BMW 3-Series (E30) Performance Guide : Cartech : 9781613255902 : 161325590X : 15 Feb 2013 : BMW has always had a reputation for quality in the cars it has exported to the United States. The BMW 2002 developed a cult following of loyal enthusiasts, and properly cemented BMW as a quality manufacturer of sporting sedans with this forerunner to the 3-series. BMW replaced the 2002 with the 3-series models in the 1970s, which heralded a new design, and new improvements annually, each one better than the last. The model that truly launched BMW into the performance arena in the United States were the second generation of 3-series cars, the "E30" chassis cars. These 1980s and 1990s era cars were offered with a wide range of engine/transmission combinations, but the basic chassis was so well engineered that owners were able to enjoy an outstanding combination of comfort and handling performance regardless of the powertrain. Today, the E30 family of BMWs are both readily available and affordable