Market Position:
The E30 3 Series represented BMW's successful push into the compact executive sports sedan market, emphasizing driving dynamics and build quality.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and Alfa Romeo 75, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and sportiness.
Key Features:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, iconic 'kidney grille' design, and the introduction of advanced features for its era.
Coverage Areas:
All aspects of repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishment, and restoration for BMW 325, 325e, and 325es models.
Page Count:
Extensive, comprehensive detailing (specific page count not provided in product info but implied to be thorough).
Manual Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
Likely digital (PDF) or printed manual, specified as 'very detailed'.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical (M20 series), fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic), cooling, exhaust, ignition, starting, charging, clutch, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes (ABS optional), electrical systems (wiring diagrams included), body, interior, and climate control.
Electrical System Coverage:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all major systems including engine management, lighting, instruments, power accessories, and ignition.
Body And Trim Coverage:
Procedures for body panel alignment, door and window adjustments, interior trim removal and installation, bumper repair, and sealant application.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component removal and installation, major repairs, engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, brake system servicing, electrical system diagnosis, bodywork repair, and interior refurbishment.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Specific fault finding procedures, diagnostic trees for common electrical and mechanical problems.
Engine Rebuilding Procedures:
Complete engine overhaul instructions including cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing replacement, valve train adjustments, and timing component installation.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic owner maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and repair procedures suitable for professional technicians and serious DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed specifications and torque values.
Diagnostic Tools Requirements:
Information on using basic hand tools, specialized BMW diagnostic tools (if applicable for the era), multimeters, and pressure gauges.
Torque Specifications:
Includes critical torque specifications for all fasteners, especially engine, transmission, suspension, and brake components.
File Format:
Likely searchable PDF for digital versions, high-resolution scans for printed versions.
Print Quality:
High quality, clear diagrams and text (expected for professional service manuals).
Binding Type:
Professional lay-flat binding for printed versions, ensuring ease of use during work.
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments for printed versions.
Engine Variants:
2.7L inline-six SOHC
Engine Code 325Es:
M20B27 (often with slight performance tuning compared to 325e)
Bore Stroke 325E:
84.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Compression Ratio 325E:
8.8:1 (designed for lower RPM, higher torque)
325E Horsepower:
Approx. 121 hp @ 4,250 rpm
325E Torque:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
325Es Horsepower:
Approx. 121 hp @ 4,250 rpm (U.S. spec, European models may differ)
325Es Torque:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm (U.S. spec, European models may differ)
Fuel Injection System:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Bosch Motronic (depending on specific model and market)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (premium recommended)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual, typically ~30,000-50,000 miles or 3-4 years for M20 engines.
Transmission Type 325E:
4-speed Automatic (Getrag 260, 5-speed manual optional)
Transmission Type 325Es:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific ATF (for automatic) or gear oil (for manual), e.g., BMW ETL-7045E or equivalent for automatic, GL-4 for manual.
Gear Ratios 5 Spd Manual Approx:
1st: 4.00, 2nd: 2.16, 3rd: 1.31, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.81, Reverse: 3.18 (Refer to manual for exact ratios)
Wheelbase:
2,621 mm (103.2 in)
Length:
4,330 mm (170.5 in)
Width:
1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height:
1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Track Width Front:
1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Track Width Rear:
1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
2,750 - 2,950 lbs (1,247 - 1,338 kg), varies by transmission and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
3,850 lbs (1,746 kg)
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
Safety Ratings:
Historically performed well in crash testing for its era, though modern rating systems were not in place. Known for robust construction.
Active Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models.
Passive Features:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, impact-absorbing steering column, seat belts (three-point front, two-point rear), reinforced doors.
Infotainment Features:
Basic analog gauges, optional AM/FM radio with cassette player, manual climate control.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by era; ABS was the primary advanced system available.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards; basic radio antenna for broadcast reception.
Oil Change Interval Approx:
Every 7,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific mileage/time).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Approx:
Every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Specification:
50/50 mix of BMW antifreeze (or equivalent) and distilled water. BMW PN 82 14 1 467 701.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, check manual for specific recommendation. BMW PN 81 22 9 400 338 (DOT 4).
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (e.g., BMW MTF LT-2 equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (check manual for specific BMW PN).
Differential Fluid Spec:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific BMW PN).
Known Issues:
Timing belt wear (critical failure point if it breaks), fuel pump failure, water pump leaks, coolant hoses degradation, seized heater control valve, idle control valve issues, differential seal leaks, rust in common areas (rocker panels, strut towers), worn suspension bushings, alternator belt issues.
Parts Catalog Reference:
Manual will likely reference BMW part numbers for common replacements, aiding in sourcing OEM or equivalent parts.
Brand Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on driving pleasure ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').
Model Evolution:
The E30 generation replaced the E21 and was a significant evolution, introducing a more refined chassis and a wider range of engine options. The 325e and 325es were introduced as higher-performance variants of the 325i, using a detuned, higher-torque version of the M20 engine focused on economy and mid-range grunt (325e) or a slightly sportier setup (325es).
Production Years:
E30 generation: 1982-1994 (Sedan/Coupe). 1986 Model Year.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Munich, Dingolfing)
Recognitions:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty character, often cited as a benchmark in its class.
Ratings:
Car and Driver's 'Ten Best' list multiple times during its production run.
Certifications:
Not applicable in the modern sense; built to stringent BMW engineering standards.
