Target Audience:
Professional BMW technicians, serious DIY enthusiasts, restoration specialists
Value Proposition:
Authentic dealer-level repair information for accurate and efficient maintenance and restoration
Competitor Manuals:
Haynes, Chilton (often less detailed than factory manuals)
Authenticity:
Directly mirrors factory service documentation provided to official BMW dealerships
Detail Level:
Unsurpassed detail for complete vehicle overhauls and diagnostics
Scope:
Covers all aspects of the vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, transmission (manual & automatic), driveshaft, differential, axle shafts
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering rack and linkage, power steering system
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS (if equipped), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake boosters
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention and repair
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (if equipped)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, belt inspections/replacements, brake pad/shoe replacement
Engine Repairs:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head service, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft service, timing belt/chain (if applicable) replacement
Transmission Repairs:
Transmission disassembly/reassembly, clutch replacement, automatic transmission service
Suspension Steering Repairs:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints), steering rack overhaul, power steering pump replacement
Brake System Repairs:
Brake caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, bleeding procedures, ABS component testing/replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, starter/alternator testing
Bodywork Procedures:
Body panel alignment, door adjustment, glass replacement, trim removal/installation
Depth Of Information:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation, rebuild instructions
Diagrams Illustrations:
High-quality, step-by-step diagrams and illustrations for clarity
Troubleshooting Guides:
Specific diagnostic charts and troubleshooting sequences for common issues
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Displacement Liters:
1.8L
Engine Codes Detailed:
M10B18 (SOHC, 8-valve), M40B18 (DOHC, 16-valve - introduced later in the E30 lifecycle)
Horsepower M10B18:
Approx. 105 hp (DIN) @ 5800 rpm
Torque M10B18:
Approx. 107 lb-ft (145 Nm) @ 3500 rpm
Horsepower M40B18:
Approx. 115 hp (DIN) @ 5500 rpm (varied by market)
Torque M40B18:
Approx. 119 lb-ft (160 Nm) @ 4300 rpm (varied by market)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic (M10) or Bosch Motronic (M40) fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per BMW specification for the era)
Engine Control Unit:
ECU for fuel injection and ignition timing control
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual transmission (early models), 5-speed Getrag manual transmission (common)
Optional Transmission:
3-speed ZF automatic transmission (early models), 4-speed ZF automatic transmission (later models)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by transmission and intended use (e.g., 3.91:1, 4.10:1, 3.64:1)
Body Styles:
2-door sedan (Saloon), 4-door sedan (Saloon), Convertible, Touring (Wagon - less common for 318i)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.1 inches (2568 mm)
Length:
Approx. 170-177 inches (4318-4496 mm) depending on body style
Width:
Approx. 65.4-66.7 inches (1661-1694 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.7-55.5 inches (1390-1410 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500-2800 lbs (1134-1270 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) for standard plugs, or longer for platinum/iridium types (check manual for specifics).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
M10 (chain driven, generally no replacement interval) vs. M40 (belt driven, 50,000-70,000 miles or 5 years - CRITICAL FOR M40).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate (refer to manual for precise specifications).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check specific gearbox)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent
Common Engine Issues:
M40 timing belt failure (critical), vacuum leaks, coolant leaks (heater core, hoses), fuel injector issues, idle control valve problems.
Common Chassis Issues:
Rust (especially around wheel arches, sills, subframe mounts), worn suspension bushings, cracked subframe mounts, failing shock absorbers.
Common Electrical Issues:
Faulty gauge cluster, worn wiring harness insulation, failing central locking, headlight switch issues.
Common Brake Issues:
Seizing caliper pistons, worn brake lines, failing brake master cylinder.
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', combining performance, luxury, and engineering precision
E30 Introduction:
Introduced in 1982 as a successor to the E21, representing a significant redesign and improvement.
E30 Significance:
Considered one of BMW's most iconic and best-selling models, establishing the benchmark for compact executive sports sedans.
318I Positioning:
Positioned as an entry-level model within the E30 range, offering efficient performance and BMW handling characteristics.
Production Years:
1983-1991
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany ( utama), South Africa, Thailand, USA (CKD assembly)
