Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, BMW owners seeking to maintain or restore their vehicle
Competitors 1988:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Acura Integra, Volvo 240 series
Vehicle Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance and handling
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving on dealership costs and preserving vehicle value
General Coverage:
Full service, repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, restoration
Diagnostic Coverage:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (Likely PDF)
Engine:
Engine overhaul, timing belt, cooling system, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Brakes:
Disc brake overhaul (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, sway bars
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, ignition, gauges, onboard computer (if applicable)
Body:
Body panel alignment, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, convertible top (if applicable)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical issue diagnosis
Repair:
Component replacement, system overhauls, specific part repairs
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuilds
Restoration:
Guidance for bringing the vehicle back to original specifications
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and component identification
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC (M20 series)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 75 mm
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Hp:
168 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque Lb Ft:
225 Nm (approx. 166 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition with Distributor
Transmission Type Std:
Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate
Manual Fluid Type:
BMW Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol BOT 402)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF
Final Drive:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) optional on some models, standard open differential
Crash Test Data:
Limited official government crash test data from this era; relies on historical accounts and industry standards of the time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on some models
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts (later models may have 3-point rear)
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones designed for the era
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional amplifier and speaker upgrades.
Instrument Cluster:
Comprehensive analog gauges including tachometer, speedometer, fuel, and temperature.
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS system enhances braking control.
Connectivity Features:
No integrated smartphone connectivity or Bluetooth; basic diagnostics via OBD-I connector.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 4-5 years, critical for M20 engines to prevent catastrophic damage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific climate recommendations).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 recommended.
Common Issue 1:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), heater core leaks.
Common Issue 2:
Fuel distributor diaphragm leaks, intermittent fuel pump issues.
Common Issue 3:
Worn suspension bushings, control arm bushings, and rear trailing arm bushings leading to vague handling and clunks.
Common Issue 4:
Oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket leaks.
Common Issue 5:
Check engine light due to airflow meter issues or vacuum leaks.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW AG, renowned for engineering, performance, and luxury automobiles since 1916.
E30 Introduction:
The E30 generation was introduced in 1982 as a successor to the E21.
325I Introduction:
The 325i variant, featuring the M20B25 engine, was introduced in 1987 for the 1987-1991 model years.
E30 Variants:
Included 318i, 325e, 325i, M3, and various body styles (sedan, coupe, convertible, touring).
Production Years E30:
1982-1994 (global), with significant facelift in 1987.
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other countries.
