🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Chassis Code:

E21

Model Years Covered:

1975-1984

Generation Name:

First Generation E21

Production Codes:

E21

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners and mechanics seeking to maintain and repair the BMW 3 Series E21, emphasizing DIY solutions and cost savings.

Comparison To Print:

Superior convenience and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional paper manuals.

Digital Advantages:

Easy access across multiple devices (PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet), no expiry dates, speed download, no extra fees, ability to print specific pages.

Completeness Guarantee:

Provides all service information needed for the vehicle, with no extra fees or expiry dates.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service and repair for all styles of the BMW 3 Series E21.

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but implied to be extensive).

Manual Format Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual

Manual Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip (free online).

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Differential/Drive, Axle, Fuel System, Fuel Injection, Cooling System, Emission System.

Chassis:

Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body.

Electrical And Comfort:

Electrical System, Wiring Diagram, Engine Control System, Heater/Air Conditioner, Interior, Restraint System.

Fuel Delivery System:

Comprehensive coverage of both carbureted and fuel-injected systems, including component testing and adjustment.

Transmission Overhaul:

Procedures for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling manual and automatic transmissions.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Extensive wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting guides for all electrical circuits.

Cooling System Service:

Procedures for radiator maintenance, water pump replacement, thermostat testing, and coolant flush.

Interior Trim And Accessories:

Guidance on removing and refitting interior components, seats, and trim panels.

Exhaust System Service:

Procedures for exhaust system inspection, repair, and component replacement.

Engine Control System:

Details on the electronic control units (ECUs) and related sensors for fuel injection and ignition systems.

Maintenance And Repair:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Troubleshooting, Engine disassembly and reassembly, Transmission service, Brake system repairs, Suspension component replacement, Steering adjustments, Cooling system maintenance, Fuel system cleaning and repair, Electrical system diagnostics, Bodywork repairs.

Troubleshooting Methodology:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and rectifying faults across all vehicle systems.

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for engine overhauls, including piston ring replacement, valve grinding, bearing replacement, and cylinder head service.

Brake System Service:

Detailed steps for brake pad and shoe replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder servicing, brake line inspection, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension And Steering Alignment:

Instructions for suspension component replacement, lubrication, and basic alignment checks.

Body And Chassis Repair:

Guidance on structural repairs, panel replacement, and rust prevention.

Emission Control System Service:

Details on servicing emission control devices and ensuring compliance with regulations of the era.

Heater And Air Conditioning Repair:

Service and repair procedures for the HVAC system, including blower motor, heater core, and climate control components.

Wheel And Tire Service:

Information on wheel balancing, tire changing, and recommended tire sizes and pressures.

Lighting System Service:

Guidance on replacing bulbs, servicing headlights and taillights, and troubleshooting lighting circuits.

Restraint System Service:

Information related to seatbelt mechanisms and any SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components if equipped.

Diagnostic And Repair Level:

Detailed, step-by-step instructions based on complete disassembly, suitable for both do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for critical fasteners in engine, transmission, suspension, and bodywork.

Diagnostic Charts:

Inclusion of fault-finding charts to help diagnose common problems quickly.

Illustrations And Diagrams:

Hundreds of photos and illustrations to visually guide the reader through service and repair procedures.

Special Tool Requirements:

Likely specifies any specialized tools needed for particular tasks, though not explicitly stated.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac, accessible via web browser on any computer or mobile device.

Printability:

Printable (entire manual or selected pages).

Binding Style:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format, printable on user's choice of paper).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Available Engine Types:

M10 4-cylinder (e.g., 316, 318, 320i), M20 6-cylinder (e.g., 320/6, 323i).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 75 hp (316) to 143 hp (323i) depending on specific engine and market.

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Zenith) for lower-end models, Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection for higher-performance variants.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic transmission (ZF 3HP18/22).

Gearbox Maintenance:

Manuals provide details on clutch replacement, gearbox fluid changes, and internal component servicing.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door sedan, 4-door sedan.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 1100-1300 kg (2425-2866 lbs) depending on engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Designed in an era before stringent modern crash test ratings; focused on passive safety features of the time.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (varied by model, some performance models had rear discs).

Occupant Protection:

Safety cell construction, padded dashboard, three-point seatbelts (front), optional headrests.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Basic AM/FM radios, optional cassette players. Limited integration by modern standards.

Assistance Features:

Minimal by modern standards. Focus was on mechanical feedback and driver control.

Connectivity Options:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to specific manual sections for precise intervals.

Engine Oil:

API SF or SG quality, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 often recommended, viscosity depending on climate. Check manual for exact specifications and oil capacity.

Coolant:

Typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water. Specific BMW coolant types may be specified. Capacity varies by engine.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity varies, check manual.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron-II or equivalent ATF. Capacity varies, check manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Common E21 Problems:

Rusting (especially around wheel arches, sills, and rear valence), aging rubber components (bushings, hoses), electrical gremlins, carburetor issues (if applicable), fuel injection system maintenance (if applicable), timing chain wear (M20 engines).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Continuation of BMW's focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing sporty handling and driver engagement.

E21 Significance:

First generation of the 3 Series, establishing its position as a compact executive sports sedan and setting the template for future generations.

Production Period:

1975-1983 (Manual covers up to 1984 for service continuity).