3 Series (E30) Forgotten Classic: E30 BMW 325iS Turbo (South African CAR mag test 1992)

[Rolf]

Looking through my old South African CAR mags and found this classic test of a tuned TURBO version one of THE cult cars of the early 90's, the BMW 325iS. It effectively was a hotted up 325i, first using the slightly modified 2.5ltr straight six (first edition had 126kW) and subsequently through the years the engine grew to 2.7ltr and finally 155kW, to overtake the 333i as the most powerful E30 produced in South Africa, although it was slightly slower than the 333i when road tested.

This Turbo version had a huge power leap to 210kw and as you can imagine it provided plenty of poke at the time!

 

[tristatez28lt1]

I used to dream about this car and beat everyone in Auto Quartett (the card game with car stats)

 

[ACE]

I remember reading this article in 1992, the year I got my drivers license. I wanted this car sooo badly. I never lust over cars nowadays like I lusted over this. Luckily, I couldn't afford it at the time, otherwise I'd probably be dead now!

Thanks for the nostalgia trip.

 

[martinbo]

I drove the 325iS back in 1993. Pure automotive bliss.

 

[Rolf]

The E30 3-series was a really nice car, compact and agile, willing and smooth powertrains, nice looks and good quality. A friend of mine had the standard 325i and that car alone was a hoot to drive so I can only imagine the 325iS must have been a beauty to drive.

 

[klier]

Wowowowow another awesome thread by @Rolf

Keep it up, just amazing!

 

[Mr Robert]

It's such a shame you guys drive on that strange side of the road... Otherwise, I'd love me one of these specials! Oh, well, we have the Italian special 320iS.

 

[klier]

Agreed, would be highly sought after if they were available in LHD

 

[Rolf]

It's such a shame you guys drive on that strange side of the road... Otherwise, I'd love me one of these specials! Oh, well, we have the Italian special 320iS.

Italian special 320iS! Poor you! Haha! Unless it was a 2.5 engine under the bonnet then I won't laugh!
Did they chuck some pizzas in the back of the car when they sold it?

 

[Rainer271]

Was it because of the tax in Italy that the 320iS was offered? I remember me something like this.

 

[hovabongZA]

What a collection!

 

[dalab]

That "M" not only does not correspond and is unnecessary, the 325is is iconic in its own right

 

[hovabongZA]

That "M" not only does not correspond and is unnecessary, the 325is is iconic in its own right[/QU...

On the 325is I don’t mind the M badge there.