🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

318i

Year:

1984

Chassis Code:

E30

Engine Code Family:

M10

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-level luxury compact sedan/coupe.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a sporty yet practical European vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Volvo 240 Series.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced chassis, RWD, and engaging driving experience.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality, known for durability and longevity.

Design Era:

Iconic E30 design language by Claus Luthe.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Estimated Page Count:

400-600 (estimated, actual may vary)

Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF inferred from description, actual product may vary)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage of the M10 4-cylinder engine, including maintenance, diagnosis, and overhaul procedures.

Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system diagnosis, repair, and component testing.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, spark plugs, coils, distributor, and electronic control unit (ECU) diagnosis.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan assembly maintenance and repair.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust manifold inspection and replacement.

Transmission Manual:

Operation, maintenance, and overhaul of the Getrag 245 5-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis and maintenance of the ZF 3HP22 3-speed automatic transmission (if equipped).

Clutch:

Clutch hydraulic system, pressure plate, clutch disc, and release bearing service.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, and rear axle overhaul.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson strut system, control arms, ball joints, and sway bar servicing.

Suspension Rear:

Semi-trailing arm suspension, shock absorbers, and coil springs maintenance.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, and steering column repair.

Brakes Front:

Ventilated disc brake system, caliper, rotor, and pad replacement.

Brakes Rear:

Solid disc brake system (or drum, depending on specific E30 variant) service.

Parking Brake:

Parking brake mechanism and cable adjustment.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, and wiring harness troubleshooting.

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and fuse box diagnosis.

Instrument Cluster:

Gauge operation, warning lights, and tachometer/speedometer service.

Body Exterior:

Panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, and exterior trim.

Body Interior:

Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, and interior trim panel service.

HVAC:

Heater core, blower motor, and air conditioning system (if equipped) diagnosis and repair.

Chassis:

Unibody structure inspection and basic repair guidelines.

Basic Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed steps for engine teardown, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly.

Transmission Repair:

Component-level repair for manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake System Repair:

Replacement of brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Ball joint, tie rod end, control arm bushing, and shock/strut replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, and fault finding for electrical issues.

Fuel Injection Diagnosis:

Testing fuel pressure, injector function, and airflow meter calibration.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Correct procedure for timing belt replacement (critical on M10 engine).

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications for camber, caster, and toe angles.

Body Panel Alignment:

Guidelines for door, hood, and trunk alignment.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostic procedures including troubleshooting electrical systems and fuel injection.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Likely a digital PDF, offering searchability and easy navigation. High resolution scans of original documentation are expected.

Quality:

High-quality scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC

Engine Code:

M10 (specifically M10B18)

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Horsepower:

99 hp @ 5800 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

101 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch LE-Jetronic (L-Jetronic) Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Spark Plug Type:

NGK BP6ES or equivalent (verify with manual)

Oil Capacity:

4.5 Liters (4.7 US quarts) with filter (verify with manual)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-40 or 15W-40 (verify with manual)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 245 5-speed Manual

Type:

ZF 3HP22 3-speed Automatic (less common for 318i)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch

Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (verify with manual)

Fluid Type:

Dexron III / Mercon (or equivalent ATF, verify with manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4300 mm (169.3 in)

Width:

1680 mm (66.1 in)

Height:

1380 mm (54.3 in)

Curb Weight:

1150 kg (2535 lbs) approximately

Wheelbase:

2570 mm (101.2 in)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

Standard Tire Size:

175/70HR14 or 195/65HR14 (depending on options)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No comprehensive crash test data available from modern standards for this era. Focus on passive safety features of the time.

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (or drums), unassisted or power assisted.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point inertia reel seatbelts, rear lap belts.

Construction:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems.

Display:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Basic warning lights.

Features:

Limited driver assistance systems; primarily focused on mechanical engineering and driver feel. ABS may have been an option on later models or higher trims.

Features:

None by modern standards; basic connectivity via radio antenna.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation).

Timing Belt Interval:

M10 engines typically use a timing chain which is generally considered maintenance-free for the life of the engine, but the manual will confirm and provide inspection guidelines.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

20,000-30,000 miles (verify with manual).

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years (hygroscopic nature).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or compatible ethylene glycol-based, 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III (verify with manual).

Common Faults:

Fuel distributor leaks, idle control valve issues, fuel pump relay failures, coolant leaks (especially thermostat housing and hoses), rubber bushing wear (control arms, trailing arms), rust in common E30 areas (fender wells, rocker panels, battery tray).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known for performance, engineering, and 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.

E30 Generation:

The E30 platform (1982-1994) was a pivotal generation for BMW, establishing the brand's reputation for sporty sedans and coupes. The 318i was an important model within this lineup, offering a balance of economy and performance.

Manufacturing Period:

1982-1991 for E30 generation. 318i specific production varied.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Era Acclaim:

The E30 generation, including the 318i, was widely praised for its handling, build quality, and driving dynamics, contributing to BMW's strong market position in the compact executive segment.