The BMW 3 Series Sedan (E30) 325i Automatic, produced between 1983 and 1987, represents a significant evolution in BMW’s compact executive car lineage. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the broader E30 generation (spanning 1982-1990), the 325i Automatic skillfully combined a robust inline-six engine with the convenience of an automatic transmission. This configuration appealed to drivers prioritizing a balance between performance and ease of use. The variant played a crucial role in establishing the 3 Series as a benchmark for sporty handling and refined driving dynamics, particularly gaining traction in the North American market where it became a popular choice.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Generation | 3 Series Sedan (E30) |
| Type (Engine) | 325i (171 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1983 |
| End of production | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.7 l/100 km (18.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 206 km/h (128 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 171 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 226 Nm @ 4000 rpm (166.69 lb.-ft. @ 4000 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 | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| 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 | 1185 kg (2612.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 404 l (14.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| 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 | 1407 mm (55.39 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Front overhang | 761 mm (29.96 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 994 mm (39.13 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.35 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 325i Automatic’s powertrain centers around the M20B25 engine, a 2.5-liter inline-six cylinder unit. This engine, a hallmark of BMW’s engineering prowess during the 1980s, employed a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) configuration and multi-port fuel injection. The M20 engine family was celebrated for its smooth power delivery and robust construction. In the 325i, this engine generated 171 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 166.69 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The accompanying automatic transmission was a four-speed unit, engineered to deliver comfortable and convenient gear changes. While not offering the same level of driver engagement as the available five-speed manual, it provided a more relaxed driving experience, particularly well-suited for city driving and everyday commutes.
Driving Characteristics
The 325i Automatic, while providing respectable performance, exhibited noticeable differences compared to its manual transmission siblings and the higher-performance 325iS models. The automatic transmission, while smooth in operation, introduced a degree of power loss, resulting in a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 9.4 seconds, slightly slower than the manual’s 7.4 seconds. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising rather than maximizing acceleration. Nevertheless, the 325i Automatic still delivered a rewarding driving experience, characterized by the inline-six engine’s linear powerband and the distinctive BMW exhaust note. The rear-wheel-drive layout and finely-tuned suspension contributed to the E30’s renowned handling balance, providing a confident and engaging feel behind the wheel.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 325i Automatic generally came equipped with a fairly comprehensive set of standard features for its era. These included power windows, central locking, and a basic stereo system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, although leather was offered as an optional upgrade. A range of optional extras were available, such as a sunroof, air conditioning, and upgraded audio systems. The dashboard layout was functional and driver-centric, featuring clearly visible gauges and intuitive controls. The 325i Automatic occupied a middle ground within the E30 lineup, offering a step up in luxury and convenience compared to the base 318i, but lacking some of the sporting enhancements found in the more performance-oriented 325iS.
Chassis & Braking
The E30 325i Automatic featured an independent McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-trailing arm rear suspension. This configuration struck a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. Braking was provided by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Power-assisted steering was standard, offering light and precise steering feel. The chassis was relatively lightweight, contributing to the car’s agile handling characteristics. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to minimize body roll during cornering maneuvers.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 325i Automatic was generally well-received by automotive journalists and consumers alike. It was praised for its smooth engine operation, comfortable ride quality, and refined interior appointments. However, some reviewers pointed out that the automatic transmission slightly diminished the car’s overall sporting potential. In comparison to the 318i, the 325i Automatic offered a substantial performance improvement. When contrasted with the 325iS, it prioritized a more relaxed and user-friendly driving experience over outright performance. Fuel economy was considered reasonable for the time, averaging around 22 miles per gallon in combined driving conditions.
Legacy
The E30 325i Automatic has evolved into a highly sought-after classic car among BMW enthusiasts. The M20 engine is renowned for its durability and relatively straightforward maintenance requirements. While the automatic transmission may not be the preferred choice for some purists, it provides a unique driving experience and has proven to be reliable over the long term. Well-preserved examples of the 325i Automatic command respectable prices in the used car market, reflecting their enduring appeal and historical significance. The E30 generation, and the 325i Automatic in particular, played a pivotal role in solidifying BMW’s reputation for producing high-quality, sporty, and refined automobiles.
