Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Car
Bmw Positioning:
Sporty, driver-focused, premium compact sedan/coupe segment
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201), Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Ford Sierra, Opel Vectra
Design Philosophy:
Iconic 'Hofmeister Kink' rear window design, clean lines, excellent weight distribution, driver ergonomics
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive, responsive steering, and engaging driving experience
Diy Support:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, reducing dealership costs
Technical Resource:
Essential for mechanics and enthusiasts seeking accurate, detailed repair information
All Models And Engines:
True
Body Styles:
Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, Touring (Wagon)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (details not specified, but typical for a comprehensive workshop manual exceeding 1500 pages)
Type:
Workshop Repair & Service Manual
Language:
English (assumed, standard for major repair manuals)
Digital Readability:
iPad-ready
Print Capability:
Printable
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveshafts, differentials, axles
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (where applicable)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, starter
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, body hardware
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, operation, and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul procedures
Diagnostics:
Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, mechanical system diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearances, and adjustment procedures
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable due to PDF format (dependent on original scan quality)
Printability:
Designed to be printable, allowing for physical copies of specific sections or the entire manual
Binding Type For Printed:
N/A (Digital product, but printable pages would typically be bound in a workshop or comb style)
Paper Type For Printed:
N/A (Digital product, but recommended paper would be durable, high-quality stock for workshop use)
Common Engines:
M10, M20, M40 (4-cylinder), M20, M30, S14 (6-cylinder, M3)
Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
1.8L (e.g., 318i), 2.0L (e.g., 320i)
Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2.0L (e.g., 320i), 2.3L (e.g., 323i), 2.5L (e.g., 325i), 2.7L (e.g., 327e, 325e)
Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve (M3 specific)
Displacement:
2.3L (e.g., E30 M3)
Typical Horsepower Range:
90 hp (316) to 238 hp (E30 M3 Evolution)
Typical Torque Range:
103 lb-ft (316) to 170 lb-ft (E30 M3 Evolution)
Early Models:
Carbureted (e.g., Solex, Zenith)
Later Models And Performance:
Bosch L-Jetronic, LE-Jetronic, Motronic fuel injection
Type:
Distributor-based, electronic ignition
Type:
Getrag 5-speed manual (various models)
Type:
ZF 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch
Rear Axle:
Limited-slip differential (LSD) available on sportier models (e.g., 325i, M3)
Length Coupe:
Approx. 170 inches (4320 mm)
Width Coupe:
Approx. 66 inches (1675 mm)
Height Coupe:
Approx. 53 inches (1350 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 2600 - 3000 lbs (1180 - 1360 kg), depending on model and equipment
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 15.5 cu ft (440 liters) for Sedan/Coupe
Historical Ratings:
NHTSA ratings varied by year and specific testing, generally good for its era
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (optional on many models, standard on later ones and M3)
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension contributing to stable handling
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell design typical of BMW engineering
Radio:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette players, often with premium sound options
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speakers, with higher-end systems offering more
ABS:
Available as an option on most models, crucial for enhanced braking control
Standard Connectivity:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually (refer to manual for specific engine and oil type)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on type (standard vs. platinum)
Timing Belt:
M40 engines: Replace every 40,000-50,000 miles (64,000-80,000 km). M20 engines use a timing chain. (Crucial for M40)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
e.g., 10W-40, 20W-50 (refer to manual for specific engine and climate conditions)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron II (or equivalent, check manual)
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in wheel wells, rocker panels, strut towers, and battery tray area
Rubber Components:
Degradation of hoses, bushings, and seals due to age
Cooling System:
Water pump leaks, radiator issues, thermostat failures
Electrical Gremlins:
Dashboard warning lights, intermittent functionality of accessories, alternator issues
M40 Engine Timing Belt:
High incidence of failure if not replaced on schedule, leading to catastrophic engine damage
Fuel Injectors:
Clogging or failure, especially on older L-Jetronic systems
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's established reputation for engineering, performance, and driver engagement
Predecessor:
BMW E21 3-Series
Successor:
BMW E36 3-Series
Production Period:
1982-1994 (with model year variations starting 1981/1982 for earliest models)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Munich and Dingolfing)
Key Variants:
E30 M3 (iconic performance model), E30 Touring (wagon), E30 Convertible
Automotive Journalism:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, build quality, and driver focus
E30 M3 Accolades:
Celebrated as one of the greatest driver's cars of all time, a homologation special for racing
Classic Car Status:
Highly regarded and sought after as a modern classic
