Differences Between Early Model and Late Model E30's

Hey guys, we are going to discuss some differences between early model and late model E30's

Early Model 1984-1988(until June of 88)

diving board bumpers
84mm front strut housings(only on the very early models)
sensors mounted to a bracket on top of the valve cover (only on the very early models)
timing reference sensors located on the transmission bell housing
3 pin O2 sensor wiring
fog lights mounted to the bumper
sealed beam headlights
single pipe exhaust on the E and eta models
smaller 50L gas tank
smaller tail lights
Drum brakes for the rear on very early models
no abs on the very early models
rectangular side markers (instead of square from the super early models)

Late Model 1988-1994

Plastic bumpers
85mm front strut housings
crank position sensor mounted on the front of the motor
4 pin O2 sensor wiring
late model has more detail front and rear valance
fog lights mounted to the lower valance
the speaker fader is now integrated into the head unit
the window circuit breaker is relocated from dash to the center console
lower rear 1/4 panel to tire
3rd member light has a different shape and is mounted to the car, early model has it mounted to the rear shelf
U.S. Ellipsoids headlights
dual exhaust
larger 55L gas tank
larger tail light
all with rear disc brakes
all with abs brakes
plastic front kick panels instead of carpeting
overhauled cooling system, single outlet water pump, coolant tank relocated to the driver side
larger intake manifold
dual valve springs
hotter cam
better flowing head design, 885 head casting number

Options Available throughout the build years

glass moon roof
power sun roof
leather wrapped mtech 1 steering wheel, small and large diameter
Leather wrapped mtech 2 steering wheel, small and large diamter
alcantara wrapped mtech 2 steering wheel, small diameter
14 inch BBS basket weave wheels in several colors.
central locking
metalic paint
automatic transmission
map light rear view mirror
heated side mirrors
13 button obc
premium speaker system with an amplifier mounted on the driver side in the trunk.
sport seats
a rear seat with a ski pass armrest
headrest on the rear seats
center console with cassette holders
Husco center console armrest
no lock euro glove box handle
Euro analog clock replacing the digital clock
headlight wipers
IS front spoiler
IS rear spoiler
IS 2 piece side skirts
Mtech 1 appearance package
Mtech 2 appearance package
headlight height adjusters(mostly euro only)
limited slip differential
aux oiling system
fuel cooler(early eta cars)
early es front valance

Here we have some pristine examples

Here is a nice example of a clean Mtech 1 converted early model with a 2.8 liter stroker M20

More picture can be found here.

- James Crivellone

- b2dp photography

Here we have a clean example of Concours winning late model e30

More picture can be found here.

- John Parker

- Brad Bowen

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