Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Competitors 1984:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 4000, Volvo 240 Series, Alfa Romeo Alfetta
Strengths:
Sporting dynamics, build quality, driver engagement, brand prestige
Weaknesses:
Higher price point, more basic interior compared to some rivals
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive
Engine Philosophy:
Smooth, reliable inline-four with good low-end torque
Design Era:
Iconic E30 styling, clean lines, functional interior
Engine:
M10 4-cylinder, Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
Transmission:
4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic (optional)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson struts, Rear: Semi-trailing arms
Brakes:
Front: Solid discs, Rear: Drums (typical)
Steering:
Recirculating ball, optional power steering
Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant hoses
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays
Exhaust System:
Manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), muffler, pipes
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, structural components, doors, windows, locks
Interior:
Seating, dashboard, trim panels, HVAC controls
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, general tune-up
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, fault finding for all major systems
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component repair, bodywork repair
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable for the era)
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step guides for removing, inspecting, and reinstalling components
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on necessary tools, though primarily mechanical diagnostics for this era
Radio:
AM/FM radio, often with cassette player (optional)
Speakers:
Typically 4 speakers (dash and rear parcel shelf)
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges: speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, engine temperature, oil pressure (warning light), odometer, trip odometer
Connectivity Features:
None (pre-digital era)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (recommendation)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (typically)
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (M10 engine uses a timing chain)
Engine Oil:
API SG, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based, BMW blue coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack, thermostat housing leaks
Fuel System:
Bosch fuel injectors can clog, fuel pump and relay failures
Electrical System:
Corroded grounds, alternator failures, starter solenoid issues, fuse box corrosion
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings (very common), shock absorber fatigue
Body:
Rust in common areas like rocker panels, fender wells, battery tray area, trunk floor
Interior:
Degraded dashboard material, cracked speaker grilles, worn seat bolsters
Maintenance Schedule Summary
Routine:
Regular checks of fluid levels, tire pressure, belts, hoses, and brakes are critical.
Preventative:
Timely replacement of wear items like brake pads, rotors, spark plugs, and fluids prolongs component life.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, performance, engineering excellence
318I Positioning E30:
Entry-level model in the E30 range, focusing on efficiency and BMW driving feel
Production Years E30:
1982-1991
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Austria, Brazil
