Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, independent mechanics, BMW owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge
Competitors 1985:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (performance variants)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, RWD, precise steering, sporty handling
Authenticity:
Official BMW factory service data
Specificity:
Vehicle-specific, not generic
Scope:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Regions Covered:
Global (vehicle specific)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive factory manual)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Source:
Dealership Technician Manual
Format:
Likely Printed (original) or Digital (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU/DME)
Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (manual/automatic), driveshafts, differential, axle components
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), brake fluid, master cylinder, calipers, rotors
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, trim, convertible top mechanism
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, upholstery, climate control system (HVAC), interior trim, instrumentation
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake pad replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD I for later models), symptom-based diagnosis
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuild procedures for major assemblies
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic data
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced (includes electrical troubleshooting and system diagnostics)
Specific Procedures:
Valve adjustment, timing belt replacement, fuel injector testing, ABS bleeding, differential service
File Type:
Print (original) or Digital (PDF)
Searchability:
Searchable text (if digital PDF)
Quality:
High (original dealership quality)
Binding:
Stapled, Perfect Bound, or Spiral Bound (depending on original format)
Paper:
Durable, high-quality paper stock
Engine Variants 1985:
M10 1.8L (e.g., 318i), M20 2.7L (e.g., 325e), M20 2.3L (e.g., 323i - less common in some markets)
M3 Engine:
S14 2.3L DOHC 16-valve inline-4
318I Hp Approx:
100-105 hp
325E Hp Approx:
121-128 hp (emphasized torque over peak HP)
M3 2.3L Hp Approx:
192-200 hp
Injection Type:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection
Fuel Grade Recommendation:
Unleaded Premium (91 AKI or higher typical)
Crash Test Era:
Standards from the era were less stringent; focus on passive safety of the time.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on most E30s, standard on M3)
ABS Availability:
Optional on some models, standard on later M3s.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell design typical of BMW
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 1 year (whichever comes first), based on oil quality and driving conditions.
Spark Plug Interval:
Refer to manual; typically 20,000-30,000 miles for original plugs.
Timing Belt Interval:
N/A for M10/M20 engines (they use chains); S14 M3 engine also uses a chain.
Engine Oil Viscosity Typical:
10W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate and engine wear)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (BMW Blue or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on climate)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent
Cooling System:
Cracked plastic coolant expansion tanks, deteriorating hoses, thermostat failures.
Fuel System:
Leaking fuel injectors, failing fuel pumps, clogged fuel filters.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, sagging springs, leaking shock absorbers.
Electrical:
Failed headlight switch, corroded grounds, aging wiring harness insulation.
Rust:
Prone to rust in common areas like wheel arches, rocker panels, and battery tray.
Bmw Philosophy:
'The Ultimate Driving Machine' - focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E30 Introduction:
Launched in 1982 as a successor to the E21.
E30 Body Styles:
2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, convertible, touring (wagon - rare outside Europe)
M3 Introduction E30:
Introduced in 1986 (homologation special for racing), but development and early specs are relevant to 1985 era.
Production Years:
1982-1994 (E30 platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing)
