The BMW E30 has been a yardstick right from the start. Over the years many other manufactures looked at the 3 series for ideas and style. The E30 has been called an icon and is now a classic.

The E30 was introduced in the UK in March 1983. The first cars were 2 door; later in the year the 4 door was introduced. Between 1983 and 1990 many different models were also brought out including cabriolets,Touring, Sport, SE and Lux models. The Touring and Cabriolets continued on until 1994. - this was because the equivalent E36 versions were not yet available. We must not forget the M3 - the very successful race and road car (covered in the club by the M section). And last, but not least, the versions by Alpina,Hartge and Schnitzer. A total of over 2 million E30 cars altogether.