Positioning:
The BMW 318i (E30) was positioned as an entry-level luxury sport sedan, offering a balance of performance, refinement, and BMW's signature driving dynamics.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and various Japanese luxury sedans of the era.
Driving Experience:
Known for its agile handling, responsive steering, and a generally driver-focused experience, characteristic of the E30 platform.
Powertrain Efficiency:
The M10 engine, while not the most powerful, offered a good blend of fuel economy and reliable performance for its time.
Purpose:
To provide detailed, authoritative guidance for servicing and repairing the 1986 BMW 318i, enabling owners and technicians to maintain the vehicle to factory standards.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service, repair, and troubleshooting for the 1986 BMW 318i.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).
Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Likely PDF (digital reproduction of original printed manual)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M10B18), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Getrag 240 5-speed manual), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms), steering system, braking system (front disc, rear drum), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay box layouts, engine control unit (ECU) functions.
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, locks, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, brake pad/shoe inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine component overhaul (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission repair, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder rebuild, starter/alternator testing and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common engine drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, cooling system leaks, and braking system malfunctions, often referencing symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine timing data, valve clearances, fluid capacities, and component tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, and detailed electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 71.0 mm
Valve Train:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves
Horsepower:
101 hp (75 kW) @ 5800 rpm (DIN)
Torque:
140 Nm (103 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (DIN)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Gasoline)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 240 5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 3.64:1 for manual, 3.46:1 for automatic (may vary by market)
Crash Test Data:
While specific 1986 US NCAP ratings are scarce, the E30 platform was engineered with a focus on occupant safety for its era, featuring a relatively robust unibody structure.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear: Drum Brakes. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an option on some models or later revisions, but not standard on the 1986 318i.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering, typically with power assistance as an option.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for front and rear occupants.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones front and rear.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-24,000 miles) depending on plug type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km (24,000-36,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (refer to manual for exact spec and viscosity depending on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 (or similar as specified in manual).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid (if equipped).
Common Problems:
Rust (fender arches, rocker panels, battery tray), aging rubber components (bushings, hoses), fuel distributor diaphragm issues (Bosch K-Jetronic variants), radiator leaks, window regulator failures, dashboard cracking.
Engine M10:
Generally robust, but can suffer from oil leaks due to aging seals. Timing belt inspection/replacement is crucial.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was evident in the E30's development, emphasizing sportiness, engineering quality, and driver engagement.
E30 Introduction:
The E30 chassis, introduced in 1982, replaced the E21 3-Series. It was a significant evolution, offering improved handling, comfort, and a wider range of engine options.
318I Positioning E30:
The 318i served as a more accessible entry point into the E30 lineup, focusing on efficiency and classic BMW driving characteristics with the robust M10 engine.
Production Years:
E30 production: 1982-1991. The 318i variant was produced throughout much of this period.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany.
