Trace the 50-year success story of BMW’s 3-Series in this luxuriously produced and stunningly illustrated volume.From its launch in 1975 with the 316, the 3-Series has moved from strength to strength, defining what it means to be a performance sedan/coupe/wagon. Beloved by enthusiasts worldwide, it is the series benchmarked by all other manufacturers. Whether daily driven, tracked, or raced, BMW’s 3-Series delivers the goods.
BMW 3-Series 50 Years charts the 3-Series’ design and technical evolution from the 1970s to today, from the clean, classic two-box design of the E21 and E30 to the handsome E46 to today’s sophisticated G20. The book features:
- A detailed history of the BMW 3-Series by automotive historian and industry analyst Tony Lewin
- First-person interviews with key designers and engineers
- Photography from BMW’s archive as well as commissioned, contemporary photography
- Sidebars diving into interesting stories covering design, related models like the Z cars, and the collector perspective
The 3-Series is a performance and competition story, as well, with no car more storied, or critical to BMW’s reputation, than its vaunted M3. Racing and M3s play out across the book’s chapters, providing a performance perspective across the 3-Series’ 50 years.
With decades of showroom, performance, and competition success, BMW’s 3-Series, in all its permutations, shows no signs of slowing down.
BMW 3-Series 50 Years details the full story in a lively volume deserving space in every enthusiast’s collection.
Features:
- From the simple to the extreme, there's something here for everyone
- Unique covering all E30 petrol models
- Full color pictures showing critical areas
- Plain, jargon free text explains benefits and pitfalls of each modification
- Extensive model guide, including which models to go for or avoid
- Practical maintenance and restoration sections to keep you motor running
- Covers track days, drag race, sprint, rally and other motorsport applications
- Includes essential data sheets with vehicle dimensions, capacities and performance
- Includes useful contacts for clubs, associations and suppliers
- Written by a qualified engineer and motorsport enthusiast with plenty of real world experience
Synopsis
Buying a classic and iconic E30 BMW 3 Series can be just the start of a wonderful adventure. This book explains how these fantastic cars can be modified to suit a vast range of applications, from simple upgrades to make everyday driving easier, through to servicing and renovation tips, and large-scale conversions for racing and rallying. Some of the most popular forms of motorsport are examined, along with explanations of how to take part and what equipment you need. All the procedures are explained in straightforward text by a qualified engineer and racer with many years of practical experience, accompanied by detailed photographs showing the reader how it's done. Many of the modifications shown are done on the author's own vehicles, so you get an honest report bruised knuckles and all. As well as the how to sections, there are a large amount of data and comparison charts to help you choose which modifications are right for you.
Additional Information
- Period covered: 1981 to 1996
- Models covered: BMW 3 Series E30 316, 318, 320, 323, 325, 333 and M3
- 2 and 4 door saloons, 2 and 4 door estate (Touring) and cabriolet
- Covers i, is, ix and e versions.
- Models not covered: 324 diesel
