BMW 3 series 1986 E30 Cabrio

This generation of BMW 3 series E30 has been produced from April, 1986 to June, 1993. We can provide information about 8 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.

This BMW is available with three petrol engines with displacement from 1.8 to 2.5 litres and power of from 113 to 170 horsepower. All engines have a timing belt driven camshaft, which requires more frequent service than a timing chain, but replacing timing belt is less expensive, and these engines are generally slightly more fuel efficient and quieter (What is an engine chain and belt?).
The car is available with both manual (4 versions), as well as automatic (4 versions) gearbox.

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BMW 3 series 1986 E30 cabrio average fuel consumption in combined cycle is from 8.8 to 9.9 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 1986 E30 cabrio version is BMW 318i Cabrio, consuming 8.8 litres of petrol per 100km.
According to user reviews, BMW 3 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 7 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy. For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.

The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 8.3 seconds has BMW 325i Cabrio version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 320i Cabrio reaching this speed only in 13 seconds. The maximum top speed is 217 km/h for the 2.5 petrol 6-cylinder 170 hp version (BMW 325i Cabrio).

Lenght of BMW 3 series is 432 cm, it is medium size car. For comparison - BMW 3 series is about 22 cm longer than Ford Escort hatchback, but 7 cm shorter than Audi 80 sedan. BMW 3 series gross weight is from 1620 to 1730 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 17 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 3 series trunk space is 312 litres.

This BMW is quite costly - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 13 000 $. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 140 $ per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series 1986 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2400 € cost per year and 0.22 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 56%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 28% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of BMW 3 series for your situation and driving habits here! Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 3 series prices and costs.

BMW 3 series modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox
BMW 318i Cabrio Oct 1990 — Jun 1993

Most fuel efficient version

1.8 Petrol 113 HP 8.8 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318i Cabrio Oct 1990 — Jun 1993 1.8 Petrol 113 HP 9.0 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 320i Cabrio Sep 1987 — Dec 1992 2.0 Petrol 129 HP 9.5 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 320i Cabrio Sep 1987 — Dec 1992 2.0 Petrol 129 HP 9.7 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 325i Cabrio Apr 1986 — Sep 1987

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds

2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 325i Cabrio Sep 1987 — Dec 1992 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.7 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 325i Cabrio Apr 1986 — Sep 1987 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.2 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 325i Cabrio Sep 1987 — Dec 1992 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.9 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 3 series service and maintenanceOil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.

BMW 3 series prices

BMW 3 series 1986 - 1993 cabrio price in Latvia is from 11000 $ to 14500 $.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is very high - BMW 3 series is almost two times more expensive then average cabrios of this age (compare cabrios 1986 - 1993 prices). Despite of price above average BMW 3 series quality is not so good (see below), so this BMW may not be the best choice for this price.

YearLowestAverageHighestAvailability
BMW 3 series 1986 price 11 000 $ 13 000 $ 14 500 $

BMW 3 series total costs of ownership

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BMW 3 series reliability and quality

According to yearly reports of vehicle inspection service BMW 3 series reliability is below average. In the roadworthiness tests in 2004 defects were detected in an average of 29.3 percent of BMW 3 series of this generation (on average 15 years old at the time of inspection). The average failure rate for a vehicles of the same age was 26.9%.

BMW 3 series reliability and quality

BMW 3 series 1986 E30 cabrio features (options)

Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)

Metallic paint
74%
Leather upholstery
46%
Conditioning
16%
Heated seats
14%
Adjustable steering wheel
11%

BMW 3 series 1986 E30 cabrio photo images

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Similar cars to BMW 3 series 1986

Cars similar and most compared to BMW 3 series 1986. Click on the image to view the car's specifications or on the "Compare..." link to compare cars.

Ford Mondeo 2000 Ford Mondeo 2000 has
  • lower price
  • fewer faults
  • lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
Compare BMW 3 series 1986 vs Ford Mondeo 2000
BMW 3 series 1993 BMW 3 series 1993 has
  • lower fuel consumption for diesel engines
  • lower price
Compare BMW 3 series 1986 vs BMW 3 series 1993
SAAB 900 1986 SAAB 900 1986 has
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Toyota Celica 1991 Toyota Celica 1991 has
  • lower fuel consumption for diesel engines
  • lower price
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BMW 3 series reviews

Total 78 BMW 3 series owner reviews

BMW 3 series 1992 Sedan Petrol 1.8 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2013 (age of car 21 year) Owned for:30`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 8.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 255.3 $ (~ 127 $ per year)
Total car rating:
7
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 24
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