Car Model History

Second generation · E30 · 1984–1991

1987BMW 3 Series

The car that made the 3 Series an icon. Added a four-door sedan, a convertible, and the Touring wagon, and — most famously — spawned the original E30 M3 homologation special for 1988 (US). US E30s ran model years 1984–1991.

Second generation · E30

1987 BMW 3 Series (E30, second generation) — 325, front three-quarter view

Photo: “BMW 325 1987 E30” by Alex Kasperavicius / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
2offered2.7L fuel-injected eta inline-six → 2.5L fuel-injected inline-six
Top output
168hp2.5L fuel-injected inline-six

Body stylesTwo-door sedan · Four-door sedan · Convertible

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1987 BMW 3 Series model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

Complete, source-verified lineup

Find your exact 1987 3 Series

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

7factory configurations
Verified complete for the U.S.-marketHow this lineup was verified

We checked this U.S.-market lineup against period sources for BMW's complete 1987 U.S. E30 eta/i transition and factory-convertible service roster. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-01 from BMW — 1987 U.S. factory service-manual model and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror), BMW of North America — 1987 325i Convertible factory brochure.

7versions shown
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sedan

BMW 325 Two-Door

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sedan
Engine
2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive sedan

BMW 325 Four-Door

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive sedan
Engine
2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive sedan

BMW 325e Four-Door

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive sedan
Engine
2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sport sedan

BMW 325es Two-Door

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sport sedan
Engine
2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive sedan

BMW 325i Four-Door

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive sedan
Engine
2.5-liter fuel-injected inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sport sedan

BMW 325is Two-Door

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sport sedan
Engine
2.5-liter fuel-injected inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive convertible

BMW 325i Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive convertible
Engine
2.5-liter fuel-injected inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 1987 model year

Overview

The 1987 U.S. 3 Series was a transition roster. Eta-powered 325 two- and four-door cars, the four-door 325e, and two-door 325es remained available, while BMW introduced the higher-revving 2.5-liter 325i four-door and 325is two-door during the model year. BMW also launched its factory-built 325i Convertible. The eta cars made 121 hp and 170 lb-ft; the new 325i family made 168 hp and 164 lb-ft.

Specifications

Engines
  • 2.7L fuel-injected eta inline-six121 hp
  • 2.5L fuel-injected inline-six168 hp
Body styles
Two-door sedan, Four-door sedan, Convertible

Year over year

What changed

  • The 325i and sport-trim 325is introduced the higher-revving 2.5-liter M20 to the U.S. 3 Series roster.
  • BMW added the purpose-engineered 325i Convertible rather than treating it as a roof conversion of a sedan.
  • The outgoing eta-powered 325, 325e, and 325es remained represented in the 1987 factory service roster, so the page preserves the model-year overlap.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • First U.S. model year for the 325i, 325is, and factory 325i Convertible.
  • The year bridges BMW's economy-focused eta range and the performance-oriented 2.5-liter i models that defined the later E30.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Confirm 2.7-liter eta versus 2.5-liter i-engine identity before ordering timing, injection, ignition, cooling, or exhaust parts; the shared 325 badge is not enough.
  • Convertible body, sealing, reinforcement, and roof-system parts require convertible-specific fitment, while s-model suspension and differential equipment must not be assumed on regular cars.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1987 3 Series on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1987 BMW 3 Series. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
10
Factory intervals
9
Fitment-scoped
10
Exact references
1

Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oil and filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 7,500 mi / 12,000 km / 6 months · Maximum guideline; service sooner when the on-board indicator calls for it.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Service Intervals/Equivalent Mileage — Oil Service maximum; Indicated Engine Oil Service · checked

  • Inspection I

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 15,000 mi / 24,000 km / 12 months · Maximum guideline; alternate with Oil Service and Inspection II as indicated.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Service Intervals/Equivalent Mileage — Inspection I maximum · checked

    Inspection II

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · Maximum guideline; includes Inspection I plus the additional published tasks.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Service Intervals/Equivalent Mileage — Inspection II maximum · checked

  • Brake fluid

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 12 months · BMW's archived Inspection I note recommends annual replacement.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service I — brake-fluid replacement note · checked

  • Automatic-transmission fluid, strainer, and gasket

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · automatic · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 15,000 mi / 24,000 km / 12 months · At Inspection I; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service I — automatic-transmission fluid/strainer/gasket · checked

    Manual-transmission fluid

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · manual · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · At Inspection II; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — manual-transmission fluid · checked

  • Main fuel filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · At Inspection II; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — main fuel-filter replacement · checked

  • Engine air filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · At Inspection II; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — air-filter replacement · checked

  • Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · At Inspection II; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — spark-plug replacement · checked

  • Engine coolant

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 24 months · BMW replacement recommendation in the Inspection II schedule.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — coolant replacement note · checked

  • Camshaft drive belt

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · M20 2.7L inline-six · 325e (E30) · United States · Exact 1987 325e record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 50,000 mi / 48 months · Replace at every second Inspection II or the first inspection due after 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

    Source: BMW — 1987 325e (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — 2.7L camshaft-drive-belt note · checked

  • Engine oil filter — catalog fitment

    Exact reference available

    Applies to: 1987 · United States

    2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft) — K&N HP-2009

    K&N HP-2009

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft) · 325 · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325/325e/325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1987 BMW 325-family 2.5L/2.7L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft) — K&N HP-2009

    K&N HP-2009

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft) · 325e · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325/325e/325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1987 BMW 325-family 2.5L/2.7L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft) — K&N HP-2009

    K&N HP-2009

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.7-liter fuel-injected eta inline-six (121 hp / 170 lb-ft) · 325es · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325/325e/325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1987 BMW 325-family 2.5L/2.7L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter fuel-injected inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft) — K&N HP-2009

    K&N HP-2009

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.5-liter fuel-injected inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft) · 325i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325/325e/325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1987 BMW 325-family 2.5L/2.7L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter fuel-injected inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft) — K&N HP-2009

    K&N HP-2009

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.5-liter fuel-injected inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft) · 325is · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325/325e/325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1987 BMW 325-family 2.5L/2.7L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

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Famous variants this year

Sources

  1. BMW — 1987 U.S. factory service-manual model and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror)
  2. BMW of North America — 1987 325i Convertible factory brochure
  3. BMW of North America — second-generation 3 Series and 325e history

Other Second generation years

Explore the E30 generation →All Second generation · E30 years →

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