Vehicle Class:
Compact Executive Car
Segment:
Premium Compact Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Volvo 240 Series, Ford Sierra
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for sporty handling, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive bias
Build Quality:
High level of German engineering and build quality characteristic of BMW
Design:
Iconic Giugiaro-influenced styling, muscular yet elegant proportions
Engine Mechanical:
Full overhaul, component diagnostics, timing, valve train, cooling system, lubrication system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (K-Jetronic, Motronic), ignition systems, emissions control systems, sensors and actuators
Transmission Manual:
Clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, driveline components
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission operation, fluid maintenance, common faults, torque converter
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, bushings, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), disc and drum brake service, bleeding procedures, component replacement
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power accessories, fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, upholstery, glass, door mechanisms
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics, climate control panel
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacements, spark plugs, fluid checks, belt inspection
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed symptom-based diagnostics for common issues
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
Diagnostic Procedures:
Electrical system testing, engine performance analysis, component testing
Engine Rebuild:
Comprehensive instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed guidance for dismantling and rebuilding transmissions
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing circuits, diagnosing fault codes (if applicable), wiring harness repair
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, special tool requirements, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable
Engine Family:
M10 and M20 inline-four and inline-six engines
Common Engine Variants:
2.3L M20B23, 2.5L M20B25, 2.7L M20B27 (eta), 2.0L M10B20, 2.3L M10B23
Typical Horsepower:
85-171 hp (depending on engine variant)
Typical Torque:
130-230 Nm (depending on engine variant)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch K-Jetronic (mechanical fuel injection) and Bosch Motronic (electronic fuel injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Configuration:
Inline-four (I4) and Inline-six (I6)
Bore X Stroke M20B25:
84 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio M20B25:
8.5:1
Transmission Type:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-80 synthetic gear oil (check specific manual for exact BMW part number/specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or III (refer to owner's manual or service manual for exact specification)
Crash Test Performance:
E30 models predate modern stringent crash testing standards; generally considered robust for its era
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on higher trims and later years
Traction Control:
Rarely available on E30 platform
Airbags:
Driver airbag optional or standard on later models, passenger airbag not typically available
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear (some models may have three-point rear belts)
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems were available.
Display:
No central digital display; basic analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature.
Features:
Very limited driver assistance features by modern standards. ABS was an option. No advanced electronic aids like stability control or adaptive cruise control.
Features:
No modern connectivity features (Bluetooth, USB, etc.).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
M10 and M20 engines use timing chains, not belts. M20s require periodic chain tensioner checks/replacement. Some specialized engines within the platform might have belts, but generally chain-driven.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum). Consult manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 - 5.5 liters for I4 and I6 engines (check specific engine in manual).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
15W-40, 10W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 (depending on climate and oil type; consult manual for specific BMW recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant. BMW coolant or a quality equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Water pump and thermostat are also common wear items.
Fuel System:
K-Jetronic systems can develop issues with air flow meters, cold start valves, and fuel accumulators. Motronic systems can suffer from failing fuel pumps or injectors.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers are common due to age and mileage.
Electrical:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, failing instrument cluster components, and issues with the alternator or starter are prevalent.
Rust:
Body rust, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and battery tray, is a significant concern for E30s due to age.
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on 'Ultimate Driving Machine', performance, and driver engagement
E30 Introduction:
Introduced in 1982 in Europe, North America in 1984. Replaced the E21 3 Series.
E30 Body Styles:
2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, Convertible, Station Wagon (Touring - introduced later in production)
Iconic Variants:
E30 M3 (S14 engine), 325i, 325e ('eta' for efficiency)
Production Years:
1982-1994 (E30 platform, with some variants like convertibles continuing longer)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), South Africa, Austria, Mexico, Thailand, etc.
