BMW 3 Series 1987–1994 car dimensions: 4325 mm long, 1645 mm wide and 1380 mm high. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin has a driver-focused dashboard with clear analog gauges for speed, revs, fuel and temperature. Heating and ventilation are standard with multiple vents and controls. Air conditioning is optional. Cruise control is optional and more common on some market specs. ABS is optional on most models and standard on higher ones like later 325i or M3. No electronic cameras or advanced warning systems are fitted.
The boot provides 425 litres with seats in place. Rear seats are fixed and do not fold down on the sedan, though a ski hatch is available on some for long items.
Towing capacity reaches 1200 kg braked and 500 kg unbraked. Payload sits around 450 kg depending on model. Sports suspension packages are optional on higher grades for firmer handling.
Seats have an anatomical shape with firm side support that holds you in corners and reduces fatigue on long trips. Front seats adjust for height and reach, with optional sports versions adding thigh support. Heating uses multiple vents and warms the cabin quickly even in cold weather. Optional air conditioning keeps temperatures steady in heat. The interior uses quality materials with a driver-focused layout and clear instruments.
Fuel tank holds 55 litres on four-cylinder models and 62-64 litres on six-cylinders.
Service Interval Indicator sets oil and inspection timing by driving conditions, not fixed distance alone.
Frontal structure keeps the passenger cell largely intact in impacts up to 50-56 km/h.
Standard kit includes front and rear inertia-reel seat belts plus a rigid safety cage with crumple zones.
ABS is optional on most models and standard on the 325i.
Bumpers recover fully from impacts up to 4 km/h.
Fuel use varies by engine. Four-cylinder petrol models return figures in the mid-to-high single digits per 100 km on the highway under DIN testing, while six-cylinders sit higher. Diesels are more frugal. Catalysts and unleaded fuel are fitted on later cars. Tank size gives useful range for daily and longer drives.
Servicing follows the on-board interval system that factors engine load, temperature and trip length. Oil services and alternating inspections keep the car reliable. Certain engines need belt changes at set points. The layout is straightforward for routine work.
Safety centres on a strong passenger cell, programmed crumple zones and inertia-reel belts. Larger rear lights and ellipsoid headlamps improve visibility. ABS adds control under braking when fitted. Driver airbags appear as an option late in production and become standard near the end of the run. Side impact protection is improved over earlier cars.
Body protection includes zinc coating in key areas and a multi-stage corrosion process. Annual dealer checks support the rust warranty. Parts remain available and the mechanical simplicity helps with long-term ownership if fluids and belts stay current.
Length 4325 mm, Width 1645 mm, Height 1380 mm, Wheelbase 2570 mm (3 Series 1987–1994)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW Betriebsanleitung/datenblatt and E30_dane.pdf, auto-data.net and motrs.au for.