is considered to be one of the most pleasing to drive production cars ever and there’s no wonder about it’s extensive racing success. 20 years after the model emerged it’s popularity seems to be undiminished, as proved by the many fan clubs. It’s genes were clearly present in the two generations of M3s that have followed and hopefully they will still be there for the model to be launched in 2007. 

 
Engine & transmission
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Year:1986
Engine:R4, DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
Transmission:5-Speed Manual
Horsepower @ RPM:192 @ 6750
MPG(Cty):17
MPG(Hwy):29
Torque @ RPM:170 @ 4750
Displacement:140.5 L
Curb Weight:2866 lbs.
0-60 time:6.5 sec.
Quarter Mile time:15.4 sec.
Top Speed:146 mph
0-100 time:19.8 sec.
Layout:Front, Longitudinal


  BMW M-series Pictures