Historical Context:
The E30 M3 is an iconic performance car, celebrated for its motorsport heritage and exceptional driving dynamics. This manual provides the essential technical documentation for enthusiasts and mechanics working on this legendary vehicle.
Competitors Manuals:
Comparable to factory service manuals used by BMW dealerships and independent specialists of the era. Offers a level of detail rarely found in aftermarket publications.
Professional Standard:
This manual reflects the same information used by certified technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness for all repair and maintenance tasks.
Usability:
The PDF format allows for convenient searching, zooming, and selective printing of specific repair procedures or diagrams, making it highly practical for workshop use.
Years Covered:
1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
Regions Covered:
Global (specific to E30 M3 variants)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (S14, S14B23, S14B25), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault codes (if applicable to era), symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component repair, bodywork repairs
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval
Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for zooming and printing detailed diagrams and illustrations.
Zoom Capability:
Excellent, allowing for precise viewing of small components and text.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Cylinder (DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder)
Displacement 23:
2302 cc (2.3 Liters)
Displacement 25:
2467 cc (2.5 Liters - for later models/Evolution variants)
Horsepower 23 Eu:
195 hp (143 kW) at 6900 rpm (Catalytic Converter version: 192 hp)
Horsepower 25:
238 hp (175 kW) at 6900 rpm (Evolution II)
Torque 23 Eu:
170 lb-ft (230 Nm) at 4750 rpm (Catalytic Converter version: 235 Nm)
Bore X Stroke 23:
91.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Compression Ratio 23:
10.5:1
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic (various versions, e.g., ML-1.3, ML-3.3)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Approximately 3.5 - 5.0 bar (50-72 psi)
Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed Manual
Type:
None (M3 E30 was exclusively manual)
Gear Ratios Close Ratio:
Specific ratios vary, but generally offer close gearing for performance driving. (e.g., 1st: 3.72, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.71, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00)
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) standard on most M3 models.
Gearbox Oil Type:
BMW Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), often SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 rated synthetic gear oil.
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.2 - 1.5 liters
Length:
Approximately 4340 mm (170.9 in)
Width:
Approximately 1675 mm (65.9 in)
Height:
Approximately 1365 mm (53.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2565 mm (100.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1200-1300 kg (2645-2866 lbs), depending on specific model and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1750 kg
Wheel Size:
15x7J (standard), 16x7.5J (optional/Evolution variants)
Tire Size Standard:
205/55 VR 15
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Crash Test Data:
Limited formal crash test data available from the era, but E30 chassis generally performed reasonably well for its time. Manual provides information on structural integrity.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Discs; Rear: Solid Discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was optional or standard on later models.
Suspension Tuning:
Sport-tuned suspension, stiffer springs and dampers, thicker anti-roll bars for enhanced handling and stability.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts
Driver Airbag:
Not standard on early models, may have been optional or introduced later.
Audio System:
Original BMW E30 radio systems (e.g., Bavaria C, Electronic CAS) were basic by modern standards, often featuring cassette players and limited speaker configurations.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an option on some models, providing enhanced control during emergency braking.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many models.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Manual covers basic electrical system operation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually. Refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km), depending on plug type and condition.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 40,000 miles (64,000 km)
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 15W-40, 10W-40, or 5W-40 (depending on climate). BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent specification.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.0 liters (5.3 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 - 7.5 liters
Engine Related:
Valve guide wear (leading to oil consumption), timing chain stretch, VANOS issues (if applicable on later E30 variants or derivatives, though not typical on S14), fuel injector clogs.
Chassis Related:
Subframe mounting points cracking, rear trailing arm bushings wear, rust in common E30 areas (wheel arches, sills, battery tray, sunroof panel).
Electrical Related:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failing gauge clusters, intermittent function of power accessories.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter W 920/1, Mahle OX 72D, Bosch 0 986 452 003 (Verify for specific model year)
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 25 121/1, Mahle LX 52 (Verify for specific model year)
Motorsport Focus:
BMW M GmbH's dedication to performance and motorsport is deeply embedded in the M3 lineage, starting with the E30.
Homologation Basis:
The E30 M3 was developed as a homologation special for racing, particularly for Group A touring car championships, inheriting many chassis and engine modifications from its racing counterparts.
Variants:
Included standard M3, Evolution I, Evolution II, Sport Evolution, and convertible variants.
Production Years:
1986-1991 (for Coupe/Sedan variants)
Production Locations:
Munich, Germany
Production Numbers:
Approximately 17,970 units produced globally across all variants.
Motorsport Success:
The E30 M3 achieved significant success in various motorsport disciplines, including winning the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), World Touring Car Championship, and Trans-Am Championship, solidifying its performance credentials.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its driving feel, handling precision, and powerful, rev-happy engine.
Heritage Status:
Recognized as a classic and collectible vehicle, with a strong aftermarket support network, making a comprehensive service manual invaluable.
