BMW 320 IS TROPHY
History :
The BMW E30 M3 is one of the most coveted classic BMW’s on the market today but that doesn’t make it the best E30. Car companies work wonders when they are building cars for enthusiasts; however, their true prowess is revealed when they are building fun cars while skirting government emissions standards. When BMW was building an M3 for southern European nations which were taxed for cars with a displacement over 2 liters they needed to modify their successful M3 formula. The result was a de-stroked version of the M3’s S14 engine in the body of a normal E30 creating one of the greatest E30s and a forgotten gem.

Known as the Italian M3, the 320is had M’s legendary s14 engine and a close ratio dogleg 5-speed. It was never acknowledged to be a flow blown M car, instead, it offered customers in Italy and Portugal the opportunity to drive a sporty alternative to the heavily taxed 325i. Only with 2,540 of them being coupes 320is were built from 1987-1990 during its three-year production run making this car far rarer than a mere M3. Factor in the unique history and add rarity, the 320is is a great alternative for the classic M3 shopper.

Since the 320is doesn’t have the flared bodywork of the M3 it weighs 242lbs less and looks like a regular E30 to the untrained eye. The de-stroked engine is happier to rev and the shorter rear axle ratio gives this car a more playful driving experience than its more powerful sibling. The only gearbox is a close ratio 5-speed dogleg box that keeps the driver involved to ensure this engine is at a constant boil delivering its 192 hp at 6,900 rpm and 210 nm of torque at 4,900 rpm. It may be down on displacement but it only gives up 3 hp and 15 lb/ft of torque to the M3 which is remedied by the 320is’s lighter curb weight and gearing.
The 320is may not have the presence of the M3 or come with the greatness that’s associated with the word homologation but it offers a more athletic driving experience. Sure the M3 is a great car and for those who want to fly under the radar while owning a truly unique piece of BMW history, the 320is cannot be beaten. However, the rising prices of E30 M3’s continue to drag up the price of the 32ois as they become more popular with collectors. The growing cost and limited numbers make them hard for the average enthusiast to enjoy but this hidden gem is the E30 BMW your dreaming of.

Something Special Came At 1990 The 320 IS TROPHY
In the 1990s, specifically in 1990, Bavaria, with the support of BMW, decided to create a mono-brand trophy, using the 320is, in what would be considered, even by BMW, as one of the most successful and competitive mono-brand trophies. For this, Bavaria managed to gather an attractive range of support, including AC Schnitzer, Yokohama, Bilstein, Eibach, Matter and Mobil 1. The trophy took place during the periods of 1990, 1991 and 1992, being in 1993 replaced by the M3 e36, but without the emotion that characterized the 4 cylinders in line of the 320is. For this purpose, Bavaria ordered from BMW , 26 BMW 320is, white, with no opening roof and with the minimum of extras, 3 of which never ran, and served as a safety car in the races. In terms of specifications, the cars were all the same, and among the changes made were: Schnitzer AC coil-overs suspension, Schnitzer AC motor chip for +/- 200cvs, Schnitzer 15" AC rims, Schnitzer AC exhaust line, Schnitzer AC anti-roll bar, Matter roll bar. All the control panels were randomly selected before each race so that there was no risk of tampering with the chips contained in the control panels.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE :

- Only 26 built by BMW / AC Schnitzer

- Delivered New in Portugal in 1992 after the trophy

- One of 3 Safety cars that never race

- Collectors item

- Finished in Alpine Weiss II

- Completly Original State

- Desirable Sports Car Series E30

- Perfect condition and ready to enjoy

It was sold and registered in 1992, 1 of the Owners kept it for about 20 years, it was extremely well maintained and also preserved with all its originality. It is also accompanied with all the Manuals and Book of Reviews (C/Historical of Reviews made at the Official Dealer, duly documented).

ENGINE:
With a maximum speed of 227 km/h and a weight of 1190 kgs, the E30 3 Series 320is is equipped with an atmospheric 4-cylinder in-line petrol engine with the engine code S14 B20.
This engine produces a maximum power of 192 HP at 6500 revolutions and a maximum torque of 210 Nm at 4900 revolutions. Power is transmitted to the road via a 5-speed manual gearbox, and the drive type is rear-wheel drive (RWD).

CHASSIS -BODY - SUSPENSION :

M-Technic II Exterior Pack
As for the chassis characteristics, responsible for the cornering behaviour and comfort, the E30 3 Series has front suspension of the MacPherson struts coil springs and anti-roll bar type and rear suspension of the Semi-trailing arms coil springs and anti-roll bar type. Tyre sizes are 195 / 65 on 14 inch front rims and 195 / 65 on 14 inch rear rims. On braking, the E30 3 Series 320is brake system has Ventilated Discs at the front and Discs at the rear.

INTERIOR :
. It also stands out for being from the last year of Production, it includes M-Technic Suspensions , Interior with Seats and M-Technic II Sport Steering Wheel , Onboard Computer, Air Conditioning, BMW Radio , Electric Windows and ABS

MORE INFORMATION
For more information or an appointment, please call Jorge Faria or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Please do not hesitate to contact us . Jorcar is located near Fatima in the centre of Portugal .