[9][10][11][12] Externally, the E30's appearance is very similar to twin headlight versions of its E21 predecessor, however there are various detail changes in styling to the E30.

Major differences to the E21 include the interior and a revised suspension, the latter to reduce the oversteer for which the E21 was criticised.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1987, BMW introduced a major update to the E30 (often called Series 2).

External styling changes included redesigned rear lights, front bumper and a reduction in the amount of chrome trim.

[37] At the launch of the E30 range in 1982, the 316 used a 1766 cc version of the M10 fed by a carburetor and producing 66 kW (90 PS).

[30][39] The 318i had the same M10 engine, but with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel-injection, increasing power to 77 kW (105 PS)[30][40] while also improving fuel economy.

[41][42] This is the most modern engine available in the E30 range, incorporating DOHC, the updated Bosch Motronic 1.7, hydraulic valve adjusters and coil-on-plug ignition.

In 1985, the 2.3 L engine was replaced with a 2.5 L version of the M20, which produced 125 kW (168 bhp) and used Bosch Motronic fuel injection.

In 1985 BMW introduced the 324d, a naturally aspirated version of the same M21 engine, which was popular in countries with a high motor vehicle tax.

The front MacPherson struts and rear semi-trailing arm suspension were a compact arrangement that left a lot of cabin and boot space for the car's overall size.

The semi-trailing arms have been criticized for the dynamic toe and camber changes inherent to the suspension geometry, causing bump steer in hard cornering situations (such as racing and autocross).

The Z3-based BMW M Coupé uses a widened version of the same rear semi-trailing arm suspension along with stronger hubs.

[69][70] In South Africa, only the two-door and four-door saloons were built, four cylinder petrol models production continued there until 1992.

Despite the introduction of the M40 engine, the old M10-powered 316 continued to be sold in South Africa until 1991, gaining the new bumpers when the range was updated.

[13] The M3 suspension is also significantly different from regular E30 models,[59] including five-lug wheel bolts.

For Portugal and Italy only, due to considerably higher taxes for cars with engines exceeding 2000 cc, a special model was created: the 320is.

[74] In New Zealand, where the M3 was never sold by BMW, the local importer created a sporting version of the saloon called M325i.

[75] Fitted with the standard non-catalyzed 125 kW (168 bhp) 2.5 litre engine they benefited from a Motorsport tuned suspension, the M-Technic body package, 15-inch BBS cross-spoke wheels with wide, low profile (225/50) tyres, and a limited-slip differential.

BMW South Africa's Motorsport division created the 333i in 1985 by fitting the 3.2 L M30 "big six" engine to a two-door E30.

[77][78] Due to the space constraints caused by the large M30 engine, the buyer was forced to choose between air conditioning (highly desirable in South Africa) and power steering.

Early 325iS cars had a 2.5 litre motor, and various weight lightening interventions including alloy doors and drilled out sections in boot hinges and other steel pressings.

[81] Following the introduction of the upgraded Opel Kadett 16V SuperBoss, in 1991 BMW South Africa introduced the 325iS Evolution HP, commonly referred to as the Evo 2.

[81] The Evolution HP won the Group N Class A title in 1993, winning 20 of the 24 races in the process.

[82] The Robbi Smith and Geoff Goddard Evolution HP won the season-ending 9hr race.

JPS refers to the BMW race team sponsor, John Player Special cigarettes.

[88] Models sold in Indonesia and Thailand used complete knock-down kits produced in Germany, which were assembled in Jakarta and Bangkok respectively.