E30 (1983 to 1994)

Introduced in 1982, the BMW E30 is one of the most important models in BMW history, establishing the brand’s reputation for compact, driver-focused sports sedans and coupes. Built until 1994, the E30 range spanned a wide variety of body styles and drivetrains, including two- and four-door sedans, coupes, convertibles, and wagons, with four- and six-cylinder engines that balanced performance, reliability, and everyday usability. The platform famously underpinned some of BMW’s most significant cars, most notably the E30 M3, but even non-M variants earned a reputation for sharp handling, mechanical simplicity, and longevity. Total E30 production exceeded approximately 2.3 million units worldwide, making it a commercial success as well as an enthusiast favourite. In the Australian market, the E30 was officially sold in solid numbers and remains highly regarded, with values today driven by engine specification (six-cylinder premium), manual transmission, originality, rust-free condition, and provenance, as clean examples continue to thin out and the model’s analogue driving appeal gains stronger collector recognition.