1988 BMW 3 Series Touring (E30, facelift 1987) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) ranges from 1170 to 1350 kilograms (about 2579 to 2976 pounds), indicating the vehicle's weight when fully equipped and ready to drive with all standard fluids and operational equipment. The maximum permissible weight, including passengers and cargo, varies between 1650 and 1810 kilograms (approximately 3638 to 3992 pounds). These weight specifications ensure the car’s performance and handling are balanced, while still providing ample load-carrying capabilities suitable for a family or daily commuting needs.

The BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) offers a versatile luggage capacity of 370 to 371 liters (around 13.1 cubic feet) with the rear seats in the upright position. This space is ideal for everyday luggage or groceries. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity significantly increases to 1125 liters (approximately 39.7 cubic feet), providing a much larger cargo area suitable for transporting bulky items, large suitcases, or even furniture pieces. This flexibility highlights the practicality of this station wagon configuration.

The ride height or ground clearance of the BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) is 140 millimeters (about 5.5 inches). This relatively low clearance contributes to the vehicle’s sporty ride and handling characteristics typical of BMW, aiding in better aerodynamics and stability on paved roads. While not designed for serious off-road use due to the modest ground clearance, it is well-suited for urban and highway driving conditions, providing a balanced compromise between comfort and dynamic driving.

The BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) comes equipped with 14-inch rims, paired typically with tires sized 195/65 R14, 195/65 HR14, or 195/65 VR14. These tire specifications reflect a balance between ride comfort, handling, and performance for this compact executive station wagon. The choice of tire ratings, such as HR or VR, refers to speed capabilities, where HR is suitable for speeds up to 210 km/h (130 mph) and VR for higher speeds up to 240 km/h (149 mph), matching the performance potential of various engine options available in this generation.

Yes, the BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) generally fits into a standard garage comfortably. Its length of approximately 4.32 meters (14.2 feet), width around 1.64 meters (5.4 feet), and height near 1.38 meters (4.5 feet) make it compact enough for typical single or double-car garages. This ensures that owners won't face difficulties parking or storing the vehicle indoors, protecting it from weather while providing easy access. Its size is convenient for residential parking spaces without requiring special accommodations.

Dimensionally, the BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) is very similar to its predecessor, the pre-facelift E30 Touring, with minimal changes. The length, width, and height measurements remain largely unchanged, maintaining around 4321-4325 mm in length, 1641-1645 mm in width, and roughly 1379-1380 mm in height. The facelift primarily introduced cosmetic updates and minor refinements in aerodynamics and trim rather than radical changes in size. Thus, the dimensional footprint remains consistent, preserving the model’s practical blend of compactness and cargo capacity from the original design.

Compared to other compact executive station wagons from the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Audi 80 Avant or the Mercedes-Benz 190E Wagon, the BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) holds its own in terms of size and cargo capacity. With a length near 4.32 meters and a luggage capacity of up to 1125 liters with seats folded, it provides competitive space for its class while featuring BMW’s renowned sporty handling characteristics. The width and height are also well balanced to offer comfort without bulkiness, making it an appealing choice for buyers desiring a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment.

The interior of the BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) makes efficient use of its compact external dimensions, providing seating for five passengers with adequate headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The height of approximately 1380 mm supports comfortable seating posture without feeling cramped, typical for vehicles in this category and era. Its station wagon layout means there is ample rear passenger space relative to the sedan version, and the flexible rear seats allow for easy conversion between passenger and cargo needs, enhancing its practicality as a family or daily transport vehicle.

The BMW 3 Series Touring (E30 facelift 1987) featured a range of engine options catering to various performance preferences. This generation offered four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines with displacements ranging from around 1.6 to 2.5 liters. Power outputs varied accordingly, focusing on a balance between efficiency and sporty driving dynamics. The facelift period also saw improvements in fuel injection and emissions systems, enhancing both performance and environmental compliance. Overall, this model is appreciated for delivering engaging handling with strong engine choices while maintaining practical usability.