BMW 3 Series 1986–1994 car dimensions: 4325 mm long, 1645 mm wide and 1370 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,220 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin uses a simple driver-focused layout with analog gauges shared with other E30 models. Electric windows front and rear appear as standard on many examples, with sports seats often fitted or optional. Air conditioning is available as an option for the heating and ventilation system. Cruise control is offered as an option. ABS is optional across the range. Driver airbag becomes available later as an option and then standard. The soft top starts as manual operation with a power version added as an option. Rear seating is for two adults in a slightly narrowed bench.
Boot space measures 312 litres. The folding roof stores under a cover behind the rear seats, which reduces capacity compared with the saloon.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1200 kg with unbraked at 500 kg. Payload sits at 400 kg. The convertible body includes extensive reinforcements in the sills, pillars and floor for rigidity, plus specific gas shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. M-Technik sports suspension is available as an option on some models.
The cabin uses a driver-focused dashboard shared with other E30 models. Sports seats in fabric or leather give good side support for longer drives. Front seats tilt and slide forward for rear access. The rear bench fits two adults but feels tight on legroom. Power windows include rear controls on the console. Soft top stores fully under a cover behind the rear seats.
Petrol engines only, four or six cylinder options.
Fuel tank holds 55 to 64 litres depending on year and model.
ABS available as option from launch on 325i models.
Driver airbag optional then standard from late 1992.
All disc brakes front and rear as standard.
Body reinforced with thicker sills and extra bracing for open top use.
Engines run on petrol with multipoint injection. Mixed consumption sits near 9 litres per 100 km on the 325i. Tank size grew to 62 litres on later cars. Expect higher use with the top down due to drag.
Service needs centre on regular oil changes every 10 000 km and cambelt swaps every 30 000 to 60 000 km or four years on six-cylinder units. Water pump changes pair well with belt work. Gearbox and differential fluid every 50 000 km. Brake fluid every two years. The service interval indicator helps track needs.
Safety kit starts with reinforced sills, thicker floor and windscreen frame plus door beams. Four-wheel disc brakes come standard. ABS was optional early on and common later. A driver airbag arrived as an option then became standard near the end of production. No dedicated rollover bar appears.
Keep the car by watching for sill and floor rust plus soft-top seal leaks that wet carpets. Leather can crack under sun so condition it. Manual top is simple. electric versions need care to avoid faults. Parts remain available and the car stays usable daily with basic upkeep.
Length 4325 mm, Width 1645 mm, Height 1370 mm, Wheelbase 2570 mm (3 Series 1986–1994)
Sources: manufacturer data, autoevolution.com, m-flight-europe.com citing BMW Cabrio brochures 1/87-1/93 and ETK.