German engineering's solution to Styling without sacrificing confort. The engines are near bullet proof, one of the best built of European cars! They are very sensitive to maintence unlike Imports. If neglect it can be your worse nightmare, $$$$. If taken care it will give you Fahrvergnügen!

This beautifully engineered compact executive saloon from Bavaria is an excellent car. I bought it in the Summer of 2008 with 165,000 miles on it. The previous owner had installed a solid stainless steel short shifter, replaced the steering with an M3 rack, replaced brake rotors and lines with ATE components, and added Bilstein sport struts. The car drives superbly and quickly with these additions. Although the performance is the most important factor in my mind, what I really love about this car is the "Germanness". BMW designed the car to have classic sedan shape with conservative German lines, but still managed to make the car look powerful and aggressive. Consistent with German logic, the front axle steers the car while the rear propels it forward. To help achieve its 50/50 weight balance, BMW moved the axles forward, placed the battery in the trunk and added a full size spare with a matching steel wheel. In the owner's manual they've included procedures and warnings to adhere to when driving "enthusiastically" or when exceeding 110 mph. Overall, this is an excellent driving machine from Germany.

Performance - Very quick when in the powerband, even with an auto trans. Handling - Best handling for the money I've ever driven. Braking - Not amazing, but can lock all the wheels when neccessary. Looks - Very respectable platform, but mine needs paint badly. Interior - Bunch of little things missing or broken, but should be easily fixable.

I'd like to say I miss my 1970's 2002, but I don't. The E30 is so much more. The E30 is aging well and gets alot of looks, according to my wife. Power is still contemporary and handling is excellent, improved by simple traditional modifications.

Overall a great car, hard to find used in good condition, but the ones that are will be fairly expensive. Parts for the 87-91 E30's aren't too hard to find and quite a few options available for engine/suspension upgrades.