Car Care for classic cars: BMW E30

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie to the world of cars, this is one vehicle that anyone can appreciate. The E30 has been well-known for its performance and reliability, and it's easy to see why. With a front-engine, rear-wheel drive, and a lightweight body, the BMW E30 was revolutionary when it first came out in 1982. And from what we know today, this car will still be going strong 30 years later!

In this article, we will discuss what makes this BMW series so unique, its specifications, and give you five valuable tips on keeping your BMW 3 series E30 in pristine condition to ensure its value.

What is the BMW E30?

The classic BMW E30 was first introduced in 1982 by the German car company Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (aka BMW) and was produced until 1994. The E30 has been well known for its performance and reliability throughout the 1980s and is still relevant today.

Despite having been out of production for over a decade, the BMW 3 series E30 is often imitated by other brands in an attempt to re-create its fantastic feel. The BMW 3 series was revolutionary when it first came out, and from what we know today, this car will still be going strong 30 years later!

What Makes the BMW E30 a Classic?

There are many reasons why this car is considered a classic. Firstly, it was the first 3-series that also come with four-doors, which combined good speed and performance measurements with a large body that can fit the whole family. Secondly, the BMW 3 series was known for its reliability – it's a car you can always enjoy driving. Thirdly, it has a lightweight body, making it easy to handle and maneuver.

And finally, the BMW E30 is just a really cool car! It's got that classic BMW look and feel that's so popular today. So, if you're looking for a stylish and luxurious classic car to enjoy, the BMW E30 can definitely be the one for you!

Specs of the BMW E30

BMW built the classic 1982 BMW 3 series with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that could produce up to 136 horsepower They also made the first M3 which became an instant favorite among drivers and reached a classic status very early in its life. Today, the most valuable E30s you can find are these classic M3 versions. It is even quick for today's standards. Of course, it is much less powerful than what you would expect from modern sports cars, but it's still pretty decent for an '85 model!
The car weighs 1,200 kg has a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. It also comes with rack & pinion steering, which gives it much better stability and responsiveness.

Specifications for the BMW E30 M3:
-Four Cylinder Inline Engine
-Rear Wheel Drive
-Manual Transmission
-Mass: 1,200 kg
-Max Horsepower: 197-Length: 4,287mm
-Width: 1,735mm
-Height: 1.390mm
-Wheelbase: 2,500mm (98.4in)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 11.7 s
-Top speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)

Highlighted BMW E30 Appearances

This car is featured in many racing simulation games, including the popular online game Gran Turismo 5. The BMW E30 was also featured in Fast & Furious 6, driven by Brian O'Conner, played by the late Paul Walker, who has a substantial BMW collection containing five extremely rare E36s and two E30s. This fact only strengthened the love for these cars in car enthusiasts and gaming communities.

How to Protect Your BMW 3 Series

There are several reasons why it's essential to keep your classic car in good condition. First and foremost, keeping your vehicle in top shape will maintain its value. Additionally, a well-maintained car will run better and last longer. Finally, taking care of your classic car is a labor of love that allows you to enjoy it for many years to come.

Whether your classic car is a collectible, an antique, or just one of your favorite vehicles that you enjoy driving on weekends, it's important to keep up with the recommended service and protect it with a car cover. If there are aspects of your car that need attention, always prioritize what needs immediate repair to avoid further damage.

For example, major engine problems should be diagnosed and fixed immediately; issues with the paint or interior can wait until later. Regardless of what kind of car you have, it is always best to be on the side of caution when it comes to taking care of your vehicle.

If you're one of the lucky BMW E30 owners, then you'll want to make sure you keep your car in top condition! Here are five tips on how to protect your classic BMW:

1- Keep up with regular tune-ups

Regular tune-ups are crucial for keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently. Tune-ups should occur every time the odometer rolls over another 10,000 miles or so, per manufacturer suggestions. If you don't know what kind of mileage your vehicle requires, then check with the service department at your local dealership.

During a tune-up, your mechanic will change the engine oil and filter, check for needed parts and belts, adjust the timing belt if necessary, and survey all fluids. In addition to a tune-up, it is a good idea to have an overall inspection of your vehicle every year or two.

It is wise to double-check your vehicle’s filters at the beginning of every winter to ensure no water has made its way into them. Water can freeze and damage your filters, causing leaks and spillage if your car is not stored in a heated garage.

2- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to the letter

When it comes to keeping your classic car in good shape and preserving its value, you cannot skimp on recommended maintenance. Always follow the schedule laid out by the manufacturer. If you aren't sure about particular parts or services, either look up the information yourself or take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for advice.

It is also a wise decision to find a mechanic specializing in either your brand or classic cars in general. The technology in classic cars is vastly different from that which we find in modern vehicles. A mechanic who has only worked on modern cars may not have the appropriate knowledge needed for a classic car engine. It’s better to be safe than sorry to ensure the value of your classic BMW.

3- Wash and wax regularly

There are many benefits to regularly washing your car. Washing your car can help it look nicer and last longer. It can also protect the paint job from corrosion and rust. Washing your vehicle also helps remove dirt, dust, and other pollutants that can damage the finish over time.

One of the benefits of waxing your car is that it helps to keep it looking new as it functions as the first line of defense against the elements. Waxing your vehicle also helps to protect it from the elements, such as rain and sun. It also helps to protect the paint job from scratches and chips. Finally, waxing your car can make it easier to clean in the future.

There are many ways to wash and wax your BMW 3 series, whether you choose to go the DIY route or hire a professional. However, one thing you don't want to do is ignore it for too long.

If you live in an area where road salt is used during the winter months, then your car will require a bit more attention than usual, as that salt can eat away at painted metal if not washed away in a timely manner. Use a quality car wash and wax often to keep your classic looking its best.

Another option would be to have your car’s lacquer coated with a protected film layer. This three-layer film coating will put a barrier between your car's paint job and the outside world without having any lasting effect on the paint itself, leaving it protected against harmful UV rays as well as cuts and scratches from small rocks and things alike. These paint protection films can often be repaired by simply adding heat to smooth minor scratches out. If a scratch is too substantial, you can simply have that piece re-done without needing the entire car to be re-done.

4- Use a quality car protection cover specially made for BMW

Always park your car in a dry, sheltered area. If you do not have the option to park it indoors for whatever reason, make sure you cover your classic BMW with an outdoor car protection cover. All-weather car covers will ensure that your valuable classic is protected against all weather conditions it may need to face.

Even when storing your classic car indoors in a garage, you may still want to give it some extra protection from dust and fine powder or any other form of debris that could settle on it with BMW car covers. Make sure to use a custom car cover with a soft fleece lining to ensure your car cover isn't capable of scratching your car when putting it on and off. There are several standard sizes and colors available to match your valuable classic. But the best fit is always ensured with a tailored car cover that will be made to a perfect fit for your vehicle.

5- Protect your tyres from flat spots

To protect the tires of your BMW 3 series while your vehicle is not in use, you can park it on top of a set of tyre cushions, which is the best car protection for your tyres. Tire cushions are designed to provide a soft surface that hugs and protects your tyres to keep them in their original round shape, even when the vehicle itself is not moving. Of course, this may not be beneficial if you drive your car every few days. But if you store your BMW E30 for a couple of weeks at a time or even longer, store it on a set of tyre cushions to protect the tyres and, in turn, the entire car.

In conclusion, the classic BMW E30 is a classic car because it was revolutionary when first released in 1982, and many of them are still driving around strong 30-40 years later. The general specifications are a four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and manual transmission. These specs gave the E30 speed and handling abilities unmatched by any other make and model of its time. And it has gained quite the cult following after being featured in racing simulation games and movies.

If you take care of your classic like you would any other investment and protect it with E30 car covers, the proper maintenance, and a regular wash and wax job, it will last for many years and only increase further in value as it gets older.

Always remember to enjoy your car and drive safely!