Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Reputation:
Renowned for driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty appeal
Key Rivals:
Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E), Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Ford Sierra
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, well-balanced chassis, responsive steering
Build Quality:
High-quality materials and construction typical of BMW
Practicality:
Four-door sedan offered good usability for its class
Primary Focus:
Service and Repair
Additional Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
High detail, likely 500+ pages (typical for factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory-Type Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (presumed, standard for this market)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, sensors, actuators, emission control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260), clutch, drivetrain, driveshafts, differential
Chassis Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (Semi-trailing arms), steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front discs, rear drums (standard), optional ABS, brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC system
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, symptom-based repairs
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding
Component Replacement:
Alternator, starter motor, water pump, fuel pump, master cylinder, shock absorbers
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including sensor testing and fault code interpretation (if applicable for the era)
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (depending on scan quality)
Printability:
Designed for clear printing of all diagrams and text
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Quality Equivalent:
High-quality bond paper (for printed equivalent)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on market/variant)
Horsepower:
105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @ 5800 rpm (typical for early M40)
Torque:
145 Nm (107 lb-ft) @ 4250 rpm (typical for early M40)
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic ML 4.1 or M1.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 4.25 Liters (SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40)
Historical Safety Ratings:
NHTSA ratings were less standardized in this era; focus on passive safety features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts (front and rear)
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger safety cell, crumple zones
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (check manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 20,000-30,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
M40 engines use a timing belt, typically replaced every 40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 recommended by BMW
Coolant Type:
BMW blue or green ethylene glycol-based coolant concentrate (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (typically around 1.5 liters)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III (approx. 3.0 liters for drain/fill)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 (approx. 1.2 liters)
Engine M40 Common Problems:
Timing belt tensioner failure, idle control valve issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system component degradation (hoses, thermostat).
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, leaking rear shock absorbers, trailing arm bushings.
Electrical Common Problems:
Corroded grounds, failing fuel pump relay, intermittent issues with window regulators and central locking.
Body Common Problems:
Rust in common areas like wheel arches, rocker panels, strut towers, and around rear window seals.
Brand Philosophy:
BMW's focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' heritage
E30 Introduction:
Launched in 1982 as a replacement for the E21, the E30 defined the modern compact executive segment for BMW.
E30 Variants:
The E30 platform spawned numerous variants including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and the iconic M3.
318I Positioning:
The 318i was positioned as the entry-level model, offering a balance of efficiency and BMW driving characteristics.
Production Period:
1983-1991 (for the E30 generation, with the 318i variant primarily in the earlier to mid-production years).
