BMW E30 Cabrio

In the mid-80s, when BMW presented the E30 convertible, it was almost a small sensation. Because until then, non-iron convertibles with four proper seats were not only very rare, but also a highly elitist pleasure. For those who wanted to indulge in the iron-free up-to -pless driving fun, only had the choice between the blue-blooded twins Bentley Continental and Rolls-Royce Corniche. Well, the close-cut 2 + 2-seater Ferrari Mondial, Maserati Biturbo and Porsche 911 Cabriolet also existed. But their space in the rear niches was actually not even smaller children in the long term zuzumuten. Only when looking in the rear-view mirror so the importance of the E30 convertible for the recent automotive history is clear.
In fact, the success of BMW was something of an initial spark - quite calculable against this background. Many manufacturers, first and foremost Saab with the 900 Cabrio released shortly thereafter, opened in the following years also the aesthetic feeling of most fresh-air fans and waived the stabilizing bracket. The secret of the success of the E30 convertible, however, is not based solely on its complete openness. Because under the linear and straightforward drawn sheet metal of course also the top-without-3er hid everything, which gives the slogan of the "joy of driving" content. Guarantor of this is above all the equally powerful and revving 170-horsepower straight-six of the 325i Convertible.
The top engine of the 3 Series was the only available engine variant at the market launch in April 1986. And it is still the most sought-after motorization of the series offered until 1993. In August 1987, BMW expanded the convertible model range with the 320i, the four-cylinder in the 318i even launched only in September 1990, when a facelift also gave the convertibles plastic bumpers and larger rear lights.
The sporty orientation of the house accordingly, the convertibles had an agile chassis. And the cockpit with its dashboard facing the driver is still the benchmark for many BMW fans on which the current iDrive infoboard fails in terms of taste. The same applies to the often amateurish tuning attempts of many third- or fourth-hand owners who were not exactly conducive to the image of the E30. In this regard, the worst is over. Today, the open-top 3 Series E30 is on its way to becoming a classic - without any glittering retrospect.
An E30 convertible still enjoys great popularity. The ridden copies (ver) end mostly in the hands of young hobbyists. Models in rare original condition are today sought-after collector's items with attractive prices.
The main focus when visiting an E30 convertible is the bodywork. Because after 30 years, the grate gnaws not only on wheel arches, but often also on supporting parts. Danger threatens but also from pastel-savvy previous owners, who often deface the 3er rescue. The technique is considered robust with regular maintenance.
Many BMW fans also combine the joy of driving with the E30 convertible with one of the silky six-cylinder engines. They are still in the favor of the buyers at the top. Most copies turn out today, however, as a dilapidated craft stalls with dubious tuning accessories. Our tip is the 318i Convertible. This was always in the shadow of the image-rich six-cylinder, but fell much less often the heaters in the hands. If you're looking for an original E30 convertible today, the 318i has the best chance of success.