Target Audience:
BMW enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops specializing in vintage BMWs.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, detailed information to maintain and repair the E30 320i, significantly reducing reliance on expensive dealership services or guesswork.
Diagnostic Emphasis:
Strong emphasis on diagnostic procedures for fuel injection and ignition systems, crucial for this era of BMW.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes detailed exploded diagrams, wiring schematics, and step-by-step illustrations for complex procedures.
Engine:
M20B20 (2.0L inline-6) engine, including maintenance, diagnostics, repair, overhaul, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic), ignition system, cooling, lubrication, exhaust.
Transmission:
4-speed manual, 5-speed manual (Getrag 260), 3-speed automatic (ZF 3HP22). Includes clutch, drivetrain, differentials.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms. Includes steering, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, bushings.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Includes ABS (optional), hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, instrumentation, engine control unit (ECU).
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped).
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks, belt adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling engine, transmission, and other major systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, alignment data.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.
Digital Format:
PDF (typically searchable and printable).
Print Quality For Digital:
High resolution, clear diagrams and text suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding For Physical Copy:
Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for workshop manuals to lay flat.
Paper Type For Physical Copy:
Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand shop conditions.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
1990 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
125-129 hp (approx. @ 6000 rpm, depending on market/spec)
Torque:
165-170 Nm (approx. @ 4300 rpm, depending on market/spec)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic (ECU controlled).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
Cooling System Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.25 liters (4.5 US qts) with filter.
Oil Type Specification:
BMW Approved, API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (depending on climate).
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional 1:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260)
Transmission Type Optional 2:
3-speed Automatic (ZF 3HP22)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Compliance:
Designed to meet FMVSS standards of its era.
Anti Lock Braking System:
Optional (ABS).
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts (front), two-point lap belts (rear).
Body Construction:
Unitized steel body with crumple zones.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for M20 engines. Typically every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) or 5 years. FAILURE IS CATASTROPHIC.
Engine Oil:
API SG, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Heater Core Leaks:
Common issue, often requires dashboard removal for replacement.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Can develop leaks over time.
Front Control Arm Bushings:
Wear out, leading to vague steering and alignment issues.
Fuel Injector O-Rings:
Can degrade, causing fuel leaks or poor running.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, rear valence, sunroof drains.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for sporty driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
E30 Generation:
The E30 generation (1982-1994) was a highly successful successor to the E21, establishing the 3 Series as a benchmark in its class for handling and performance.
320I Positioning:
The 320i served as an entry-level to mid-tier model within the E30 range, offering a balance of performance and economy powered by the smooth M20 inline-six.
Production Period E30:
1982-1994 (globally).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing).
E30 Chassis Recognition:
The E30 chassis is widely recognized as one of BMW's most iconic and well-engineered platforms, celebrated for its driving purity and build quality.
Car And Driver 5 Best List:
E30 models, particularly the M3 and higher-spec variants, have consistently appeared on 'best cars of all time' lists.
Consumer Reports Reliability Histor:
Reliability ratings varied, but the M20 engine is generally considered robust if properly maintained. Specific year/trim reliability can be found in historical consumer reports archives.
