Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Ford Sierra, Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 (in certain markets)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and driver-focused cockpit.
Design Language:
Iconic Bavarian Motor Works design with clean lines, Hofmeister kink, and classic kidney grille.
Primary Coverage:
Technical Details, Repair, Maintenance
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific manual, typically 500-1500 pages for comprehensive service manuals.
Type:
Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Language:
English (assumed based on product description context)
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (e.g., PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Electrical System (Charging, Starting, Lighting), Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Electronics, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Components, Interior Trim, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Belt Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-I applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds. Includes detailed schematics, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Family:
BMW M20 Straight-6, BMW M10 Straight-4 (early models and certain variants)
Common Engines:
2.0L (M20B20), 2.3L (M20B23), 2.5L (M20B25 - e.g., 325i), 2.7L (M20B27 - e.g., 325e/327i eta variants), 1.8L (M10B18 - e.g., 318i)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 105 hp (1.8L) to 170 hp (2.5L 325i/is)
Torque Range:
Approx. 110 lb-ft to 160 lb-ft
Injection Type:
Bosch L-Jetronic, Bosch Motronic (fuel injection)
Common Codes:
M20B20, M20B23, M20B25, M20B27 (Eta), M10B18
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol) or equivalent.
Transmission Type Standard:
Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission (common)
Transmission Type Optional:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Synchromesh Fluid (e.g., G3 or equivalent API GL-4)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF specification for ZF 4HP22)
Wheelbase Inches:
Approx. 101.1 inches (2568 mm)
Length Inches:
Approx. 170.5 inches (4330 mm) for Sedan
Width Inches:
Approx. 66.3 inches (1684 mm)
Height Inches:
Approx. 54.5 inches (1384 mm) for Sedan
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 2,700 - 3,000 lbs (varies by model and body style)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:
Varies by model and configuration
Common Tire Sizes:
185/70R14, 195/65R14, 205/55VR15
Crash Test Ratings:
Not tested under modern stringent standards like NHTSA or IIHS. Early E30s predate comprehensive official ratings.
ABS:
Optional on many models, standard on later high-performance variants (e.g., M3).
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became optional in later years, rarely standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts (front and rear, where applicable).
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional amplifier and speaker upgrades. Aftermarket head units are common for modern connectivity.
On Board Computer:
Optional OBC (On-Board Computer) offering basic trip data, fuel consumption, and system checks.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models.
Bluetooth Usb:
Not available from factory. Aftermarket solutions are required.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions). Check manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable for M20/M10 engines, which use a timing chain.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher; SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 recommended (check specific climate and engine condition recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.25 - 5.0 quarts (4.0 - 4.7 liters) with filter, depending on engine.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific BMW power steering fluid.
Common Problems Engine:
Coolant leaks (cracked plastic coolant expansion tank), oil pan gasket leaks, fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), idle control valve problems, rear main seal leaks.
Common Problems Chassis:
Worn control arm bushings, worn shock absorbers, differential seal leaks, rear trailing arm bushing (RTAB) wear, seized brake calipers.
Common Problems Electrical:
Cracked wiring insulation (aged wiring harness), faulty instrument cluster components (e.g., fuel gauge, tachometer), OBC (On-Board Computer) failures, corroded grounds.
Common Problems Body:
Rust proliferation (especially wheel arches, rocker panels, strut towers), headliner sag, interior plastic degradation.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, well-engineered vehicles with a sporting pedigree.
E30 Development:
The E30 was designed to be a more compact and affordable alternative to the larger 5 Series, yet maintain BMW's core driving characteristics. It succeeded the E21 and was replaced by the E36.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), also produced in South Africa and by contract manufacturers.
Sales Figures:
Over 2.3 million units produced worldwide, demonstrating significant market success.
M3 E30:
The iconic E30 M3, a homologation special for motorsport, featured a distinct body kit and a higher-revving 2.3L S14 engine. It is highly sought after by collectors.
