Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, home mechanics, BMW E30 owners seeking detailed repair information.
Value Proposition:
Provides access to OEM-level repair data without the cost and wait of physical manuals or dealer service.
Benefits:
Saves money on repairs and maintenance, deepens vehicle understanding, immediate access to crucial information.
Covered Models:
318i, 325, 325e, 325es, 325i, 325is, 325 Convertible
Estimated Pages:
Refer to original OEM manual content; exact count not provided but described as 'COMPLETE' and 'hundreds of photos and illustrations'.
Type:
Official Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Engine Management:
Engine Management - Driveability
Engine:
Engine (including overhaul, diagnostics, and repair)
Fuel System:
Fuel System (including components, diagnosis, and repair)
Ignition System:
Ignition System (components, timing, troubleshooting)
Exhaust Emission:
Exhaust System and Emission Controls (including catalytic converter, O2 sensors, emissions regulations)
Transmission Manual:
Manual Transmission and Clutch (operation, repair, clutch system)
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic Transmission (operation, repair, torque converter)
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft and Final Drive (including differential, CV joints)
Brakes:
Brakes (hydraulic system, ABS if applicable, pad/rotor replacement, fluid)
Suspension Steering:
Suspension and Steering (components, alignment, power steering)
Body:
Body and Interior (trim, panels, seats, glass)
Electrical System:
Electrical System (wiring diagrams, components, troubleshooting)
Maintenance:
Lubrication and Maintenance (fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections)
Diagnostics:
All diagnostic and repair procedures
Repair:
Repair, maintain, rebuild, refurbish, restore
Depth:
Comprehensive. Equivalent to dealer-level workshop manual, covering detailed repair and diagnostic procedures.
Image Count:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations guiding procedures.
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Printability:
Printable without any restriction
Binding:
Digital Download (no physical binding)
Enhancements:
Bookmarks, Searchable Text, Index for best organization
Method:
Instant download link on checkout page after payment.
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine Families:
M10 (4-cylinder), M20 (6-cylinder) and variants (e.g., M20B27 for 325e/325es)
318I Engine:
M10B18, 1.8L SOHC Inline-4 (approx. 101-105 hp)
325E 325Es Engine:
M20B27, 2.7L SOHC Inline-6 (eta engine, approx. 121-127 hp, higher torque)
325I 325Is Engine:
M20B25, 2.5L DOHC Inline-6 (approx. 168-171 hp)
325 Engine:
Likely refers to the M20B25 or potentially an earlier 2.7L variant depending on market/specific designation.
Injection Type:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic (depending on model and year)
Valve Train:
SOHC (M10, M20 eta) or DOHC (M20 2.5L) depending on engine
Transmission Types:
4-speed Manual, 5-speed Manual (Getrag), 3-speed Automatic, 4-speed Automatic (ZF)
Gearbox Variants:
5-speed Getrag 260 manual transmission was a popular option.
Clutch System:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for exact BMW spec like LT-2 or SAF-XO).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (consult manual for precise BMW spec).
Body Styles:
2-door Sedan (Coupe), 4-door Sedan, Convertible, Station Wagon (Touring - though not explicitly listed in product name, it's part of E30 generation).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 2,500 - 3,000 lbs (1135 - 1360 kg) depending on model and equipment.
Crash Test Results:
No standardized US crash test ratings available for this era (NHTSA testing was nascent). Focus on OEM safety design principles.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pre-tensioners (later models), 2-point or 3-point rear seat belts.
Chassis Design:
Designed with safety cages and crumple zones typical for the era.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), optional ABS on some models.
Audio System:
Original BMW radio/cassette players, often with optional premium sound systems. Limited connectivity by modern standards.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on higher trims or later models.
Diagnostics:
Early diagnostic systems, often plug-and-play connector for basic fault codes rather than advanced OBD-II.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as specified by BMW (typically 30,000 - 40,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
Varies by engine, but typically 20W-50, 15W-40, or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting BMW specifications (e.g., BMW High Performance Synthetic).
Coolant:
Glysantin G05 or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant (usually a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 high-temperature brake fluid (flush every 2 years).
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel distributor issues (M-Jetronic), idle control valve problems, fuel pump failure, strut mount wear, check engine light (early OBD, typically codes related to engine sensors), rust (fender wells, rocker panels, battery tray).
Electrical Gremlins:
Common in older vehicles, often related to aging wiring harnesses, grounds, and connectors.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 82 (check for specific engine variant).
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 25 170 (check for specific engine variant).
Brand Legacy:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E30 Significance:
The E30 is considered one of BMW's most iconic and critically acclaimed models, defining the compact executive car segment and laying the groundwork for future 3 Series generations. It introduced the convertible body style to the 3 Series lineup.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other countries.
Production Numbers:
Over 2.3 million E30s were produced worldwide across all body styles.
