Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, BMW E30 owners seeking detailed technical information.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, actionable repair and maintenance data to empower owners and technicians.
Competitor Manuals:
Direct competitor to official BMW service manuals and other aftermarket repair guides for the E30 chassis.
Visual Aids:
Extensive use of exploded views, diagrams, and illustrations for clarity.
Instruction Style:
Step-by-step instructions tailored for ease of understanding and execution.
Scope Of Coverage:
Encompasses nearly all aspects of vehicle servicing and repair, from routine maintenance to major overhauls.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, tuning, diagnostics, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (including EFI), ignition system, emission control systems.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, clutch system, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system (rack and pinion).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, front and rear disc brakes, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator), battery, lighting systems, ignition system components, diagnostic connectors, fuse box layout, common electrical faults.
Bodywork:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, body repair procedures, rust prevention, paint codes (general guidance).
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system operation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, system diagnostics (general).
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and adjustment across all major vehicle systems.
Overhaul:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and critical measurements.
Adjustment:
Carburetor (if applicable for early models), ignition timing, valve clearance, parking brake.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Workshop Manual
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, and diagrams for disassembly and re-assembly.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes procedures for diagnosing common mechanical and electrical issues.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
1990 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 99.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical for early M20B20)
Horsepower:
125-129 hp (approx. 92-95 kW) at 5800-6000 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque:
170-174 Nm (approx. 125-128 lb-ft) at 4500-4800 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended, check manual for specific octane)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition with distributor (may include electronic spark control depending on specific model year/market)
Spark Plugs:
NGK BPR6ES or equivalent (check manual for exact part number and gap)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.25 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) with filter change (refer to manual for exact capacity)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40, API SF/SG or higher (refer to manual for specific viscosity and API rating)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Type:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 3HP22)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for 4-speed and 5-speed transmissions will be detailed in the manual.
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil (check manual for specific API rating and capacity)
Crash Test Data:
While official NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for this specific vintage may be limited, the E30 chassis was known for its rigid body structure for its era. Manual will detail safety system components.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (standard on most models); ABS available as an option.
Steering:
Recirculating ball or rack and pinion (depending on specific VIN/market), power steering optional/standard.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts (may have manual or automatic tensioners), 2-point rear belts.
Headrests:
Front headrests standard.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones front and rear.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (recommendation; check manual for exact BMW interval).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles) or as needed based on inspection.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-25,000 miles).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for M20 engines. Typically every 60,000-100,000 km (37,000-60,000 miles) or 4-5 years. Failure is catastrophic. Manual will provide exact interval and procedure.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (flush and replace every 2 years).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent ATF (check manual for exact specification).
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, around windshield and rear window seals, battery tray.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; fan clutch can fail. Overheating is a common issue if not maintained.
Rubber Components:
Age-related degradation of suspension bushings, engine mounts, intake boot, fuel lines, and vacuum hoses.
Fuel System Efi:
Fuel pump failure, clogged injectors, intermittent issues with fuel pressure regulator or AFM (Air Flow Meter).
Electrical:
Alternator failure, voltage regulator issues, headlight switch problems, seized starter motors.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW's reputation for performance, engineering, and sporty driving characteristics forged with models like the 3 Series.
E30 Introduction:
The E30 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1982, with the 320i (often with the M20B20 engine) being a significant global model.
E30 Updates:
The 1987-1991 period covers the 'late model' E30s, which typically featured revised bumpers, updated interiors, and potentially engine/transmission refinements.
E30 Variants:
The E30 was offered in Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible, and Touring (wagon) body styles, though the 320i E30 in these years was most commonly a 2-door or 4-door sedan.
Production Years E30:
1982-1991
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with other global assembly plants.
Automotive Journalism Awards:
The E30 generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, handling, and build quality, contributing to BMW's strong reputation in the compact executive segment.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Several E30 models, including performance variants like the M3 and 325i, were frequently named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists during their production run.
