Back in 1978 BMW created what should have been every enthusiasts dream when the combined a powerful six cylinder engine with a compact body. Unfortunately, this original 3-series suffered from a few reliability and handling problems.
Come 1983, BMW released the 'E30' version of the 323i. Not only was the engine refined and the spooky handling of the earlier series exorcised, but the ultimate 3-series gained a sleeker body and, later, a four-door option.
The base price at the time was $27,050 rising into the early thirties for a fully loaded model. This was equivalent to a top of the line Holden or Ford of the time.
After only a few months after release, BMW quietly upgraded the 323i with a more powerful engine and replaced the carryover three speed automatic with a four speed unit.
In late 1985 the 323i inherited body and trim enhancements from the latter 325e. These included an anti-theft Alpine stereo, analogue clock, a smoother front spoiler and increased rear leg room.
In addition to the coupe and sedan the range grew to include the Baur cabriolet conversion and a couple of motor sport variants. The John Player Special featured the JPS black and gold colour scheme as well as spoilers and alloys, sport seats and an improved sound system.
Performance wise, the standard manual 323i was capable of a quarter mile time of around 16.5 seconds. This was V8 territory at the time. Automatic models were some three seconds slower.
The combination of a lightweight body and small capacity six cylinder engine also benefited fuel economy. Expect an average of around 28mpg.
At release the 3-series BMW was criticised for it's poor aerodynamics. But a pleasant side effect to this was excellent visibility to all corners, unheard of in most of today's wedge-shaped cars. Even with it's 0.38 CD figure, the 323i was still capable of 200km/h plus and was very quiet at highway speeds.
IN SERVICE
As with all high-performance engines, it is important that regular oil changes have been performed. Look for oil smoke in the exhaust at idle or when accelerating hard immediately after idle. Worn valve stem seals and guides are the likely cause but are not too expensive to repair.
Also check that the timing belt has been replaced every 60,000km and that the proper BMW coolant has been used and changed according to schedule.
If the automatic transmission takes longer than usual to engage reverse it may soon need an overhaul.
All 323i's run on leaded petrol and because of the decrease in potency of leaded in the '90s the engine can be affected. Listen for any trace of 'pinging' under acceleration or load as this can lead to expensive damage. The only solution may be to use a petrol additive octane booster or have the ignition timing altered.
Other common faults include worn dampers, battery leakage damaged service indicator lights and cracked dashboards.
MODIFICATIONS
The E30 3-series is still quite popular and consequently there are many enhancement parts available including body kits, alloy wheels and suspension kits.
Engine improvements are limited to the usual intake and exhaust modifications and chips. There is also several examples on the road with super chargers and turbo chargers fitted.
SUMMARY
The 323i offers a fantastic blend of performance and practicality. As with any vehicle of this age, finding one in good condition may take a little searching.
Also worth considering is the later twin-cam four cylinder 318is and the sensational 325i.
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