Paul Horrell tests the second generation of the BMW 3 Series
The next car in our selection, the BMW E30 320iS, vividly demonstrates the potential that was embedded in the 3 Series. The car I tested is called the «Italian M3» — essentially, it has the M3 engine with twin camshafts and 16 valves, developed for motorsport, but reduced to 2.0 liters so that Italians wouldn’t have to pay high taxes on powerful engines. The gearbox here is also from the M3 — a five-speed manual.
However, all this is housed in a regular 3 Series body, not in an M3, so there are no flared arches, lightweight glass, or vertical rear window. The suspension is also closer to standard.
Inside, you are embraced by luxurious leather seats, hold a leather steering wheel, and face an unusual abundance of buttons. The first BMW onboard computer had a separate button for each parameter, and above, near the rearview mirror, was an additional «check control» panel.
The power unit is stunning. The engine produces 192 hp, which is very impressive for an old naturally aspirated two-liter engine. And it pulls like a happy puppy up to 7000 rpm, meaning it accelerates to 60 mph (~96 km/h) in just over seven seconds with a weight of only 1200 kg.
Gear changes are precise, with no unnecessary inertia, slack, or jolts in the transmission.
Compared to the E21, the chassis here is slightly stiffer and better absorbs shock, but overall, the setup is soft. At parking speeds, it's noticeable that the steering has power assistance, but in motion, it works surprisingly naturally.
You feel everything the tires are doing. Compared to modern cars, the body's roll is quite noticeable, but overall, the chassis is excellently balanced.
Only if you abruptly lift off the throttle in a corner does the rear end start to step out. And this was a sign that the semi-independent rear suspension with trailing arms had reached its limit. BMW understood this, and the next step was a new 3 Series — a completely fresh start.