🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

316

Year:

1986

Chassis Code:

E30

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 3 Series (E30) in 1986 represented BMW's entry into a more accessible, yet still premium, compact executive segment, offering a blend of sporty driving dynamics and everyday usability.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and various Japanese luxury sedans of the era.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and engaging handling characteristics.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality for the era, known for durability and longevity when properly maintained.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for the 1986 BMW 316.

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, rebuild specifications, restoration tips.

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (specific count not provided in product description, but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital/Downloadable (implied by 'product information' and description for sales business)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication system.

Engine Fuel:

Fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic or similar), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, lines.

Engine Ignition:

Ignition system components, coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing adjustment.

Engine Cooling:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, fan, fan clutch.

Engine Exhaust:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable for the region), muffler, exhaust pipes, emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission service, clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanism.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission service (if applicable to specific 316 models), torque converter, transmission control.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front suspension (McPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs), alignment.

Steering:

Steering rack, steering column, tie rods, steering fluid (if power steering equipped).

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on specific variant), brake master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake, ABS (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, lighting system.

Instrumentation:

Dashboard gauges, warning lights, instrument cluster removal and repair.

Climate Control:

Heater core, blower motor, ventilation system, A/C system components (if equipped).

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, trim, hinges, latches.

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpeting, interior trim.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, identification of common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, including component replacement and overhaul.

Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.

Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, diagnostic connector information, electrical testing procedures, sensor testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls and advanced diagnostics.

Skill Level:

Suitable for DIY enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Assumed, industry standard for digital manuals)

Searchability:

Searchable text (Implied for digital formats, enhancing usability)

Digital Quality:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text (Assumed)

Digital Access:

Instant download or online access

N A:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M10 (e.g., M10B18, specific to 316 variant)

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 81.0 mm (Typical for M10B18)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1 (Typical for M10B18)

Horsepower:

Approximately 105 PS (metric horsepower) or 102 bhp at around 5800 RPM (for European spec 316).

Torque:

Approximately 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) at around 3500 RPM (for European spec 316).

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection or Solex carburetor depending on market and specific sub-model.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Placement:

Front longitudinally mounted

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common for 316 base models)

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated.

Drive:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4325 mm (170.3 in) for Sedan

Width:

Approximately 1670 mm (65.7 in)

Height:

Approximately 1380 mm (54.3 in) for Sedan

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2570 mm (101.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1120 - 1180 kg (2470 - 2600 lbs) depending on options and body style.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data readily available for this specific model/year compared to modern standards. E30 chassis generally showed good structural integrity for its time.

ABS:

Optional on some models, not standard on the 316.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, possibly with cassette player. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.

ABS:

Optional, as mentioned in safety section.

N A:

No factory connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Recommended every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for precise interval based on driving conditions.

Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km) or as needed based on dusty conditions.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km). Use specified plug type (e.g., Bosch W7DC or equivalent).

Timing Belt:

M10 engine typically uses a timing chain, not a belt. Check for chain tensioner wear.

Engine Oil:

API SF or SG quality, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 recommended for general use. Refer to manual for viscosity based on temperature. Capacity approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of BMW coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF fluid (if equipped).

Differential Fluid:

GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Rust:

Prone to rust in common E30 areas: wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, battery tray.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pumps and thermostats are common replacement items.

Bushings:

Wear in control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings, and sway bar bushings can lead to imprecise handling and noise.

Fuel System:

Older fuel pumps and injectors can fail; fuel lines may degrade. Check fuel pressure and injector spray patterns.

Electrical:

Wiring harness issues, corroded grounds, and failing relays are not uncommon in older vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for engineering, performance, and driver-focused vehicles, a heritage the 3 Series embodies.

E30 Introduction:

The E30 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1982, replacing the E21. It was a significant evolution, offering improved dynamics, space, and modern features.

E30 Variants:

The E30 platform was produced in various body styles including 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, convertible, and the iconic M3.

Production Years:

E30 series production ran from 1982 to 1991.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

The E30 generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and build quality, laying the groundwork for future BMW success.

Collectibility:

The E30 3 Series, particularly well-maintained examples, is becoming increasingly collectible.