🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

318i

Year:

1986

Chassis Code:

E30

Generation:

First Generation (E30)

Engine Code:

M10B18

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain and repair their E30 318i.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Ford Sierra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned BMW handling, sporty driving dynamics, robust German engineering, classic styling.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the essential technical knowledge for DIY maintenance, repair, and restoration of the E30 318i.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

M10B18 (1.8L Inline-4)

Transmission:

4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Body Styles:

2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, Convertible (E30 chassis variants)

Estimated Page Count:

Highly comprehensive, likely 1000+ pages for a full workshop manual

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system, cooling system, lubrication system.

Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic (or similar) fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel pressure regulator, emissions control.

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition timing, electronic control unit (ECU) for ignition.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, lubrication.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, hydraulic system, control module (if applicable), fluid and filter changes.

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Differential, drive shafts, universal joints, axle seals, lubrication.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, springs, shock absorbers, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Steering rack, power steering pump (if equipped), steering column, tie rods, alignment specifications.

Brakes Front:

Ventilated disc brakes, caliper replacement, pad replacement, rotor specifications, bleeding procedure.

Brakes Rear:

Solid disc brakes or drum brakes (depending on specific model/year), caliper/wheel cylinder replacement, pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum specifications, bleeding procedure.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, trim pieces, underbody components, rust prevention and repair guidance.

HVAC System:

Heater core, blower motor, A/C system (if equipped), refrigerant types, diagnostic procedures.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt adjustments, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (if applicable).

Repair:

Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems.

Component Rebuild:

Complete rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, differentials, and other major mechanical assemblies.

Technical Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure specifications, electrical resistance values.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

Digital format allows for high-quality printing of individual pages or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

1766 cc (1.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 81.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 or 9.5:1 (depending on specific variant)

Horsepower:

Approx. 100-105 hp (74-77 kW) at 5500-5800 RPM

Torque:

Approx. 103-105 lb-ft (140-142 Nm) at 3000-3250 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic (or similar) Mechanical Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition with Distributor

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 245)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation (Manual)

Differential Type:

Open differential (standard), limited-slip differential (optional)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4325 mm (170.3 in) for Sedan

Width:

Approx. 1677 mm (66.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in) for Sedan

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1150-1250 kg (2535-2756 lbs), varies by body style and transmission

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Designed to 1980s safety standards; modern crash test data for this specific model is limited.

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear discs or drums; ABS was an optional feature on later E30 models, less common on early 318i.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts, often with automatic retractors. Rear seatbelts typically lap belts or three-point belts depending on specification.

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column for improved occupant protection in frontal impacts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with optional amplifier and upgraded speaker systems. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.

ABS:

Optional on some E30 models, not standard on the 1986 318i.

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense; connectivity was limited to basic antenna and speaker connections for the audio system.

🔧 Maintenance

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 type.

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter and fuel filter typically every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper, platinum), intervals could range from 20,000 to 60,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific climate/usage recommendations).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (typically blue or green color).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for exact spec).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (always verify with manual).

Common Problems:

Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel distributor issues, idle control valve problems, seized brake calipers, rust on body panels (wheel arches, rocker panels), door seal degradation, instrument cluster warning lights failure, VANOS issues (on later M40/M43 engines, not M10).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles.

E30 Introduction:

The E30 chassis replaced the E21 and was produced from 1982 to 1991 (in Germany), with export markets extending further. It marked a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive segment.

318I Positioning:

The 318i served as the entry-level model in many markets, offering a balance of efficiency and performance with the signature BMW driving experience.

Production Period:

1982-1991 (E30 platform)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (primary), South Africa, and potentially other assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

The E30 generation of the 3 Series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its handling, build quality, and driving dynamics. Specific awards for the 1986 318i may not be individually listed, but the model contributed to the E30's overall positive reception.