Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Reputation:
Renowned for driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty appeal
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75
Chassis:
Iconic E30 platform, known for its balanced handling and rear-wheel drive layout
Engine Options:
Smooth inline-six engines (M20 series)
Design:
Timeless Paul Bracq design, understated yet sporty aesthetic
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, assembly, disassembly, diagnosis
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Motronic), ignition system, emission controls
Transmission Manual:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch, shifting mechanisms
Transmission Automatic:
Overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic controls
Suspension And Steering:
Front/rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering
Braking System:
Disc brakes (front/rear), ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instruments
Bodywork And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, welding procedures
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, refrigerant service
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, lines, pump, injectors, pressure regulator
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, common faults, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Torque Specifications:
Critical fastener torque values for all major components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems
Specifications:
Engine specs, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities
Depth:
In-depth, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Troubleshooting Level:
Advanced, with diagnostic flowcharts and fault finding procedures
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PDF readers (Adobe Acrobat, etc.)
Quality:
High-resolution, clear and legible text and diagrams
Text Search:
Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval
Hyperlinks:
Clickable table of contents and index for easy navigation
Engine Code:
M20B27 (325e/es), M20B25 (325i, though 325 is used generically here and often implied as 325i for performance context in this era, the 325e/es are specifically M20B27)
Displacement:
2.7 Liters (325e/es)
Horsepower 325E:
121 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 325E:
170 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 325Es:
121 hp @ 4800 rpm (US spec, identical to 325e)
Torque 325Es:
170 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (US spec, identical to 325e)
Compression Ratio 325E:
8.5:1 (designed for low-end torque and fuel economy)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic (M1.1 or M1.3 depending on specific model year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
NHTSA Ratings:
Refer to specific model year testing; generally performed well for its era
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on later 'i' versions and specific packages
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Headrests:
Front and rear headrests
Body Construction:
Unitized body with crumple zones
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually (depending on usage and oil type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; typically every 30,000 miles for standard plugs, longer for platinum
Timing Belt:
M20 engines use a timing belt; replace every 40,000-60,000 miles or 5 years due to potential failure risk
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific temp ranges)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron II or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, front/rear main seals
Cooling System:
Cracked plastic radiator end tanks, failing water pump, thermostat housing leaks
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers
Electrical:
Corroded ground points, failing instrument clusters, fuel pump relays
Interior:
Sunroof drain blockage leading to water ingress, cracked dashboards
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance and engineering
E30 Introduction:
Introduced in 1982, the E30 was a significant evolution from the E21 3 Series
325E Introduction:
Introduced in 1983 (as 325e in Europe, later in US) to offer a more fuel-efficient and torque-rich option using the 'eta' engine
325Es Introduction:
US-market variant, typically an automatic transmission version of the 325e with specific trim
Production Years E30:
1982-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing), also South Africa, USA (CKD kits)
