Another European inroduction for 1982 came from German manufacturer BMW. Replacing the first generation E21 BMW 3-series with a vehilce of similar size and concept.
Engine range in most markets extended from a 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder (316) through to a 2.7 litre, 6-cylinder (325e), though a 3.3 litre, 6-cylinder was available in South Africa from the local assembly facility. The most powerful variant, however was the M3, fitted with a 175 kW, M-Division development of the 4-cylinder engine. This was a variation of the engine used in turbocharged form in Formula 1 during the 1.5 litre turbo era.
Multiple bodystyles were made available. In addition to the 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan and Baur Cabriolets available in the E21, were added a small estate/wagon, and a full convertible.
The car retained the traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis layout of the contemporary BMW range, however an option all-wheel-drive, via a three differential, viscous coupling system was available on some models.
The model was replaced in 1990 by the E36 series, though certain variants were continued in manufacture until E36 derivatives were launched. The E30 was the most succesful selling BMW to date, and continued the template of compact executive RWD cars, becoming the benchmark describing the class.
The Lego models here have been created using Lego Digital Designer for Flickr LUGNuts 43rd build challenge, - "Plus or Minus Ten" - celebrating vehicle made ten years before or after the modeller. In this case, 1982.
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