E30: THE URBAN CULT
THE BMW E30 is a light luxury passenger vehicle that was produced from 1982 to 1994.
The “E30” is basically a model series number; one can call it simply the 3 series that ran from 1982 to 1994.
But simply calling it that is tantamount to motoring delinquency.
The series ought to be called by its code name for numerous reasons to be discussed.
This is because it is a legendary model with massive following throughout the globe.
The 3 series is a popular compact passenger car that sells in large numbers.
It is quite a practical car that can be used as semi executive carrier and also a family car.
The nomenclature of beemers is by attaching a prefix letter to a number in this case an “E.”
The E30 was a replacement of the E21, which was itself replaced by the E36 then E46 and so on until to the current F30.
The E30 was a second generation 3 series and brought a significant change over the E21.
The E30 was available in twodoor coupe, four door saloon, two door convertible and 5 door touring (station wagon).
The most popular, needless to say, was the four door sedan. Strong engines were on offer such as 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 which were all four cylinder pots and 2.5 which was a straight six.
They provided sufficient propulsion for the vehicle. This power is sent to the rear via 5/6 gear manuals and automatics.
The E30 had seen the introduction of the super quick M3 with a high revving engine.
The car enjoyed global success even after the replacement (E36).
The success was much more in South Africa where it is a popular car 20 plus years after end of production.
The car has a fond place in people’s hearts and still can be seen in many adverts at reasonably good prices.
The series saw off competition from the Teutonic others (Mercs C-class and Audis A4).
The biggest practice today with the car is the drifting sport or spinning as it is fondly called.
This is a sport that utilises the over steer of a vehicle. Oversteer is a tendency of a vehicle to turn sideways; that is for the back to kick out.
This is only possible in rear drive vehicles. Oversteer occurs when the rear wheels have more power at that moment than the wheels can handle.
This normally results in plumes of smoke and sideways kicking of the car.
This tendency can be harnessed to provide endless spinning thrills. This is now a sport and requires skills and practice to perfect.
The E30 had noticeably a big tendency to oversteer and this weakness has been capitalised on to provide a thrill.
All sorts of tricks are seen amazingly performed due thanks to this!!!!
This is a popular weekend activity in urban South Africa and the sport has infected some in Zambia with clubs being formed in the country and skilled drivers showing their prowess and understanding of the car.
They are fondly called Gusheshe. Competitions are common among spinners or drifters and the Gush is a popular choice. It is easy to boost the power to have more thrills.
Lowering clubs also like this car, even if they mostly love Japanese cars for this purpose.
Lowering is a customisation where custom springs are fit and the car lowered to have the effect of a car dragging on the ground.
The E30. Quick, strong car with solid German reputation that will provide a good motoring experience.
The car is old yes and lacks many modern features but it is a definite future classic (despite its mass production).
It would make an ideal weekend thrill vehicle especially if one is friends with oversteer.
The E30. Quick, strong car with solid German reputation that will provide a good motoring experience. The car is old yes and lacks many modern features but it is a definite future classic (despite its mass production).