🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

1987

Chassis Code:

E30

Body Styles Covered:

2-door Sedan (Saloon), 4-door Sedan (Saloon)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW 3 Series (E30) was a highly successful model that solidified BMW's reputation for sporty handling and luxury compact sedans, competing against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz 190E and Audi 80/90.

Key Competitors 1987:

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

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and engaging driving experience.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality, known for durability and longevity when properly maintained.

Utility For Owners:

Essential for owners seeking to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and understand the technical intricacies of their E30 325i.

Utility For Professionals:

Provides the same level of detail and accuracy that professional mechanics rely on for servicing and repairing these vehicles.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Comprehensive Service, Repair, and Workshop

Estimated Page Count:

600+

Manual Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of engine components, including cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, valve train.

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic engine management system, fuel injection, ignition system, sensors (e.g., crankshaft position, camshaft position, airflow meter, throttle position), actuators, ECU diagnosis.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, cooling fan, heater core.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensor (lambda sensor).

Transmission Manual:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission: disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch operation, gear shift mechanism.

Transmission Automatic:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission: operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, fluid changes, torque converter.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, half-shafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, anti-roll bar, bushings, springs, shock absorbers.

Suspension Rear:

Semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, anti-roll bar.

Steering System:

Power steering rack and pinion, power steering pump, hydraulic lines, steering column, steering wheel.

Brakes Front:

Vented disc brakes, calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake lines.

Brakes Rear:

Solid disc brakes, calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake lines.

Brake Control:

Brake booster, master cylinder, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, turn signals), dashboard warning lights.

Body Electrical:

Wipers, washers, horn, power windows, central locking system, mirrors, interior lighting.

Bodywork And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass replacement, structural repair guidelines.

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant system, dashboard controls.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, battery testing.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Engine Repair:

Cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, valve adjustment, timing belt/chain service.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, manual transmission rebuild, automatic transmission service and repair.

Brake Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, master cylinder replacement, ABS bleeding procedures.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, control arm bushing replacement, shock absorber replacement, power steering pump replacement, tie rod end replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness repair, component testing, sensor diagnostics, starter and alternator testing.

Body And Interior Repair:

Door panel removal, window regulator repair, lock mechanism repair, weatherstripping replacement.

Depth:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic parameters.

Diagnostic Charts:

Extensive diagnostic charts for troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.

Special Tools:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Printed manual, typically bound for durability in a workshop environment.

Print Quality Description:

Professionally printed with clear text and diagrams. May include photographic illustrations.

Binding Type:

Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for ease of use and lay-flat functionality.

Paper Type Description:

Durable, often coated paper to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M20B25

Engine Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Horsepower:

168 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

164 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch LE-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributor-based electronic ignition (Motronic)

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag 260 5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation

Rear Axle Ratio:

Typically 3.73:1 for manual, 3.25:1 or 3.46:1 for automatic (varies by market and options)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

100.1 inches (2540 mm)

Length:

170.5 inches (4330 mm)

Width:

65.4 inches (1661 mm)

Height:

54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 2900 lbs (1315 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3000 lbs (1360 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Information:

As a vehicle from the 1980s, comprehensive crash test data in modern formats may be limited. However, the E30 chassis was designed with a strong unibody construction.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models, particularly later E30s, including potential 1987 models depending on market and options.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear lap belts (three-point rear belts became more common in later E30s or specific markets).

Body Construction:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones (front and rear).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed cassette radio with AM/FM tuner, potentially with upgraded speaker systems.

On Board Computer:

Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) providing basic trip information, fuel consumption, and diagnostics on select models.

ABS Availability:

Optional on some models.

Connectivity Features:

Minimal by modern standards. Primarily focused on mechanical and electrical systems. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (check manual for specific recommendations for the year and oil used).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 40,000-60,000 miles or 5 years (critical due to interference engine design).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 synthetic or high-quality conventional oil. Consult manual for exact specifications.

Coolant Type:

BMW coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF TE-ML 04D or DEXRON II (consult manual for precise specification).

Common Problems:

Cracked dashboards, deteriorating vacuum lines, cooling system leaks (water pump, hoses), rear subframe mounts, fuel distributor issues, AFM (Air Flow Meter) problems, OBC (On-Board Computer) failures.

Common Issues Electrical:

Corroded grounds, failing instrument cluster components, wiring harness degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's core philosophy of building 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was heavily embodied by the E30 generation, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E30 Introduction:

The E30 platform was introduced in 1982 as the successor to the E21 3 Series, evolving into a highly successful and iconic generation.

325I Introduction:

The 325i model, featuring the M20 2.5L engine, was introduced in 1985, offering a significant performance upgrade over the earlier 323i and 325e models.

E30 Production Years:

1982-1991

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany. Also produced in Austria, South Africa, and Thailand.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

Consistently praised by automotive publications for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty character, often cited as a benchmark in its class.

Enthusiast Popularity:

Highly regarded by automotive enthusiasts and widely considered a 'modern classic' and a desirable collectible.