Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians working on the 1987 BMW M3 E30.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for diagnosing and repairing the complex electrical systems of a performance-oriented classic BMW, offering significant cost savings compared to dealership service.
Repair Empowerment:
Enables owners to perform their own electrical repairs, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with their vehicle.
Diagnostic Focus:
Specifically designed for electrical troubleshooting, providing targeted solutions for common and complex electrical issues.
Systems Covered:
Electrical Troubleshooting, Power Distribution, Charging System, Injection Electronics (S14 Engine), Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Brake Warning System, Antilock Braking System (ABS), Power Mirrors, Seats, Body Electrical, Ignition Key Warning, Instrument Cluster, Light Switch, Interior Lights, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Estimated Page Count:
Varies based on specific BMW documentation standards for this era; typically 200-500+ pages for a dedicated electrical troubleshooting manual.
Manual Type:
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual / Service Manual
Engine Management:
Detailed coverage of the S14 engine's injection electronics, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and sensor diagnostics.
Charging System:
Components such as the alternator, voltage regulator, and battery charging circuit troubleshooting.
Lighting:
Exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), interior lighting, and associated switchgear troubleshooting.
Comfort Systems:
Electrical components of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including blower motor, climate control panel, and actuators.
Instrumentation:
Diagnosis and repair of the instrument cluster, including gauges, warning lights, and the ignition key warning system.
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Systematic approach to diagnosing electrical faults, including flow charts, diagnostic trees, and symptom-based problem identification.
Component Testing:
Detailed procedures for testing individual electrical components, relays, switches, and sensors using multimeters and specialized diagnostic tools.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems, crucial for tracing circuits and identifying faults.
Connector Identification:
Identification of various electrical connectors, pinouts, and terminal configurations.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced; covers complex electrical system diagnostics, fault finding, and repair beyond basic component replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for repairing or replacing electrical components, modules, and wiring harnesses.
Theory Of Operation:
Explanations of how various electrical systems function, providing context for troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2302 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 6,900 rpm (for European spec, US spec may vary slightly)
Torque:
170 lb-ft (230 Nm) @ 4,750 rpm (for European spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 265 5-Speed Manual
Gear Ratios:
Typically: 3.72 (1st), 2.40 (2nd), 1.71 (3rd), 1.24 (4th), 1.00 (5th), 3.46 (Reverse)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate
Transmission Fluid Type:
Typically SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (refer to specific manual for exact BMW spec, e.g., BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent)
Length:
4,330 mm (170.5 in)
Width:
1,674 mm (65.9 in)
Height:
1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2,564 mm (100.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not commonly specified for this model, focus on curb weight.
Crash Test Results:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings for 1987 vehicles are limited compared to modern standards. Focus on design features and manual's coverage of safety systems.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc; Rear: Disc. ABS (Antilock Braking System) available on some models, covered in manual.
Suspension:
Front: McPherson strut, lower control arm; Rear: Independent trailing arm. Designed for performance handling.
Seatbelts:
Front three-point inertia reel seatbelts.
Supplemental Restraint System:
This manual covers the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), indicating potential availability of early airbags, though unlikely for the 1987 M3. More likely refers to advanced seatbelt pretensioners if applicable or general safety warning systems.
Audio System:
Original systems were typically premium cassette players with AM/FM radio, often from brands like Blaupunkt or Becker. Manual focuses on electrical integration.
Antilock Braking System:
While an early form of driver assistance, the ABS system is covered in detail for troubleshooting its electrical components.
Original Connectivity:
Limited to the electrical systems of the time; no modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Manual pertains to vehicle's built-in electronics.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult owner's manual for exact BMW recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 20,000-30,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
The S14 engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, which generally does not have a fixed replacement interval but requires inspection for wear and tension.
Engine Oil Specification:
Typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 specification or equivalent API SG/SH rated oils.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Electrical Gremlins:
Common for older vehicles; intermittent issues with window regulators, central locking, fuel pump relays, and dashboard illumination are frequent, all addressed by this manual.
Engine Management Issues:
Can include sensor failures (e.g., MAF, O2), vacuum leaks, and fuel injector issues, all related to the injection electronics covered.
ABS Faults:
ABS sensor failures, module issues, or hydraulic unit problems can occur; the manual provides specific diagnostic steps.
Bmw Motorsport Division:
The M3 is a direct product of BMW's M Division, designed for homologation in touring car racing (Group A).
E30 M3 Development:
Developed from the E30 3 Series chassis, the M3 received significant chassis, aerodynamic, and powertrain upgrades specifically for motorsport dominance.
Production Years:
1986-1991 (for E30 M3 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Motorsport Dominance:
The E30 M3 is one of the most successful touring cars in history, winning numerous championships across various series globally, including DTM, ETCC, and many national championships.
Modern Classic Status:
Considered a highly desirable modern classic and collector's car, celebrated for its driving dynamics and racing pedigree.
