The BMW 3 Series Touring (E30) 325i Automatic, produced from 1987 to 1993, represents a significant expansion of the popular E30 3 Series range. It was the first factory-built station wagon (estate) version of the 3 Series, designed to appeal to buyers seeking a more practical, yet still sporty, BMW. This variant, equipped with the M20B25 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, occupied a middle ground in the E30 Touring lineup, offering a balance between performance and convenience. The facelifted models from 1987 onwards featured updated styling cues, including integrated bumpers and revised interior trim.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Generation | 3 Series Touring (E30, facelift 1987) |
| Type (Engine) | 325i (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1987 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.3 l/100 km (17.7 US mpg, 21.2 UK mpg, 7.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg, 30.7 UK mpg, 10.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 212 km/h (131.73 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.5 kg/Hp, 133.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm, 174.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 222 Nm @ 4300 rpm (163.74 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M20B25 |
| Engine displacement | 2494 cm3 (152.19 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1270 kg (2799.87 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1750 kg (3858.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1125 l (39.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4325 mm (170.28 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Height | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm (101.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 VR14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 325i Touring Automatic is the M20B25, a 2.5-liter inline-six cylinder engine. This engine, a mainstay of BMW’s mid-range offerings throughout the 1980s, is known for its smooth power delivery and robust construction. It features a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, employing multi-port fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The M20B25 produces 170 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 222 Nm (163.74 lb-ft) of torque at 4300 rpm. The four-speed automatic transmission (typically a ZF 4HP22) was chosen for its ease of use and suitability for everyday driving. While not as sporty as the available five-speed manual, it provided smooth shifts and contributed to the car’s overall comfort.
Driving Characteristics
The 325i Touring Automatic offered a comfortable and refined driving experience. The automatic transmission, while not offering the direct control of a manual, provided seamless gear changes. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 10 seconds, which was respectable for the era, but noticeably slower than the manual transmission equipped models. The automatic’s torque converter slightly muted the engine’s responsiveness, and the gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy and cruising rather than outright performance. However, the E30’s well-tuned suspension and rear-wheel drive layout still provided a balanced and engaging driving experience, especially on winding roads.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 325i Touring Automatic typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a mid-range offering. Standard features included power windows, central locking, and a basic stereo system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, although leather was available as an option. Optional extras included a sunroof, air conditioning, upgraded sound systems, and sport seats. The dashboard layout was typical of the E30, with a straightforward design and easy-to-read gauges. The Touring model, of course, benefited from the added practicality of the large rear cargo area, accessible through a rear tailgate.
Chassis & Braking
The E30 Touring shared its chassis and suspension components with the 3 Series sedan and coupe. It utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-trailing arm rear suspension, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. Brakes were disc brakes on all four wheels, offering adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available as an option, enhancing safety in slippery conditions. The 325i Touring Automatic’s weight of approximately 1270 kg (2799.87 lbs) was slightly higher than the manual transmission versions due to the added weight of the automatic gearbox.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 325i Touring Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its practicality, comfort, and refined driving experience. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission diminished the car’s sporty character compared to the manual version. Compared to the 318i Touring, the 325i offered significantly more power and performance. Against the higher-performance 325i with a manual transmission, the automatic version represented a compromise, prioritizing convenience over outright speed. Fuel economy was reasonable for the time, averaging around 25.6 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The E30 3 Series Touring, and particularly the 325i Automatic variant, has become a sought-after classic car. The M20B25 engine is known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. While not immune to age-related issues, these engines can provide many years of reliable service with proper care. The automatic transmission, while not as desirable to enthusiasts as the manual, is generally reliable. Today, well-maintained examples of the 325i Touring Automatic command a premium in the used car market, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of practicality, comfort, and classic BMW engineering.
