1990 BMW 3 Series Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
E30 vs Porsche 944
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Sedan
Review
I have owned 11 cars in the past 10 years from VW Jetta, to Audi v8 quattro and Porsche 944, the 2 best being the Porsche 944 and 86 BMW 325e I have now. Only reason I liked the Porsche better is that there was no understeer during harsh cornering, the BMW 325e kinda feels like my '92 Subaru Legacy when pushed in corners but not as much understeer however very refined and still a great alternative to many new performance cars made today with an E36 M3 engine swap it should be even more devastating this car is still better in other ways than the 944 like reliability. With racing dynamics tower brace, bilstein shocks and H&R springs it helps me keep up with a Cayman S on twisties literally.
Favorite Features
I love the old school styling, smooth and sufficient torque, the '86 325e for economy is not a slouch when mated with Jim Comforti chip, K&N cone filter intake and of course ME. I love the smooth but yet quick and precise steering response it has with the upgraded suspension components.
Suggested Improvements
Production of this gem has passed but bmw should have given it a turbo like the 2008 135 for easier power increase regardless of it outperforming the M3 which it can anyway with available powergrades and its 2.7L engine vs the M3 2.3L with the same 170 ft.lb. torque available at higher revs.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
Keeps on going
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Convertible
Review
This is a great car. The kind you WANT to keep on the road. Engine will run for 300,000 miles. Happy motoring.
Favorite Features
Great original paint. Even after 17 years people always say "nice car".
Suggested Improvements
May have trouble with transmission.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Have to drive it to believe it!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325is Sedan
Review
I bought the 325is used with 170k for $2.5k and spent another $4k to recondition the BMW. Guess what? It worth every single penny! The 325is has great interior features, reliable German engine, excellent handling on highway and street.
Favorite Features
It has to be the large power sunroof. Also, the racing style seat is not too bad either. Although the one I have is an automatic (being lazy and all), I would really recommend a stick shift (5sp). It just adds that much fun to driving.
Suggested Improvements
The model could use some 16 inches deep dish BBS rims instead of the 14 inches they have on all the e30 bmw. I have no complaint for anything else.
A real enthusiast car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325iX AWD Sedan
Review
This car handles better than my Mini cooper. If you love to drive, this is a really fun car, especially if you install an aftermarket sport suspension. With the right tires, this car is almost impossible to spin out of control. The downsides are: the cost of the replacement parts are twice a regular E30; fuel economy drops to about 20 city, 23 hwy, and its a bit heavier (3000 lbs) compared to a regular E30 (2840 lb), hince a little slower. The 1988 was the best year, had all the best options, fender flares, Recaro seats, power everything.
Favorite Features
limited slip rear diff. Recaro seats. Great style. Handles like no other.
Suggested Improvements
A little more power
My Fun Secret
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 325i Sedan
Review
I purchased this car for $2500, with 180k miles on it so it needed some basic mechanical attention. Mostly tired parts, but nothing wrong with the engine at all. Being that I have access to parts at cost and I do all my own work, it may not be a fair assessment however I LOVE this car! For me the parts are cheap, the work is easy and as long as you take care of the wear items, it will run forever. OK maybe not forever but I recently turned 200,000 miles and I'm proud of it. I look forward to hitting the 250k mark. I will drive this car anywhere without worry. This weekend I am taking it to LA from San Francisco and expect it to be a sweet ride down Hwy 1!
Favorite Features
The ride, engine, top of course, on board computer, styling. It's a Classic that still gets attention today. I chose this over an e36. It was made with all the right bits and bells before cars started getting out of hand post ODBII. I highly recommend to anyone who can take care of one.
Suggested Improvements
Sport seats could be better, wear out over time and while leather is nice, vinyl is better for a convertible. The 91 and 92 had the updated bumpers and looked the best.
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