Car Model History

Second generation · E30 · 1984–1991

1991BMW 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

1991 BMW 325i E30 Touring, front three-quarter view

Photo: “1991 BMW 325I Touring (13146069314).jpg” by Kieran White from Manchester, England / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
3offered1.8L M42 DOHC inline-four → 2.3L S14 four-cylinder
Top output
192hp2.3L S14 four-cylinder

Body stylesTwo-door sedan · Four-door sedan · Convertible · M3 homologation sedan

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1991 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 1991 3 Series

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

9factory 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 1991 U.S. E30 M42, 325i/iX, Convertible, and M3 service roster. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-01 from BMW — 1991 U.S. factory service-manual model and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror), BMW of North America — 1991 U.S. 318i reintroduction, engine output, and pricing history, BMW Car Club of America — January/February 1991 3 Series Update, BMW of North America — first-generation U.S. M3 history and specification.

9versions shown
Four-door rear-wheel-drive sedan

BMW 318i Four-Door

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive sedan
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sport sedan

BMW 318is Two-Door

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sport sedan
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive convertible

BMW 318i Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive convertible
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sedan

BMW 325i Two-Door

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive sedan
Engine
2.5-liter M20 inline-six (168 hp / 164 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 M20 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 M20 inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door all-wheel-drive sedan

BMW 325iX Two-Door

Body
Two-door all-wheel-drive sedan
Engine
2.5-liter M20 inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door all-wheel-drive sedan

BMW 325iX Four-Door

Body
Four-door all-wheel-drive sedan
Engine
2.5-liter M20 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 homologation sedan

BMW M3 Two-Door

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive homologation sedan
Engine
2.3-liter S14 four-cylinder (192 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 1991 model year

Overview

For 1991 BMW of North America restored an accessible four-cylinder tier to the U.S. E30 range: the four-door 318i, two-door 318is, and newly released 318i Convertible used the 134-hp M42. The six-cylinder range retained 325i two- and four-door sedans, the 325i Convertible, and two- and four-door 325iX all-wheel-drive models. The manual-only 192-hp M3 remained separate, while BMW NA dropped 325is as a distinct model rather than duplicating an option-equipped 325i.

Specifications

Engines
  • 1.8L M42 DOHC inline-four134 hp
  • 2.5L M20 inline-six168 hp
  • 2.3L S14 four-cylinder192 hp
Body styles
Two-door sedan, Four-door sedan, Convertible, M3 homologation sedan

Year over year

What changed

  • The M42-powered 318i returned after a six-year U.S. absence, joined by the 318is and a new 318i Convertible.
  • BMW NA removed 325is as a separate 1991 model; equivalent sport equipment could be specified on a two- or four-door 325i.
  • The E30 sedan, convertible, 325iX, and M3 roster preceded the E36 sedan's U.S. arrival for 1992.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • The 318i's 134-hp M42 gave BMW a lower-priced U.S. 3 Series response during new Japanese luxury-brand competition.
  • The roster preserves the 318i Convertible and both 325iX bodies without inventing a U.S. Touring wagon or separate 325is.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Identify M42 318, M20 325, all-wheel-drive 325iX, or S14 M3 before ordering engine, cooling, ignition, driveline, suspension, or exhaust parts.
  • Do not infer a factory 325is model from sport-option equipment on a 1991 325i; verify the VIN and installed equipment.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1991 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 1991 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
9
Factory intervals
8
Fitment-scoped
9
Exact references
2

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: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (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: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Service Intervals/Equivalent Mileage — Inspection I maximum · checked

    Inspection II

    Applies to: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Service Intervals/Equivalent Mileage — Inspection II maximum · checked

  • Brake fluid

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i record; other E30 engines, body styles, iX, and M3 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 24 months · BMW's archived Inspection I note specifies replacement every two years.

    Source: BMW — 1991 325i (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: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · automatic · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service I — automatic-transmission fluid/strainer/gasket · checked

    Manual-transmission fluid

    Applies to: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · manual · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (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: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — main fuel-filter replacement · checked

  • Engine air filter

    Exact reference available

    Applies to: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — air-filter replacement · checked

    1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp) — K&N 33-2059

    K&N 33-2059

    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: 1991 · 1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp) · 318i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 318i replacement air-filter catalog · 1991 BMW 318i/318is 1.8L gasoline, U.S. models — 33-2059 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp) — K&N 33-2059

    K&N 33-2059

    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: 1991 · 1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp) · 318is · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 318i replacement air-filter catalog · 1991 BMW 318i/318is 1.8L gasoline, U.S. models — 33-2059 · checked

    Verified ordering references

  • Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — spark-plug replacement · checked

  • Engine coolant

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1991 · M20 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E30) · United States · Exact 1991 325i 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 — 1991 325i (E30/M20) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — coolant replacement note · checked

  • Engine oil filter — catalog fitment

    Exact reference available

    Applies to: 1991 · United States

    2.5-liter M20 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: 1991 · 2.5-liter M20 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 325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1991 BMW 325i/325is 2.5L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M20 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: 1991 · 2.5-liter M20 inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft) · 325iX · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1991 BMW 325i/325is 2.5L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.3-liter S14 four-cylinder (192 hp) — K&N HP-1002

    K&N HP-1002

    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: 1991 · 2.3-liter S14 four-cylinder (192 hp) · M3 · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW M3 replacement oil-filter catalog · 1991 BMW M3 2.3L gasoline — HP-1002 · checked

    Verified ordering references

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Famous variants this year

Sources

  1. BMW — 1991 U.S. factory service-manual model and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror)
  2. BMW of North America — 1991 U.S. 318i reintroduction, engine output, and pricing history
  3. BMW Car Club of America — January/February 1991 3 Series Update
  4. BMW of North America — first-generation U.S. M3 history and specification

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