Era Significance:
The E30 3 Series and E28/E34 5 Series represent a golden era for BMW, known for their excellent driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty appeal.
Competitors:
Direct competitors included Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E) and W124 (E-Class), Audi 80/90, and various performance sedans from other European and Japanese manufacturers.
Driving Experience:
Renowned for their balance, rear-wheel-drive chassis, responsive steering, and refined inline-six engines.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized driver-centric ergonomics, robust construction, and a timeless aesthetic.
Engine Types:
4-cylinder, 6-cylinder gasoline engines
Chassis Systems:
Suspension, steering, brakes, bodywork, interior
Electrical Systems:
Engine management, lighting, instrumentation, comfort systems, wiring diagrams
Type:
Factory-authorized Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) / Printable
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for various inline-4 and inline-6 configurations.
Fuel And Emission Controls:
Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic fuel injection systems, emission control systems, troubleshooting procedures.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, coolant specifications, bleeding procedures.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler (if applicable), oil specifications, change intervals.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveshafts, differential, axle seals.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering rack, alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Disc brake systems (front and rear), ABS (where applicable), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and rotor replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relay functions, troubleshooting charts for electrical faults.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, trim components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, fuel filter replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues using symptoms and test results.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all mechanical and electrical components.
Adjustments:
Carburetor (where applicable), ignition timing, idle speed, parking brake adjustments.
Diagnostic Testing:
Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and control modules using multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic information for engine control units (ECUs) and ABS systems, including fault code interpretation.
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive engine rebuild procedures with specifications for clearances, torque values, and component tolerances.
Wiring Diagram Detail:
High-resolution, detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including color coding and component locations.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for certain repair procedures.
Common Engines E30:
M10 (4-cylinder: 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.3L) and M20 (6-cylinder: 2.3L, 2.5L, 2.7L)
Common Engines E28:
M20 (6-cylinder: 2.3L, 2.7L), M30 (6-cylinder: 2.8L, 3.2L, 3.5L)
Common Engines E34:
M20 (6-cylinder: 2.0L, 2.5L), M30 (6-cylinder: 3.0L, 3.5L), M50 (6-cylinder: 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L, 3.5L)
Typical Horsepower Range:
90 HP (4-cyl) to 315 HP (M5/E34 V8 variations - though manual covers inline-6 primarily)
Typical Torque Range:
140 Nm (4-cyl) to 400 Nm (M5/E34 V8 variations)
Fuel Injection Systems:
Bosch L-Jetronic, LE-Jetronic, Motronic ML/ME variants
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating varies by engine, typically 91-98 RON)
E30 Standard Transmission:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission
E28 E34 Standard Transmission:
Getrag 260 or 265 5-speed manual transmission
Automatic Transmission Options:
ZF 3HP22 (E28), ZF 4HP22 (E34), Getrag 4-speed automatic (some E30)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch
Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron II (automatics), GL-4 gear oil (manuals) - specific viscosity varies by model and transmission type.
E30 Length:
Approx. 4325 mm (170.3 in)
E34 Length:
Approx. 4720 mm (185.8 in) for Sedan, 4820 mm (189.8 in) for Touring
Wheelbase E30:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Wheelbase E34:
Approx. 2790 mm (110.0 in)
Curb Weight E30:
Approx. 1100-1300 kg (2425-2866 lbs)
Curb Weight E34:
Approx. 1350-1550 kg (2976-3417 lbs)
Crash Test Data:
Limited formal crash test data available for this era compared to modern standards. Focus on robust construction and driver-focused safety features of the time.
ABS:
Optional on many models, standard on higher performance variants (e.g., M3, M5).
Traction Control:
Rarely available, typically only on later high-performance models (e.g., early ASC on some E34s).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts standard, optional seatbelt pre-tensioners on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag became optional and then standard on later E34 models, not typically available on E30.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable to most inline-6 engines (chain-driven). 4-cylinder M10 engines have a timing belt replaced every 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km).
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL or ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity: 5W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-50 depending on climate. Consult specific engine for precise recommendations.
Coolant:
BMW Blue or equivalent G-48 ethylene glycol coolant. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 unleaded brake fluid.
E30 Common Problems:
Rusted jacking points/rear shock towers, failing fuel pumps, deteriorating rubber bushings, cracked exhaust manifolds, cooling system leaks.
E28 E34 Common Problems:
Oil leaks from various seals (valve cover, oil pan), sagging headliner, ABS sensor failures, starter motor issues, coolant leaks (especially plastic coolant components).
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' was solidified with these models, emphasizing sporty sedans and coupes.
E30 Significance:
The E30 redefined the compact executive car segment, becoming an icon of its era with notable variants like the M3.
E28 Evolution:
Evolved from the E12, the E28 brought improved aerodynamics and technology, including the introduction of the M5 performance variant.
E34 Advancements:
The E34 represented a significant technological leap with more advanced engines (M50), improved aerodynamics, and options like all-wheel drive (4x4) and wagon variants (Touring).
E30 Production Years:
1982-1994 (with overlap into E36 era for some markets)
E28 Production Years:
1981-1988
E34 Production Years:
1988-1996 (with overlap into E39 era for some markets)
