Market Position:
The BMW E30 3 Series, particularly the 325i, represented BMW's successful entry into the compact executive sports sedan market, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and driving dynamics that set it apart.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and the Ford Sierra XR4i. The E30 was lauded for its superior handling and driver engagement.
Key Features:
Iconic 'Hofmeister kink' design, balanced chassis, potent inline-six engines, robust build quality, and driver-focused interior.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Bodywork, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Differential, Chassis, Interior Components, Exterior Trim, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting, Maintenance Schedules, Wiring Diagrams, Component Identification, Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities.
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).
Manual Type:
Factory-type Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and specifications for the M20B25 inline-six engine.
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic engine control, fuel injection, ignition timing, sensor testing, and diagnostic procedures.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, including clutch (manual), torque converter (automatic), gearbox, driveshaft, universal joints, and differential.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers), steering gear, power steering system.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, hydraulic circuits, ABS (if equipped), parking brake, component replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, starting and charging system, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, and troubleshooting of electrical faults.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, heater core, blower motor, control panel operation.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank, fan operation.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), component removal and installation, diagnostic troubleshooting, performance testing, component testing, electrical troubleshooting, body panel adjustments, interior trim removal.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical diagnostics, and chassis component overhauls.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 75 mm
Horsepower:
Approximately 168-171 hp (SAE Net) at 5800-6000 rpm (depending on market and specific version).
Torque:
Approximately 220-225 Nm (162-166 lb-ft) at 4000-4300 rpm.
Fuel System:
Bosch LE-Jetronic (later Motronic) fuel injection with Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
Standard Transmission:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission.
Optional Transmission:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated (manual).
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often optional or standard on certain trims/markets.
Safety Ratings:
N/A (No standardized crash test data like modern NCAP available for this era, but known for robust construction).
Active Safety:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available.
Passive Safety:
Reinforced passenger safety cell, crumple zones, padded interior surfaces, 3-point seatbelts.
Infotainment System:
Basic analog gauges, optional cassette player/radio with manual tuning.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional ABS, limited to basic driver aids of the era.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (depending on spark plug type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: M20 engines use a timing belt. Replacement recommended every 50,000 - 60,000 miles or 5 years due to high risk of catastrophic engine damage if it breaks.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (depending on climate). BMW recommends Castrol or equivalent.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.25 Liters (4.5 US quarts) with oil filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues:
Cooling system components (cracked coolant reservoir, failing water pump, thermostat leaks), fuel distributor O-rings, vacuum leaks, AFM (Air Flow Meter) sensor issues, headliner sagging, door panel separation, heater control valve failure, rear subframe mounting points cracking (requires reinforcement), timing belt failure leading to engine damage.
Common Repairs:
Timing belt and tensioner replacement, radiator and coolant hose replacement, water pump, thermostat, fuel injector O-rings, fuel pump, AFM rebuild/replacement, front control arm bushings, rear subframe bushings.
Brand Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on performance and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution:
The E30 generation, launched in 1982, replaced the E21 and was produced until 1994 in some markets. The 325i model, introduced in 1987, offered a significant upgrade in performance over earlier 323i models. It was also the basis for the iconic E30 M3.
Production Years:
E30 platform: 1982-1994. E30 325i: 1987-1991 (for this specific manual's scope).
