Positioning:
Entry-level luxury sports sedan, offering accessible BMW engineering and driving dynamics.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo Alfetta, Volvo 240 series.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis.
Build Quality:
German engineering, robust construction, and durable materials.
Design:
Iconic Giugiaro-designed exterior, functional and driver-focused interior.
Engine:
M10 4-cylinder (M10B18, M10B16 variants)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Solex, Pierburg) and K-Jetronic fuel injection
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition systems
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, muffler, piping
Transmission:
4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions (Getrag 240)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, half-shafts
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar
Suspension Rear:
Semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, coil springs
Steering System:
Rack and pinion (manual and power assisted)
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, proportioning valve
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, structural components, doors, windows
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed steps for removing and reinstalling all major components
Torquing Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics
Engine Code:
M10B18 (common for 316i in many markets)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1766 cc (for M10B18)
Bore X Stroke:
89 mm x 71 mm (for M10B18)
Horsepower:
Approx. 90-105 hp (depending on fuel system and market calibration)
Torque:
Approx. 140-155 Nm (depending on fuel system and market calibration)
Fuel Delivery Carbureted:
Solex 40 DIDTA or Pierburg 4A1 (depending on year/market)
Fuel Delivery Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic (for 316i models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91+)
Ratio:
Approx. 8.6:1 to 9.0:1 (depending on variant)
Management Carbureted:
Mechanical, minimal electronic control
Management Injected:
Analog electronic control unit (ECU)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 240 4-speed manual (early models), 5-speed manual (later models)
Optional Transmission:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission (less common for 316)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 3.64:1 or 3.91:1 for manual transmissions
Length:
Approx. 4325 mm (170.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1678 mm (66.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1386 mm (54.6 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1406 mm (55.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1150 - 1250 kg (2535 - 2756 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and options
Crash Test History:
E30 platform generally performed well for its era, though specific 316 ratings may vary by country.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums. ABS was an option on later models, less common on 316.
Steering:
Manual or optional power steering.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts front, lap belts rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Headrests:
Front seat headrests.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended (check owner's manual for precise grade).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW-approved ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically blue or green).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Fuel System Carb:
Carburetor wear, vacuum leaks, idle instability.
Fuel System Kjet:
Fuel distributor leaks, cold start valve issues, airflow meter sensor problems.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks cracking, thermostat housing leaks, radiator degradation.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs), ball joints, shock absorbers.
Electrical:
Corroded grounds, failing instrument cluster, headlight switch issues.
Rust:
Common E30 rust areas: strut towers, rocker panels, battery tray, rear wheel arches, fuel tank straps.
Heritage:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, high-quality vehicles.
E30 Introduction:
Introduced in 1982 as a successor to the E21, revolutionizing BMW's compact sedan segment.
316 Positioning:
Designed as the accessible, fuel-efficient entry point into the E30 range, often featuring simpler mechanicals.
Production Years E30:
1982-1994 (globally), with E30 coupe/convertible produced longer.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with some production in South Africa and other countries.
