🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

1987

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1987 BMW 325i (E30 generation) represented the pinnacle of sporty compact luxury sedans and coupes of its era, renowned for its engaging driving dynamics and robust engineering. This manual targets enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain or restore these iconic vehicles.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and Alfa Romeo 75. The 325i was often praised for its superior handling and driver involvement.

Vehicle Highlights:

Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, responsive M20 engine, and a driver-focused cockpit.

Value Proposition:

Provides the definitive resource for owners to perform professional-level maintenance and repairs, extending the life and preserving the value of their classic BMW.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, rebuilding, diagnostics, tuning

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection, starting, charging

Transmission Manual:

Removal, installation, overhaul, clutch service

Transmission Automatic:

Removal, installation, diagnostics, fluid service

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, CV joints, axle shafts

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension, steering rack, power steering system

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, switches, comfort systems

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, structural components

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems and fault finding

Estimated Pages:

800+

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print / Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M20B25 inline-six cylinder, DOHC, Bosch Motronic fuel injection

Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition, coil, distributor, spark plugs

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fan clutch

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes

Clutch System:

Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, hydraulic system

Anti-Lock Braking System:

ABS control unit, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic modulator (if equipped)

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights

Instrument Cluster:

Gauges, warning lights, tachometer, speedometer

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections

Engine Rebuilding:

Piston and ring replacement, bearing inspection, cylinder head overhaul, valve adjustments

Fuel Injection Tuning:

Idle speed adjustment, sensor testing, injector cleaning

Brake System Repair:

Pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, brake line bleeding

Suspension Alignment:

Wheel alignment specifications, caster, camber, toe adjustments

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness testing, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults

Body Restoration:

Dent repair, rust prevention, panel replacement, glass installation

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant charging, leak detection, blower motor replacement

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic fault diagnosis for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis issues

Depth:

Comprehensive: from routine maintenance and minor repairs to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and in-depth electrical system troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Searchable, Printable)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original manual pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital); If printed, likely spiral-bound for lay-flat use

Paper:

N/A (Digital); If printed, typically heavy-duty, coated paper for durability

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M20B25

Engine Type:

Inline-6 Cylinder, SOHC

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Horsepower:

168 hp @ 5800 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

164 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (SAE Net)

Injection System:

Bosch Motronic ML4.1 (or similar variants)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

ECU:

Engine Control Unit for fuel and ignition timing management

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Castrol TWS, Red Line MTL)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.2 inches (2570 mm)

Length:

170.5 inches (4330 mm)

Width:

66.5 inches (1689 mm)

Height:

54.8 inches (1392 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2850-3000 lbs (1293-1361 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3800 lbs (1724 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Not rated under current NHTSA protocols, but E30 chassis known for structural integrity for its time.

Braking:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs; optional ABS

Steering:

Power assisted rack and pinion

Airbags:

Driver airbag not standard on all models/markets; Passenger airbag not available.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts (later models may have three-point rear).

Chassis Design:

Unitized body construction with front and rear crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional premium sound system (e.g., Blaupunkt or BMW branded).

Onboard Computer:

Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) providing trip data, fuel consumption, and diagnostic codes.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most models.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System available as an option.

Auxiliary Inputs:

No factory auxiliary or USB inputs; aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect every 30,000 miles, consider replacement every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Timing Belt:

M20 engines use a timing chain, not a belt.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on climate).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Coolant (Glysantin G05 equivalent) or a quality ethylene glycol coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11S (verify specific application).

Common Problems:

Fuel distributor leaks, OBC (On-Board Computer) malfunctions, dashboard cluster illumination failures, heater control valve leaks, seized front strut mounts, cracking rear subframe mounts, coolant expansion tank cracks, alternator belt tensioner failure.

Engine Mounts:

Hydraulic engine mounts are prone to failure and require periodic replacement.

Fuel Injectors:

Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged or leak, impacting performance and fuel economy.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles, particularly with its '3 Series' line, which has been a cornerstone of the brand for decades.

E30 Generation:

The E30 generation (1982-1991) marked a significant evolution for the 3 Series, introducing more refined styling, advanced engineering, and a wider range of engine options. The 325i was introduced in 1985 and became a benchmark for the compact sports sedan.

Production Years:

E30 325i production: 1985-1991

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (primarily Munich)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

The E30 3 Series, including the 325i, consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance, often being cited as a benchmark for its class.