BMW E30 · 1987–1993
BMW E30 1992 BMW 320i Convertible
Everything you need to know about the E30 that defined a generation of open-top driving.
BMW E30 320i
1992
Cabriolet · M20B20 · 129 hp
2.0L
Inline-6
10.5s
0–100 km/h
1,340kg
Kerb weight
Trusted by E30 enthusiasts and specialists worldwide.
Why the E30 320i Convertible is iconic.
The last real driver’s car
Hydraulic steering, no traction control, perfectly balanced weight distribution. The E30 320i puts you in direct conversation with the road. Every input gets an honest answer.
Drop the top, raise the fun
The Baur-built convertible top folds in seconds and tucks away cleanly. Sun on your face, inline-six singing behind you — this is what open-air motoring was meant to be.
Built to last, easy to maintain
The M20B20 engine is famously bulletproof. Parts are plentiful, the community is massive, and a weekend wrench session is all you need to keep her running for decades.
Under the hood
Under the skin of the 320i.
Every component engineered with purpose. Here’s what makes the E30 convertible special.
M20B20 Inline-6
The 2.0-litre single-cam straight-six produces 129 hp and 164 Nm. Smooth, rev-happy, and nearly indestructible with basic maintenance.
Getrag 260 Gearbox
The 5-speed manual is precise and mechanical. Short throws, solid engagement — one of the best gearboxes BMW ever made.
Independent Suspension
MacPherson struts up front, semi-trailing arms in the rear. Progressive and predictable at the limit, brilliant on twisty roads.
Convertible Top
Fully manual soft top with a heated glass rear window. No motors to fail, no hydraulics to leak. Simple and reliable.
Interior & Comfort
Supportive sport seats, a thick leather steering wheel, and BMW’s classic orange-lit instrument cluster. Timeless ergonomics.
Modification Potential
From mild suspension upgrades to full M50 engine swaps, the E30 platform is endlessly tuneable. The aftermarket is enormous.
Build Paths
Three ways to enjoy your E30
Stock Restoration
Keep it original. OEM parts, factory colours, and period-correct details for the purist.
Tasteful Mods
Coilovers, a short-shift kit, and maybe an exhaust. Better than factory, still true to the spirit.
Full Build
Engine swap, widebody, cage. Turn your 320i into a track weapon or show-stopper.
Parts ecosystem
Parts are everywhere
One of the best things about owning an E30 is the massive parts ecosystem. OEM replacements, performance upgrades, and restoration pieces are all readily available from specialists worldwide.
View parts guide →From the community
I bought my 320i convertible as a cheap summer car. Five years later it’s the only car I’ll never sell. Nothing else feels this connected.
James T.
Owner since 2019 · Brilliant Red, 180k km
People spend six figures chasing the driving feel that an E30 gives you for five grand. It’s the best-kept secret in the car world.
Sarah M.
Owner since 2021 · Alpine White, fully restored
I learned to wrench on my E30. Everything is accessible, the community is incredibly helpful, and parts are cheap. It’s the perfect first project car.
Tom K.
Owner since 2022 · Lachssilber, daily driver
By the numbers
The numbers that matter.
0+
E30 convertibles built
0 hp
M20B20 output
50/50
Weight distribution
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