With the factory code BMW E30 vehicles are the second 3 Series BMW means. The series derived from this model Z1 roadster had the same code works.

The series E30 vehicles in 1982 sparked the first 3 Series E21 from. The design of the first 3 Series comes from Paul Bracq and E30 was developed by Claus Luthe. The production (not delivery) the first 2-door models (323i) began in December 1981, 320i from 316/318i from 01/1982 and 03/1982. The 4-door sedans were manufactured from January 1983.

Compared to its predecessor, the E30 model in much more varieties are produced. There was a first Four and derived a combined version, the name of Touring Hatchback model of the BMW 02 inherited. It was a convertible with a fully retractable roof without roll bars to the program. Drive it remained at the beginning of the E21-known engines. The 325e has a particularly strong torque and relatively thrifty variant parallel to the BMW 525e E28 introduced. Furthermore, with the idea of 324d/324td without a diesel engine with turbocharger and also parallel to the E28 BMW 524d/524td the first time in the history of BMW in the production recorded. With the success of the competition, especially with Audi's quattro drive, animated, BMW has developed a four-wheel drive, which then also the first time in company history in the 325iX was used.

Externally, the four-and Sechzylindermodelle or 2l engine capacity models are no longer as clear as the previous E21 to distinguish, because all standard twin headlights E30 possessed. Single, although not very striking feature was the detection of different implementation of the muffler, which in the models up to 08/1987 due to the smaller rear was visible. The four with the M10 engine (316 66kW, 316i 75kW, 318i 75/77kW) were with a circular cross section, einflutigen that the six-cylinder (320i 92kW, 323i, 325e 90kW) received a larger, oval, and also einflutigen muffler. The subsequent six-cylinder engine was up to the end of their production with the same dimensions, but zweiflutigen attachments. With the use of M40/M42-Motoren consisted of the difference to the M20 variants only in one-to zweiflutiger system with different tube diameters, with the muffler in its size was almost identical.

Inside, the differences were specific to the fabrics more, albeit not serious. For example, the six-cylinder models in contrast to the piece, with completely synthetic leather door trim-related with a different fabric or suede inlay. The seat cushions were compared and a little more expensive high-quality designs. The cheeks of the seat 6-cylinder was smooth and the seat Verloursstoff Central Railways with tissue structure-related, while the 4-cylinders simpler, but also high-quality fabrics with uniform pattern were used. Furthermore, the 6-cylinder-equipped models have a tachometer with a digital clock (later Analog) in the center console and on the "Check Control" above the interior mirror. This with an additional black bezel and smaller black sun visors in the roof integrated feature was used to monitor key vehicle electrical tools and functions of the fluid levels.

The BMW E30 was until January 1991 as the Four, and March 1991 as a two-by April 1993 as a convertible and until February 1994 as a touring production. In South Africa the production of right-2 - and 4-door only in February 1992.

The 1990 follow-up model was presented the factory code E36.