🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

320i

Chassis Code:

E30

Model Code Prefix:

116

Engine Code Prefix:

M20

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible

Brand Perception:

Known for performance, handling, and premium build quality within its class.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Saab 900, Volvo 240.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for BMW's signature balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, and engaging driving experience.

Build Quality:

Solid construction and durable materials characteristic of BMW engineering.

Design Philosophy:

Classic BMW styling with clean lines, iconic kidney grille, and functional ergonomics.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

Specific Models Covered:

320i

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but implies comprehensive coverage)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing belt, oil pump, and cooling system.

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, sensors (e.g., MAF, O2, crank position), actuators, and ECU.

Transmission Manual:

Repair and maintenance of the Getrag 260 5-speed manual gearbox, including clutch, driveshaft, and differential.

Transmission Automatic:

Repair and maintenance of the ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, and electronic control unit.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, bushings, shocks, springs, and alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (recirculating ball), steering rack, tie rods, and fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, and component replacement.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box layout, component testing, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, and auxiliary circuits.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel tank, and fuel pressure testing.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipe replacement.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant, and troubleshooting.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal, door mechanisms, trim, seats, and interior components.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed steps and recommended intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and general tune-ups.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, including symptom-based troubleshooting.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components such as engine, transmission, brakes, suspension parts, and electrical modules.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Comprehensive guidance for rebuilding key mechanical assemblies like the engine and transmission.

Restoration Tips:

Guidance relevant to refurbishing and restoring the vehicle's original condition.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures for engine management systems, including fault code interpretation and sensor data analysis.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners during assembly and disassembly.

Clearances And Tolerances:

Specifications for engine component clearances (e.g., piston ring gap, bearing clearances) and other critical measurements.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, color-coded wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for efficient information retrieval.

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Method:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

M20

Engine Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement:

1.990 Liters (1990 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

80.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1 (typical for M20B20)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

129 PS (127 hp; 95 kW) at 6000 rpm (approximate, may vary by market)

Torque:

174 Nm (128 lb-ft) at 4300 rpm (approximate, may vary by market)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Octane Rating:

91 RON / 87 AKI (recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Manual:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Gear Ratios Manual:

1st: 4.00:1, 2nd: 2.13:1, 3rd: 1.30:1, 4th: 1.00:1, 5th: 0.81:1, Reverse: 3.77:1 (approximate, specific ratios may vary)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2.0)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III / Mercon (or equivalent ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4325 mm (170.3 in)

Width:

1640 mm (64.6 in)

Height:

1380 mm (54.3 in)

Wheelbase:

2570 mm (101.2 in)

Front Track:

1390 mm (54.7 in)

Rear Track:

1405 mm (55.3 in)

Curb Weight:

1260 kg (2778 lbs) for manual transmission (approximate)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1750 kg (approximate)

Fuel Capacity:

55 Liters (14.5 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

E30 models generally performed well for their era, though specific official ratings from modern agencies are limited.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (optional on many models, standard on later versions or specific trims)

Traction Control:

Not typically available on the 320i E30.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners (standard).

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag became available/standard towards the end of the E30's production run, but not common on early 320i models.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for impact absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory cassette radio with AM/FM tuner, often with upgraded speaker options.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4 speakers (front door/dash and rear parcel shelf).

ABS Availability:

Optional on many models, providing enhanced braking stability.

Cruise Control:

Optional feature, providing highway comfort.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on basic audio playback and potential for aftermarket Bluetooth integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) with standard plugs; longer for platinum/iridium.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Timing Belt Replacement:

The M20 engine uses a timing belt. Replacement is critical, typically every 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher; viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate (consult owner's manual for specifics).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump seals and thermostat housing can leak.

Fuel System:

Fuel injectors can clog; fuel pump and accumulator can weaken over time.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber suspension bushings (e.g., control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings) degrade, leading to sloppy handling and noise.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion in connectors, especially ground points and engine bay harness, can cause intermittent electrical issues.

Heater Core:

Heater core can leak, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin and defroster issues.

Dashboard Pixels:

LCD display pixels in the instrument cluster often fail over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, sporty driving dynamics, and premium vehicles.

E30 Introduction:

The E30 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1982, succeeding the E21. The 320i was a core model in many global markets.

Facelifts And Updates:

The E30 received a significant facelift in late 1987, introducing revised bumpers ('big bumper' or 'plastic bumper' style), updated interior trim, and improved aerodynamics, which would apply to 1987-1991 models.

Production Period E30:

1982 – 1994 (sedan/touring), 1985 – 1991 (coupe/convertible)

Production Locations:

Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in South Africa and other locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

While specific awards for the 320i E30 from 1987-1991 are not extensively documented in the same way modern cars are, the E30 platform as a whole was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and build quality, often being cited as a benchmark in its class.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reliable when properly maintained, though age-related wear on components is a factor.

Certification Standards:

Built to meet or exceed prevailing safety and emissions standards of the late 1980s and early 1990s in various global markets.