Body Styles Covered By Manual:
Touring (Wagon/Estate) and Convertible
Model Years Covered:
1983-1991
Engine Codes Likely Covered:
M10 (4-cylinder), M20 (6-cylinder), M40 (4-cylinder), M42 (4-cylinder DOHC)
Transmission Codes Likely Covered:
Getrag 240 (4-cyl manual), Getrag 260 (6-cyl manual), ZF 4HP22 (automatic)
E30 Market Position:
The E30 generation established BMW's reputation for driver-focused, compact luxury sport sedans and coupes. The Touring variant added practicality, and the Convertible offered open-air driving, appealing to enthusiasts seeking performance and style.
E30 Touring Market Niche:
The E30 Touring was a relatively rare body style in many markets, offering a practical wagon alternative to the sedan and coupe, while retaining BMW's driving dynamics.
E30 Competitors:
Competed against models like the Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E), Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, and various American compact luxury offerings.
E30 Key Features:
Rear-wheel drive chassis, independent rear suspension (on most models), balanced handling, high-revving inline-four and inline-six engines, durable build quality.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical data for DIY maintenance and complex repairs, enabling owners to maintain and restore their E30 with confidence, saving on labor costs.
Primary Coverage Areas:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Interior
Diagnostic Coverage:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (where applicable for the era)
Estimated Page Count:
Likely extensive, covering all models and systems. Actual count not specified but implied to be comprehensive.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Coverage Type:
Comprehensive Workshop/Repair Manual, not an Owner's Manual.
Language:
English (inferred from standard industry practice for such manuals)
Engine Systems:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic variants), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, engine mechanical (including rebuild procedures)
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, transmission (manual and automatic), driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering rack/box
Brake Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake, brake hydraulics
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, fuse box layout, ECU diagnostics (basic), instrument cluster, power windows, central locking
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, convertible top mechanism (if applicable), interior trim, seats, glass replacement
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, belt adjustments and replacement, brake fluid replacement, air filter replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, electrical component testing and replacement, fuel pump replacement, radiator replacement
Disassembly And Reassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams for all major components
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all major circuits, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
Component Replacement Detail:
Provides torque specifications for critical fasteners, alignment procedures, and diagnostic parameters.
Compatibility:
PC & Mac Compatible (Windows 95 and newer, macOS)
Searchability:
PDF format typically allows for text search, making it easy to find specific information quickly.
Print Quality Implication:
High quality, suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual. Includes clear diagrams and illustrations.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
E30 Engine Variants Offered:
Inline-4: M10 (e.g., 316i, 318i) and M40/M42. Inline-6: M20 (e.g., 320i, 323i, 325i) and M50 (later models, though primarily 80s focus here).
Typical E30 Performance Ranges:
Horsepower: 98 hp (316i) to 170 hp (325i). Torque: 103 lb-ft to 170 lb-ft. Performance varied significantly by engine and model.
E30 Fuel System Type:
Fuel Injection (Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic ML-EFI, or similar for the era), Carburetion on some early base models.
Engine Mechanical Coverage:
Cylinder head removal/installation, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, timing belt/chain replacement, valve adjustment.
Engine Codes Specific E30
Common 4 Cylinder Engines:
M10B18 (8-valve, 1.8L), M40B18 (8-valve, 1.8L, later), M42B18 (16-valve DOHC, 1.8L, late E30s)
Common 6 Cylinder Engines:
M20B20 (2.0L), M20B23 (2.3L), M20B25 (2.5L, '325i')
Standard Transmission Offering:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., Getrag 240 for 4-cyl, Getrag 260 for 6-cyl)
Optional Transmission Offering:
4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22)
Transmission Features Covered:
Clutch assembly replacement, transmission fluid and filter change (automatic), gear shift linkage adjustment, rear differential fluid change.
E30 Safety Ratings:
Limited official crash test data available by modern standards. E30s are known for their solid unibody construction for their era.
E30 Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on many models. Effective four-wheel disc brakes on higher trims.
E30 Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts, reinforced A and B pillars, energy-absorbing steering column. Convertible models have reinforced windshield frames.
E30 Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems from Blaupunkt or BMW. Analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature.
E30 Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (optional), power steering. Limited by modern standards.
E30 Connectivity Features:
None (analog era). Later models might have provisions for dealer-installed diagnostics.
Typical Oil Change Interval:
Generally every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult specific model data within the manual.
Typical Timing Belt Interval:
For M40/M42 engines: every 30,000-40,000 miles (48,000-64,000 km) or as recommended by BMW. M20 engines use a timing chain, which typically lasts the life of the engine but may require tensioner service.
Engine Oil Specification:
Varies by engine, typically synthetic or semi-synthetic oils meeting BMW Longlife-98 or earlier specifications like API SG/SH. Common weights include 10W-40, 15W-50, or 5W-40 in colder climates. Refer to manual for exact specs.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent with ethylene glycol base, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Consult manual for specific BMW part numbers.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III for ZF 4HP22 transmission. Refer to manual for specific BMW specification or approved equivalents.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW approved hydraulic fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S/202. Consult manual for specific type.
Common E30 Issues:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel distributor issues (M10), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), strut mount wear, trailing arm bushings failure, O2 sensor failure, fuel pump failure, door seal degradation.
Convertible Specific Issues:
Convertible top mechanism wear and leaks, seal degradation, hydraulic system issues (if applicable).
Brake Component Wear:
Brake rotor warping, caliper seizing, brake pad wear, brake hose degradation over time.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW's legacy is built on sporty, driver-oriented vehicles with advanced engineering and build quality.
E30 Model Evolution:
The E30 was the second generation of the 3 Series, succeeding the E21 and preceding the E36. It was produced from 1982 to 1994, with the Touring and Convertible variants introduced later in its lifecycle.
E30 Touring Introduction:
The E30 Touring (often referred to as the 'E30 Touring' or 'E30 Kombi') was officially introduced in 1987.
E30 Production Period:
1983-1991 for the specific models covered by this manual.
