🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Chassis Code:

E30

Year:

1982

Generation Name:

First Generation (E30)

Engine Code Primary:

S14

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Performance compact sedan/coupe, homologation special for touring car racing.

Competitors Early 80S:

Porsche 944, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth (later model), Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (later model).

Distinctive Attributes:

Purpose-built motorsport homologation, flared wheel arches, distinctive M aerodynamics, high-revving four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, exceptional handling dynamics.

Value For Owner:

Provides essential technical knowledge for proper maintenance, repair, and restoration, enabling owners to perform work accurately and efficiently, saving on labor costs.

Accuracy Statement:

Vehicle-specific, not generic. Contains the exact same information used by authorized BMW technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, typically 500-1000+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals

Manual Type:

Official BMW Service and Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)

Language:

English (primary language of documentation for global markets)

Format:

Likely a printed manual, digital formats (PDF) may exist from third-party sources.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (CIS-Jetronic), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (Getrag 265), clutch system, driveshafts, differential.

Brakes And Suspension:

Front and rear brake systems (discs, calipers, master cylinder, ABS if equipped on later E30 M3 variants, though unlikely for 1982), suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars), steering system.

Electrical And Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors, engine control unit (ECU).

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, structural components, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, sunroof (if applicable), chassis alignment.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, belt inspection/replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul (top-end and bottom-end), transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack overhaul, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine specifications (bore, stroke, compression ratio), valve timing, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, detailing procedures for dealership technicians, including disassembly, assembly, adjustment, diagnosis, and testing of all major vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Format:

If digital, typically PDF. Searchable text and high-resolution image quality are desirable.

Print Quality:

Professional printing with clear diagrams, schematics, and legible text.

Binding Type:

Durable binding suitable for workshop use (e.g., spiral bound, perfect bound with reinforced spine).

Paper Type:

High-quality, durable paper stock that resists grease and oil stains.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

S14

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

2302 cc (2.3 Liters)

Horsepower Ps Eu:

195 PS (192 bhp / 143 kW) @ 6900 rpm

Torque Nm:

240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic (or similar electronic fuel injection and ignition control)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95-98)

Oil Type Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 synthetic oil.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Spark Plug Type:

NGK BPR5ES or equivalent

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 265)

Optional Transmission:

Not available for the E30 M3.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.

Transmission Fluid Type:

SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (check manual for exact BMW specification).

Gear Ratios First To Fifth:

Typically around 3.72, 2.40, 1.71, 1.24, 1.00 for the Getrag 265.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4346 mm (171.1 in)

Width:

Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1375 mm (54.1 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2562 mm (100.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1200-1300 kg (2646-2866 lbs), depending on options.

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 1750 kg (3858 lbs)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 410 liters (14.5 cu ft)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120

Standard Wheel Size:

7Jx15

Standard Tire Size:

205/55 VR 15

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No formal NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings available for this specific vintage vehicle. Structural integrity typical of BMW engineering from the era.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear); Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an option on some E30 models but not standard on early M3s.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners (standard).

Body Construction:

Integrated safety cage elements, energy-absorbing crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Original Infotainment:

Basic analog AM/FM radio, cassette player (optional), simple analog gauges.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by era. Primarily focused on chassis and engine performance. ABS was an optional feature on later E30 variants, but not standard on early M3.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards. Vehicle diagnostics were primarily mechanical and basic electrical troubleshooting.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific intervals with synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4.

Common Problems Engine:

Valve stem seals, timing chain tensioner, oil leaks (gaskets, seals), fuel distributor issues, injector problems.

Common Problems Suspension And Chassis:

Worn bushings (control arm, sway bar), subframe mounts, rear trailing arm bushings, strut mounts.

Common Problems Electrical:

Wire loom degradation, intermittent electrical faults, aging sensors, fuse box corrosion.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Mann-Filter W940/4 or equivalent BMW P/N 11421719553.

Air Filter Part Number:

Mann-Filter C2530/2 or equivalent BMW P/N 13721716969.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorsport Division:

The M3 was BMW's first M car based on a standard production model, developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH to homologate the E30 for Group A touring car racing.

E30 M3 Development:

Designed specifically for racing, featuring a unique chassis, suspension geometry, bodywork (including the distinctive C-pillar and rear window angle), and the high-revving S14 engine, distinct from other E30 models.

Production Start Year:

1986 (initial E30 M3 production for homologation purposes). While the product name mentions 1982, the E30 M3 as a distinct model was launched in 1986.

E30 Chassis Production Years:

1982-1991 (for the standard E30 platform).

Motorsport Success:

Dominant in touring car racing worldwide, winning championships in DTM, WTCC, and various national series.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Awards:

Numerous racing championships and accolades in touring car categories globally during its era.

Critical Acclaim:

Widely regarded as one of the greatest driver's cars of the 1980s and a benchmark for performance sedans/coupes.

Certification Standard:

Produced to meet BMW's stringent manufacturing and quality standards for homologation and road use.