Italian M3

E30 320iS – Italian M3

Yes, this website has been hacked by some E30 enthusiast. I apologise for the inconvenience!

Italy -1987. As a result of extreme taxes on cars with displacements of over 2 litres such cars weren’t very popular, especially those cars that only just exceeded the 2 litre mark, like the M3. BMW Motorsport decided that there had to be a special car for those speed loving enthusiasts that didn’t want all their money to go up in tax smoke.

With a slightly shorter stroke the E30 M3’s S14 engine displacement dropped to just under 2 litres. The shorter stroke took the rough edge off the engine, but still gave enough torque for creamy power-delivery from 1500 rpm upwards. The car was called 320iS and it was available as a two door with full M-Technic bodykit as well as a decent four door saloon that looked as regular as a 316i. This was the car I had to have! And finally I found one, see the pictures below.

I found a nice test on the internet telling me that the 320iS is only a fraction of a second slower than the M3 and that the specific output is even better as it only produces a few BHP less. Take a look at the test, but it’s only available in German. Some more articles here.

2003 Zandvoort track day pics:

2004 Zolder track day:

2004 Zandvoort track day:

Some vital statistics:

Displacement 1990cc, power 141 kW / 192 BHP @ 6900 RPM (V-max 7300 RPM)

Only 210 Nm @ 4900 RPM, but torque is available over a wide range (180 Nm from 3500-6700 RPM)

0-100 km/h 7.3 s, top speed about 232 km/h

My car: 1988 4-door, Lachssilber metallic

Standard equipment: dogleg 5-speed gearbox, 25% limited slip differential, oil temp indicator, power steering, central locking, rear spoiler, powered front windows, front foglights, 14" alloys

Options: “Sportfahrwerk” with Bilstein shocks, 'iS' deep front spoiler, sports seats, ABS, leather steering wheel, shifter and handbrake lever, metallic paint, small onboard computer, rear view mirror tweeters, air conditioning, sunroof, 15" BMW-BBS cross spoke alloys replacing the 14”wheels, BMW Bavaria Business CD RDS

Modifications: Até PowerDisc front rotors, E36 M3 3.2 timing chain tensioner, front tower strut brace, M3 quick steering rack and stiffer & eccentric control arm bushes.

More details on my mods here

Wanted: original 320iS additional instruction manual in Italian language (Supplemento del libretto Uso e manutenzione). Will pay good price! Mail me!

Extensive 320iS FAQ on bmwmregistry.com! Register your 320iS at the BMW M Registry!

Great link: Conny Konschack races a 320iS and runs a tuning business. Click the banner for pictures, videos, and tuning parts:

Took some nice photos at the 2004 TechnoClassica in Essen, Germany

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