Production Years Covered:
1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
Segment:
Performance Sports Coupe / Sedan
Philosophy:
Homologation special for Group A touring car racing, emphasizing driving dynamics and motorsport heritage.
Key Rivals:
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16, Alfa Romeo 75 Evoluzione
Handling:
Renowned for exceptional chassis balance, precise steering, and track-focused suspension setup.
Engine:
High-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinder S14 engine derived from BMW's M10 block.
Aerodynamics:
Distinctive front air dam, rear spoiler, and box flares for improved aerodynamic efficiency and downforce.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system
Brakes:
Front brakes (discs), rear brakes (discs), ABS (if equipped), brake hydraulics
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, comfort electronics
Bodywork:
Body shell repair, exterior panels, interior trim, glass, seals
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine component overhauls (pistons, rings, valves), transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, electrical system fault finding
Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment, clutch adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2302 cc (2.3 L)
Bore X Stroke:
93.7 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 6900 rpm (European spec), 200 hp @ 6900 rpm (Catalytic Converter spec)
Torque:
230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm (European spec), 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm (Catalytic Converter spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95-98 RON recommended)
Cylinder Head:
Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
Crankshaft:
Forged steel, 8-counterweight
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 liters (5.3 US quarts)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mann-Filter W 920/3, Mahle OC 100 (examples)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 specification) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Type:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 265/5)
Gear Ratios Final Drive:
3.25:1 (common)
Type:
N/A (All E30 M3 models were exclusively manual)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single-plate dry clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF Dexron II/III or equivalent manual transmission fluid (e.g., Castrol Syntrans 75W-90)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.3 liters (1.4 US quarts)
Length:
4340 mm (170.9 in)
Width:
1675 mm (65.9 in) (non-flared models), 1700 mm (66.9 in) (flared models)
Height:
1370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2565 mm (101.0 in)
Front Track:
1400 mm (55.1 in)
Rear Track:
1420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200-1250 kg (2646-2756 lb)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1700 kg (3748 lb)
Wheel Size Standard:
15 x 7.0J (early models), 16 x 7.5J (later/optional)
Tire Size Standard:
205/50 VR 15 (early models), 225/45 R 16 (later/optional)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Testing standards and availability varied significantly by region and era)
Braking:
Four-wheel disc brakes (vented front), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering with power assistance, variable ratio steering (on some models).
Restraints:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, optional seatbelt pretensioners, front airbags not standard.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and A-pillars, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player in later years. Speaker quality varied.
Dashboard Controls:
Driver-focused dashboard with analog gauges, physical controls for climate and audio.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an option, not standard on all models.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some models.
Bluetooth Usb:
Not available in original equipment.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plugs:
Check every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), replace every 40,000 - 60,000 km (24,000 - 36,000 miles).
Valve Adjustment:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 km (24,000 - 36,000 miles) due to shims.
Timing Belt Chain:
S14 engine uses a timing chain, requiring inspection for stretch and tensioner wear, not a replacement interval.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 recommended (e.g., Castrol GTX High Mileage, Mobil 1 Synthetic).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (e.g., Castrol DOT 4, Ate Super Blue Racing).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, and rear main seal.
Valve Stem Seals:
Wear can lead to blue smoke on startup and deceleration.
Differential Clunk:
Can occur with worn output flanges or differential mounts.
Rust:
Areas prone to rust include wheel arches, rocker panels, strut towers, and rear quarter panels.
Heater Core:
Leaking heater cores can cause interior fogging and coolant loss.
Foundation:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), founded 1916, renowned for engineering excellence and sporting vehicles.
Predecessors:
BMW 2002tii, E21 323i
Generation Basis:
Based on the E30 3 Series platform, but heavily modified for motorsport homologation.
Evolution Variants:
E30 M3 Sport Evolution, Evolution I, Evolution II, Cecotto, Ravaglia editions.
Manufacturing Plant:
Garching, Germany
Production Total:
17,184 units worldwide
Homologation:
Developed to meet Group A touring car racing regulations.
Racing Success:
Dominant in touring car racing, winning multiple championships in DTM, WTCC, and other series.
Motorsport Titles:
Numerous touring car championships worldwide (DTM, ETCC, etc.).
Critical Acclaim:
Widely regarded as one of the greatest driver's cars of its era, praised for its handling and motorsport pedigree.
Modern Appreciation:
Collectible classic, highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.
