| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1987 |
| Production Years: | 1987 - 1991 discontinued in 1991 |
Precise measurements of the 1987 BMW 3 Series Coupe, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4325 mm170.3 in14.2 ft |
| Width: | 1645 mm64.8 in5.4 ft |
| Height: | 1380 mm54.3 in4.5 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 140 mm5.5 in0.5 ft |
| Trunk Capacity: | 404 - 425 liter14.3 - 15.0 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1065 - 1180 kg2348 - 2601 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1525 - 1655 kg3362 - 3649 lbs |
| Roof Load: | 75 kg165 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Size: | 5.5J x 14 |
| Tire Sizes: | 195/65 R14 (W:195 | H:65 | D:14) 175/70 R14 (W:175 | H:70 | D:14) |
The BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 facelift, produced from 1987 to 1991, represents one of the most iconic iterations of the BMW 3 Series lineage. This generation continues to uphold BMW's reputation for combining sporty driving dynamics with practical design. Measuring between 4321 mm and 4325 mm (170.2 to 170.3 inches) in length, the E30 coupe offers a compact yet well-proportioned silhouette that blends sleek coupe styling with functional comfort. Its width ranges from 1641 mm to 1645 mm (64.6 to 64.8 inches), offering a stable stance ideal for agile handling, while the height stands between 1379 mm and 1380 mm (54.3 to 54.3 inches), contributing to a low center of gravity and sporty profile. The curb weight of the E30 Coupe varies between 1065 kg and 1180 kg (2348 to 2601 lbs), making this model relatively lightweight and responsive on the road. It supports a maximum weight (gross vehicle weight rating) of 1525 kg to 1655 kg (3362 to 3647 lbs), accommodating passengers and cargo comfortably within its design limits. Luggage capacity is notably practical for a coupe, offering between 404 and 425 liters (14.3 to 15.0 cubic feet), allowing enough room for everyday items or weekend trips. The coupe's ride height or ground clearance is set at 140 mm (5.5 inches), balancing sporty handling with everyday usability. Wheel specifications feature 5.5J x 14 rims paired with tire sizes of 195/65 R14 or 175/70 R14, reinforcing the model's classic look and providing reliable road grip. Overall, the BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 facelift delivers a harmonious blend of compact dimensions, lightweight construction, and versatile capacity, making it a highly regarded classic sports coupe with timeless appeal.
Discover the standout features that make the 1987 BMW 3 Series Coupe a leader in its class
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The BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 facelift (1987-1991) has a length ranging from 4321 mm to 4325 mm (170.2 to 170.3 inches), a width between 1641 mm and 1645 mm (64.6 to 64.8 inches), and a height from 1379 mm to 1380 mm (54.3 to 54.3 inches). These compact yet sporty dimensions make it a classic coupe size that balances agility and road presence, suitable for both urban and spirited driving.
The curb weight of the BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 facelift ranges from 1065 kg to 1180 kg (2348 to 2601 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment. The maximum permissible weight (gross vehicle weight rating) varies from 1525 kg to 1655 kg (3363 to 3648 lbs). This lightweight construction supports nimble handling and efficient performance while maintaining structural integrity and safety.
The luggage capacity of the BMW E30 facelift coupe lies between 404 and 425 liters (14.3 to 15.0 cubic feet). For a sporty two-door coupe of its era, this is considered quite spacious and functional, allowing for reasonable cargo and travel gear storage despite the car's compact dimensions. It offers practicality beyond pure sporty appeal, often outperforming other contemporaneous coupes in usable trunk space.
The ride height or ground clearance of the E30 facelift coupe is approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches). This relatively low ground clearance is typical for performance-oriented vehicles, enhancing aerodynamics and handling by lowering the center of gravity. While it provides excellent road grip and cornering stability, drivers should be cautious on uneven surfaces or speed bumps to avoid undercarriage damage.
The BMW E30 facelift coupe comes equipped with 5.5J x 14 inch rims. Tire options include sizes like 195/65 R14 and 175/70 R14. These tire and rim dimensions were standard in the late '80s and complement the car's sporty yet comfortable ride characteristics, providing balanced grip and ride quality suitable for spirited driving as well as everyday usability.
Yes, the BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 facelift fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of about 4.32 meters (approximately 14.2 feet), a width of around 1.64 meters (5.4 feet), and a height just under 1.38 meters (4.5 feet), it occupies a moderate footprint. Most garages built for typical passenger vehicles will accommodate this car easily, leaving enough clearance to open doors and store additional items.
Compared to the pre-facelift E30 coupe produced before 1987, the facelifted 3 Series Coupe features very subtle dimensional changes—length increased slightly to around 4325 mm, while width and height remained largely the same. The revisions mostly focused on styling updates rather than a dimensional overhaul, retaining the compact and nimble nature that the original E30 was revered for, with minor improvements in weight and structural rigidity.
When compared to competitors like the Audi Coupé B3 or the Mercedes-Benz 190E coupe of the late 1980s, the BMW 3 Series E30 facelift coupe is similarly sized, with its length around 4.32 meters, width about 1.64 meters, and a relatively low height near 1.38 meters. It offers a balanced approach between sportiness and everyday usability, often praised for its driver-focused dimensions, slightly more compact than some rivals but offering competitive interior space and cargo capacity.
The roof load capacity for the E30 facelift coupe is rated at 75 kg (approximately 165 lbs). This rating allows owners to safely use roof racks for additional cargo such as luggage boxes, bicycles, or sports equipment. This practical feature extends the vehicle's usability for travel and outdoor activities, making it versatile despite its compact coupe form.
The BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 facelift is iconic for its timeless design, combining classic BMW styling cues with subtle updates like revised bumpers and trim introduced in 1987. The car retains a well-balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis known for precise handling and driver engagement. Its compact size, near-perfect weight distribution, and responsive engines contribute to a sporty yet refined driving experience that remains highly regarded among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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