BMW 320is, the incredible story of the illegitimate son of BMW M

The BMW M3 E30 was about to come out of the oven, and the Bavarian brand surprised everyone. In 1987 it launched a very special version of its BMW 3 Series E30, called BMW 320is, a small sports car powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine capable of producing 200 CV.

Like the BMW M3, the BMW 320is was a balanced and dynamic model that turned heads wherever it went. If the BMW M3 E30 is a legendary model, wait until you get to know the BMW 320is a little better. The illegitimate son of the BMW M was born because of the excessive taxes applied to models with engines over 2.0 litres. Although the BMW M3 E30 was on sale, the German brand opted for a lower-taxed alternative for buyers.

BMW 320is, one of the most special E30s

Buyers could choose their BMW 320is with two or four doors. The coupé version featured an M-Technik II sports kit, cross-spoke 14-inch wheels and the instrument cluster of the BMW M3, but with white needles instead of red. Likewise, the four-door BMW 320is was identical to the rest of the E30 range.

It is worth noting that the BMW 320is shares its engine with the BMW M3, but with a shorter stroke. It produced 192 CV at 6,900 rpm and its torque is 210 Nm at 4,900 rpm. It should be mentioned that the engine of the 320is was sharper, punchier and more responsive than those of the M3. This powertrain was paired with a sport-tuned Getrag 260 gearbox with five speeds and a 3.46:1 final drive ratio, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The total weight of the car was 1,218 kilograms, 88 less than its bigger brother, the BMW M3. It was only 0.8 seconds slower than the BMW M3 but recovered speed more quickly. It was fitted with Sportfahrwerk sport suspension and a braking system with 260 mm front discs. This very special model was produced between 1987 and 1990, with only 2,540 units built in coupé bodywork and 1,205 units in four-door bodywork.

In case you didn’t know, the BMW 3 Series E30 was originally conceived as a homologation car, and these BMW 320is models may, over the years, become very special cars. On the second-hand market they can be found in Portugal or Italy. Have you just fallen in love too?