🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series (E30)

Variant:

318

Year:

1983-1991

Chassis Code:

E30

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of BMW 318 E30 models seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or modifications

Value Proposition:

Offers comprehensive, reliable information to save money and ensure proper vehicle upkeep, contrasting with incomplete or low-quality alternatives

Differentiation:

Emphasizes completeness and quality over cheaper, potentially fragmented resources

Accuracy:

Information directly from manufacturer sources or based on extensive real-world repair data

Comprehensiveness:

Covers all major systems and procedures for the specified model years and variants

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) based on online sales platforms

Completeness:

Complete, no missing pages advertised

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, component inspection, timing belt/chain, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (Motronic), ignition system, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, drive shafts

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, fluid changes, torque converter, electronic control (if applicable)

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, bushings, ball joints, sway bar

Suspension Rear:

Semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, sway bar

Brakes Front:

Ventilated disc brake system, calipers, pads, rotors, hydraulic lines

Brakes Rear:

Disc brake system (or drum on some early models), calipers/drums, pads/shoes, rotors/drums, hydraulic lines

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods

Electrical System Power:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, turn signals

Electrical System Accessories:

Wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, radio, HVAC controls

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, trim

Body Interior:

Dashboard, seats, upholstery, carpeting, door panels

Heating Ventilation Ac:

HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant system

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake inspections, tire rotations

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues, common faults and solutions

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation

Rebuilding Procedures:

Engine and transmission rebuilding guidelines, specifications, and tolerances

Adjustment Procedures:

Valve adjustments, carburetor adjustments (if applicable), idle speed adjustments, ignition timing

Diagnostics Electrical:

Use of multimeters, voltage drop testing, continuity testing, interpretation of wiring diagrams

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific or essential specialty tools

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting

Specification Detail:

Includes torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

Assumed high-quality digital format, potentially searchable and printable

Clarity:

High-resolution diagrams and clear text expected for effective use

Type:

If physical, likely a durable binding suitable for workshop use (e.g., spiral-bound, hardcover)

Durability:

If physical, expected to be on durable, possibly coated paper to withstand shop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M10B18 (typically)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

1.8 liters (1766 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 100-105 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (depending on specific market and injection system)

Torque:

Approx. 103-107 lb-ft @ 3250-3500 rpm (depending on specific market and injection system)

Injection System:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection (e.g., Motronic 1.1, 1.3)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (RON 91/95 or higher depending on market)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission

Type:

ZF 3HP22 3-speed automatic transmission (less common on 318 variants, more on other E30 models)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Typically ATF Dexron II or equivalent for earlier models, or specific gear oil for later Getrag units (consult manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door sedan (coupe), 4-door sedan, convertible (cabrio), touring (wagon - rare for 318)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 100.1 inches (2540 mm)

Length:

Approx. 168.4 inches (4275 mm) for sedan

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg), depending on body style and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Older vehicle without modern NHTSA/IIHS ratings; rely on design principles of the era. E30 chassis known for good structural integrity for its time.

Braking:

Standard front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on some later models.

Seatbelts:

Standard front and rear seatbelts

Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing steering column

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with premium speaker options. Upgrades are common.

Onboard Computer:

Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) for trip data, fuel consumption, and basic diagnostics. Displays can degrade over time.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models, particularly higher-trim E30s.

Standard Features:

Basic automotive technology of the era; focus on mechanical and electrical systems rather than advanced digital features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific intervals.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 20,000-30,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. platinum)

Timing Belt:

The M10B18 engine uses a timing chain, which is generally designed to last the life of the engine, though tensioners and guides may require periodic inspection/replacement.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 is common. Consult manual for exact BMW specification (e.g., BMW High Performance Synthetic). Capacity: Approx. 4.25 quarts (4.0 liters) with filter.

Coolant:

50/50 mix of BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based) and distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus recommended. BMW part number 81 22 9 400 031 or equivalent.

Engine M10:

Can be prone to head gasket failure if overheated, oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, timing chain stretch/guide wear over high mileage.

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings (RTABs), and strut mounts are common due to age and mileage, leading to clunks and imprecise handling.

Electrical:

Corrosion in wiring harness connectors, failing alternator or starter, issues with the Motronic control unit, fuel pump relays, and OBC (On-Board Computer) displays.

Rust:

Common areas include wheel arches, rocker panels, around the sunroof (if equipped), and trunk floor. Thorough inspection is crucial.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

Built upon BMW's reputation for sporty driving dynamics and build quality, continuing the lineage of the successful 02 Series.

E30 Development:

Introduced in 1982 as a replacement for the E21. The E30 was a significant step forward in chassis design and refinement, establishing the benchmark for compact luxury sports sedans.

318 Positioning:

The 318 variant served as the entry-level model in many markets, offering the BMW driving experience at a more accessible price point, often utilizing the robust M10 engine.

Production Years:

1982-1991 (for E30 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some production in South Africa and other locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Critical Acclaim:

The E30 platform was widely praised by automotive journalists for its handling, build quality, and overall driving dynamics, often cited as one of the best driver's cars of its era.

Performance Benchmarks:

Consistently ranked highly in its class for performance and handling by publications like Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and others.