🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

316 / 316i

Chassis Code:

E30

Engine Code 316:

M10B18 ( carbureted )

Engine Code 316I:

M10B18 ( Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection )

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Executive / Sports Sedan

Key Competitors Era:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Volvo 240, Ford Sierra.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for BMW's characteristic rear-wheel-drive dynamics, excellent handling, and driver engagement.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality for the era, with a focus on durability and premium feel.

Design:

Iconic E30 design, considered one of BMW's most timeless and beloved designs.

Diy Support:

Enables DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to perform all maintenance and repair tasks, reducing labor costs.

Diagnostic Tools:

Provides the necessary technical information to diagnose and rectify issues without relying solely on expensive dealer diagnostic equipment.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (printable)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

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

Fuel System:

Carburetor (316) and Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection (316i) diagnosis, repair, fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, tank.

Ignition System:

Distributor, spark plugs, coils, ignition timing, electronic control unit (ECU) for fuel injection models.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms, driveshafts, propeller shaft.

Transmission Automatic:

If equipped, diagnosis and repair of the automatic transmission.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc brakes on some models), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment.

Steering:

Steering rack or box, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, tie rods.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components.

Heating And Ventilation:

HVAC system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, climate control.

Preventative Maintenance:

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

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic steps for electrical and mechanical systems, including fuel injection system checks.

Specifications Data:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting charts.

Depth Of Coverage:

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

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including fuel injection system parameters and troubleshooting.

Rebuild Information:

Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Type:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Printability:

High quality, designed for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type If Printed:

Not applicable for download, but original manuals were typically perfect bound or spiral bound.

Paper Type If Printed:

Not applicable for download, but original manuals were printed on durable paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 316:

Inline 4-cylinder, M10 architecture

Engine Type 316I:

Inline 4-cylinder, M10 architecture with Bosch LE-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Horsepower 316 Carb:

Approx. 90 HP @ 5800 RPM

Torque 316 Carb:

Approx. 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) @ 3200 RPM

Horsepower 316I Efi:

Approx. 105 HP @ 6000 RPM

Torque 316I Efi:

Approx. 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) @ 4000 RPM

Fuel Delivery 316:

Single Downdraft Carburetor (e.g., Solex or Zenith)

Fuel Delivery 316I:

Bosch LE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for optimal performance)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF or Getrag)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, Convertible (rare for 316/316i), Touring (wagon - rare for 316/316i)

Curb Weight Approx:

1150 - 1250 kg (2535 - 2756 lbs), depending on body style and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era Context:

Designed to contemporary safety standards of the early to mid-1980s. Lacks modern active safety features.

Active Safety Features Available:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an optional feature on later models.

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, three-point seat belts (front and rear), optional headrests.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Era:

Basic for the era; typically an AM/FM radio with cassette player. Analog climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to optional ABS. No advanced electronic driver aids typical of modern vehicles.

Connectivity Features:

None, beyond the radio/cassette player.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for exact schedule.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).

Timing Belt Interval:

The M10 engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, requiring periodic inspection for tensioner wear but generally not a scheduled replacement item.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 recommended for most conditions. Consult manual for precise specifications.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (BMW recommended blue or green type).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent (consult manual for specific ZF or Getrag fluid type).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or BMW specific fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Bushings (control arm, sway bar, trailing arm), rubber hoses, fuel pump, ignition components, window regulators.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, trunk floor, battery tray.

Engine M10 Notes:

Robust engine but can suffer from oil leaks (e.g., valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system issues (radiator, water pump), and distributor wear. Fuel injection systems (LE-Jetronic) can be sensitive to vacuum leaks and dirty airflow meters.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Brand Philosophy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporting sedans with excellent engineering.

E30 Generation Introduction:

The E30 generation was introduced in 1982, succeeding the E21 3 Series.

E30 Facelifts:

The E30 underwent facelifts, with the most significant occurring around 1987/1988, introducing revised bumpers, trim, and interior elements.

E30 Production Years:

1982-1994 (sedans and coupes); Convertibles and Tourings continued longer.

E30 316 316I Production Period:

Primarily 1983-1988, with variations in specific markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

E30 Generation Acclaim:

The E30 generation as a whole received numerous accolades for its design, driving dynamics, and build quality, cementing BMW's reputation in the compact executive segment.

Performance Ratings Era:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists of the time for its balance and driver feedback.