🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Chassis Code:

E30

Production Years Covered:

1984-1990

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, BMW E30 owners seeking detailed technical information.

Value Proposition:

Provides OEM-level diagnostic and repair procedures, enabling cost savings and proper maintenance for a classic vehicle.

Diagrams:

Detailed step-by-step diagrams, exploded views

Technical Data:

Torque settings, fluid capacities, technical specifications

Electrical Schematics:

Comprehensive electrical diagrams

📋 Manual Details

Market:

Global (specific regional variations may exist in original BMW documentation)

Model Variants:

Includes information relevant to all E30 3-series models produced between 1984 and 1990 (e.g., 318i, 325i, 325e, M3) across various body styles.

Estimated Pages:

Varies significantly by specific model and engine variant, but typically hundreds of pages for a complete workshop manual.

Type:

Service / Workshop Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on common availability for this market)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust systems

Drivetrain:

Clutch, gearbox (manual and automatic), driveshafts, differential

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension, steering rack, power steering system

Braking System:

Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), brake lines, master cylinder

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components

Climate Control:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation systems

Engine Management:

Detailed diagnostics for fuel injection and ignition systems, including sensor testing and ECU troubleshooting.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bolt patterns, tire sizes, mounting and balancing procedures, wheel bearing replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt adjustments

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, piston and ring replacement, valve adjustments, timing belt/chain replacement (where applicable)

Transmission Service:

Clutch replacement, gearbox rebuild, automatic transmission fluid changes

Brake Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, brake fluid flush, caliper overhaul

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting wiring issues, component testing, starter/alternator testing

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Shock absorber/strut replacement, bushing replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump replacement

Bodywork Repair:

Panel alignment, rust repair (general guidance), trim component replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing all major and minor components across all covered systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic to advanced repairs, diagnostics, and overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions.

Diagnostic Tools:

Guidance on using basic diagnostic tools and understanding fault codes where applicable (e.g., early BMW diagnostic connectors).

Specific Procedures:

Detailed procedures for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension bushing replacement, and complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

PDF format with searchable text (OCR quality dependent on original source).

Printability:

All pages printable

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Families Covered:

M10, M20, M40 (4-cylinder petrol), M30 (6-cylinder petrol - less common for E30 84-90, but covered in some comprehensive manuals), S14 (4-cylinder M3)

Typical Horsepower Range:

70 hp to 238 hp (depending on engine variant, e.g., 316i, 318i, 320i, 323i, 325i, M3)

Torque Figures:

Varies significantly by engine. For example, M20B25 typically around 164 lb-ft (222 Nm).

Injection Systems:

Bosch L-Jetronic, LE-Jetronic, Motronic (various generations)

Common Displacements:

1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.3L, 2.5L, 2.7L (eta), 2.3L (M3)

Timing Belt Intervals:

Check manual for specific engine. Typically 40,000 - 60,000 miles or 4-5 years for M20/M40 engines.

Valve Adjustment Procedure:

Mechanical adjustment with feeler gauges for applicable engines (e.g., M10, M20).

Specific Engine Codes:

M10B18, M10B20, M20B20, M20B23, M20B25, M20B27 (eta), M40B18, S14B23 (M3)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Types:

Getrag 240 (4-cylinder), Getrag 260 (6-cylinder) manual transmissions

Automatic Transmissions:

ZF 4HP22 (common)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific gear oil. Check manual for exact grade (e.g., Dexron II/III or GL-4 gear oil).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II/III or equivalent ATF.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, convertible, touring (wagon - limited availability in some markets)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 2,500 - 3,000 lbs (1135 - 1360 kg) depending on model and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test History:

No standardized crash ratings like NHTSA/Euro NCAP for this era. Known for robust chassis construction for its time.

Available Safety Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was optional on many models.

Standard Safety Features:

Seatbelts, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

Optional BMW Bavaria or other aftermarket radios; basic cassette player standard on some models.

Features:

Limited by era; focus on mechanical feedback and chassis dynamics. ABS was the primary advanced driver aid.

Features:

None by modern standards; On-Board Computer (OBC) on some models provided basic trip data.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific engine.

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Type:

Varies by engine and climate. Typically 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting BMW 'Longlife' specifications (e.g., LL-98, LL-01 for later compatibility checks).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. BMW recommends G48 or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5 gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Limited-slip differentials may require specific LSD additive.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) as per BMW specification for the era.

Common E30 Problems:

Cooling system leaks (hose deterioration, water pump), fuel injector seals, subframe mounting points (rust/cracking), heater control valve failure, OBC (On-Board Computer) pixel degradation, seized cooling fan clutch, door panel vinyl lifting, differential mounting bushings.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E30 Introduction:

Introduced in 1982, the E30 was a significant evolution from the E21, featuring a more modern design and improved engineering. The 1984-1990 period covers the core production run, including the introduction of the 325i and the iconic M3.

E30 Facelift:

Minor cosmetic updates throughout its life, including bumper revisions and interior trim changes in later years.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly in South Africa and other locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

The E30 platform, particularly the M3 variant, received numerous accolades from automotive publications for its handling and performance, including 'Car of the Year' in various categories and magazine tests.