Target Audience:
Professional technicians and DIY owners servicing the E30 320i
Segment:
Compact executive sports sedan
Key Advantage:
Rear-wheel-drive balance, durable M20B20 inline-six, and strong parts availability
Rivals of the Era:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90
Engine:
2.0L M20 inline-six with Motronic fuel injection
Chassis:
Rear-wheel drive with independent front and rear suspension
Manual Type:
Complete factory-style service and repair workshop manual
Coverage:
Every repair, maintenance, rebuild and restoration procedure
Delivery:
Instant digital download after payment
Language:
German (Werkstatt-Handbuch source document)
Printable:
All pages printable for workshop use
Pages:
N/A - not specified; complete factory manual content
Engine:
M20B20 six-cylinder: removal, disassembly, rebuild, specifications
Fuel System:
Motronic injection components, testing and adjustment
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump service
Lubrication:
Oil circuits, filter service, pressure testing
Ignition System:
Diagnostics, timing, component testing
Clutch and Transmission:
Removal, overhaul and adjustment procedures
Driveshaft and Differential:
Service and rebuild instructions
Suspension:
Front struts, rear semi-trailing arms, bushings
Steering:
Recirculating-ball steering gear service and alignment
Brakes:
Disc and drum brakes, master cylinder, ABS where fitted
Electrical System:
Complete wiring schematics and component testing
Heating and Ventilation:
Blower, controls and ducting service
Body and Interior:
Panels, trim, seals and window regulators
Procedures and Technical Depth
Diagnostics:
Fault-finding charts and troubleshooting procedures
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Detailed procedures for every repair and adjustment
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams and exploded views
Wiring Schematics:
Full circuit diagrams included
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances and adjustment data
Technical Depth:
Factory workshop level, down to full engine and gearbox rebuild
Part Numbers:
Referenced throughout factory procedures
Torque Specifications:
Provided for all major fasteners
Fluid Capacities:
Listed in relevant service sections
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android โ any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical paper
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Configuration:
Inline-6, SOHC, 12 valves
Displacement:
Approximately 2.0 liters (1990 cc)
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium unleaded petrol
Power Output:
Approximately 129 hp (approximately 95 kW)
Induction:
Naturally aspirated
Camshaft Drive:
Timing chain
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,572 mm (101.3 in)
Length:
Approximately 4,325 mm (170.3 in)
Drive Layout:
Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,070 kg (2,360 lb)
Gross Weight:
N/A - not specified for this model
Ratings:
N/A - official crash ratings not published for this era
Anti-lock Brakes:
Optional ABS
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts with inertia reels
Airbags:
N/A - not fitted on 1987 model in most markets
Structure:
Unitary steel body with front and rear crumple zones
Head Restraints:
Front adjustable head restraints
Audio System:
Blaupunkt-format head unit, dealer/aftermarket fitted
Speakers:
Front door and rear parcel shelf speaker positions
Driver Assistance Systems:
N/A - none available in this era
Onboard Check Control:
Central diagnostic display for bulb and fluid warnings
Service Interval Indicator:
Dashboard SI lamps with service reset procedure in manual
Oil and Filter:
Approximately every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Service Indicator:
Dashboard SI lamps indicate next service
Spark Plugs:
Replace at regular inspection intervals per schedule
Valve Adjustment:
Periodic clearance check specified in manual
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 typical for this era; capacity approximately 5.8 liters with filter
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze mix
Manual Gearbox Oil:
GL-4 gear oil, specified quantity in manual
Differential Oil:
GL-5 gear oil, specified quantity in manual
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, flush at least every 2 years
Known Issues / Common Wear
Timing Chain Tensioner:
Inspect for noise and wear at higher mileage
Cooling System:
Plastic components and hoses prone to aging; check regularly
Suspension Bushings:
Rear semi-trailing arm bushings are common wear items
Window Regulators:
Cable-type regulators wear and require service
Fuel System Hoses:
Replace aged injection hoses to prevent leaks
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW), Munich, Germany
Series Heritage:
Third generation of BMW's compact executive line
Generation:
E30 (1982-1994), succeeded the E21
1987 Updates:
Refined interior, updated electrics and continued M20 engine line
Body Styles:
Sedan, coupe, convertible and Touring (estate)
Successor:
E36 (from 1990)
Assembly:
Munich and Regensburg plants, Germany