The BMW E30 320iS is a rare and special version of the iconic E30 3 Series that was produced exclusively for the Italian and Portuguese markets in the late 1980s. It is often nicknamed "The Italian M3" because it shares many features with the legendary M3, such as the body kit, the suspension, the brakes, the limited-slip differential and the sporty interior. However, unlike the M3, which had a four-cylinder engine, the 320iS had a 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine that was derived from the 325i but with a higher compression ratio, a different camshaft and a Motronic injection system. The result was 192 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque, which made the 320iS faster than the 325i and almost as fast as the M3.
The 320iS was created to avoid the high taxes that Italy and Portugal imposed on cars with engines larger than 2.0 liters. Therefore, only 2541 units were made between 1987 and 1990, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after E30 models. The 320iS was available in two body styles: a two-door sedan and a two-door coupe. The sedan had four seats and a trunk, while the coupe had two seats and a hatchback. Both versions had a five-speed manual gearbox with a dogleg pattern, meaning that the first gear was located down and to the left, while the second gear was up and to the right. This arrangement was designed to facilitate quick shifts between second and third gears, which were the most used in sporty driving.
The BMW E30 320iS is a car that combines the best of both worlds: the performance and handling of an M3 with the smoothness and refinement of a six-cylinder engine. It is also a car that represents a unique chapter in BMW's history, as it was made for specific markets with specific needs. Today, finding a 320iS in good condition is not easy, as many of them have been modified or damaged over the years. However, if you are lucky enough to find one, you will be rewarded with a driving experience that is hard to match by any other E30 model.
