Target Audience:
BMW E30 owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians
Manual Advantage:
Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as a dealer-sourced manual, offering significant cost savings.
Feature 1:
Covers all engine variants for the E30 chassis, ensuring broad applicability.
Feature 2:
Includes comprehensive electrical schematics essential for diagnosing complex issues.
Feature 3:
Detailed procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, a key component of BMW's driving experience.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, fuel tanks & lines, radiator, exhaust system
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, gear shift mechanism, propeller shaft, transfer box (if applicable to specific models), front axle, rear axle
Chassis Systems:
Steering & wheel alignment, brakes, pedals, wheels & tires, integrated suspension systems
Body And Interior Systems:
Body, body equipment, seats, hoods, sun roof, electrical system, instruments, lights, heating & air conditioning, radio & special equipment, equipment & accessories for engine & chassis, equipment & accessories for body, body cavity sealing & undercoating
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault diagnosis for all systems
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, suspension work, electrical system repairs
Technical Data Inclusion:
Detailed specifications, torque values, electrical diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures
Depth Of Coverage:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Visual Aid Quality:
Highly detailed exploded pictures and diagrams
Engine Family 316 318I M10:
BMW M10 series, Inline-4 cylinder, SOHC
Engine Family 316I 318I M40:
BMW M40 series, Inline-4 cylinder, SOHC
Engine Family 318Is M42:
BMW M42 series, Inline-4 cylinder, DOHC, VANOS
Engine Family 320I 323I 325E 325I M20:
BMW M20 series, Inline-6 cylinder, SOHC
Engine Family 320Is S14:
BMW S14 series, Inline-4 cylinder, DOHC (M3 specific)
Engine Family 324D 324Td M21:
BMW M21 series, Inline-6 cylinder, Diesel, Turbocharged (for TD)
Typical Hp Range:
70 hp (316) to 238 hp (M3 Evolution)
Typical Torque Range:
94 lb-ft (316) to 243 lb-ft (M3 Evolution)
Fuel Delivery Type:
Carbureted (early models) and Bosch Fuel Injection (Motronic variants)
Standard Transmission Type:
Getrag 240 (4-speed or 5-speed manual for 4-cylinder models), Getrag 260 (5-speed manual for 6-cylinder models)
Optional Transmission Type:
ZF 3HP22 (3-speed automatic) or ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic) for various models
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Passive Safety Features:
Crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, safety steering column, padded dashboard
Brake System Type:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (later models may have rear ventilated discs). ABS available as an option on many models.
Steering System Type:
Recirculating ball steering with optional power assist
Original Infotainment Features:
AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (late models), basic speaker systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models and later production years.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine (e.g., M10/M20: 20,000-30,000 miles, M42: 30,000-50,000 miles)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for M40 and M21 engines (typically 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years). M10, M42, M20, S14 typically use a timing chain which requires less frequent inspection/replacement.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 (refer to manual for specific model and climate recommendations). BMW recommends synthetic oils.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), or a compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicates.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (viscosity varies, e.g., 75W-90, 80W-90, consult manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF), specific fill levels critical
Common E30 Issue 1:
Cooling system: Radiator leaks, water pump failures, thermostat issues are common due to age.
Common E30 Issue 2:
Electrical system: Corroded grounds, faulty relays, aging wiring harnesses, particularly in the engine bay and dashboard.
Common E30 Issue 3:
Suspension: Worn control arm bushings, sway bar links, and shock mounts are frequent wear items.
Common E30 Issue 4:
Fuel system: Clogged fuel injectors, aging fuel pumps, and deteriorating fuel lines can cause performance issues.
Common E30 Issue 5:
Rust: Body rust, especially in the rockers, wheel wells, and around the battery tray, is a common concern for E30s.
Brand Focus:
BMW, renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, sport sedans, and sophisticated engineering.
E30 Introduction Era:
Launched in 1982 as a successor to the E21, the E30 marked a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive car line.
E30 Key Variants:
Iconic M3 variant (E30 M3) introduced in 1986, powered by the S14 engine and featuring homologation-specific bodywork and suspension.
Production Period:
1982-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Munich, Dingolfing), and assembly plants in other countries.
