Target Audience:
BMW E30 enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration shops
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs and preserving vehicle integrity.
Advantage Over Owner Manual:
Provides in-depth repair procedures and diagnostic information far beyond the scope of a standard owner's manual.
Completeness:
The 'COMPLETE full service repair manual' ensures comprehensive coverage of all major vehicle systems.
Accessibility:
PDF format allows for digital access on various devices and easy printing.
Service Scope:
Complete service, repair, and maintenance
Component Coverage:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical, HVAC, Body
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (printable)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, fuel injection (L-Jetronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions
Drivetrain:
Clutch, manual transmission (Getrag 260), driveshaft, differential, axle shafts
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, steering rack, power steering system
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear disc), hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, diagnostics of common electrical faults
HVAC:
Heater core, blower motor, climate control system operation and repair
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (where applicable), electrical system tracing
Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment, ignition timing setting
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1.8 liters (1766 cc)
Horsepower Est:
100-105 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Est:
103-107 lb-ft @ 3500-3800 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic (or similar K-Jetronic in some variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.7 US quarts) - *Consult manual for exact specification*
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission (early models), 5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260 common)
Automatic Transmission:
3-speed Automatic (ZF 3HP22 common)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) - *Verify exact specification in manual*
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent) - *Verify exact specification in manual*
Body Styles:
2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, Convertible, Touring (Wagon - less common for 318i)
Wheelbase Est:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 inches) - *Verify for specific body style*
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100 mm
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 1150-1300 kg (2535-2866 lbs) - *Varies significantly by body style and equipment*
Crash Test Era:
Designed and tested under safety standards prevalent in the 1980s and early 1990s. No modern standardized ratings (e.g., NCAP) apply.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard); optional rear disc brakes
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts (standard). Optional front seatbelt pretensioners in later years.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones front and rear
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette radio, optional upgraded units available. Often feature a basic analog tuner and cassette player.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/trims, typically on rear wheels first, then all four.
Diagnostic Ports:
Limited digital diagnostics. Troubleshooting relies heavily on mechanical checks, vacuum gauges, and basic electrical testers. OBD-I or proprietary BMW diagnostic connectors may be present in later years, but not standardized OBD-II.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. *Refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions.*
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km) for standard plugs. *Refer to manual for specific type and interval.*
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (M10 engine uses a timing chain)
Engine Oil Grade:
API SG or SH, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 recommended for typical conditions. *Always verify with manual and climate.*
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. *Consult manual for specific BMW coolant specifications.*
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 - *Verify exact requirement in manual.*
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, cooling system component failure (radiator, water pump, hoses), fuel distributor issues (L-Jetronic).
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn shock absorbers, rear trailing arm bushing failure.
Electrical:
Corrosion on grounds and connectors, alternator issues, starter motor wear, intermittent instrument cluster problems.
Body Corrosion:
Prone to rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and around window seals.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' established by the E30 generation.
E30 Introduction:
The E30 chassis replaced the E21 and was produced from 1982 to 1991, becoming one of BMW's most successful models.
318I Positioning:
The 318i served as the entry-level model within the 3 Series lineup, offering a balance of efficiency and BMW driving dynamics.
Production Period:
1983-1991 for the 318i model variant
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing)
