Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe
Performance Focus:
Homologation special for racing, road-legal performance variant
Key Competitors:
Porsche 944, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Alfa Romeo 75
Handling Dynamics:
Renowned for precise steering, balanced chassis, and exceptional driver feedback
Engine Development:
Purpose-built, high-revving 4-cylinder engine derived from motorsport
Aerodynamics:
Distinctive box-flared fenders, revised front/rear spoilers for improved downforce
Diagnostic Systems:
Engine Management, ABS, Check Control, Body Electronics, HVAC, Instrument Cluster
Mechanical Systems:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes
Electrical Systems:
Starting System, Charging System, Lighting, Wipers, Washers, Power Windows, Central Locking, Audio System, Cruise Control
Type:
Wiring Diagram Manual
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine Electrical:
Full engine wiring harness, ECU connections, sensor wiring (Crankshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor, Knock Sensor, Temperature Sensors, Lambda Sensor)
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, distributor (if applicable to specific E30 M3 variant), ECU control signals
Fuel Injection:
Fuel pump relay, injectors, Air Flow Meter (AFM) or Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor, fuel pressure regulator wiring
Starting Charging:
Starter motor, alternator, battery connections, ignition switch wiring
Lighting Exterior:
Headlights (low/high beam), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights, license plate lights
Lighting Interior:
Dome light, courtesy lights, dashboard illumination, glove box light
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure warning light, Check Control indicators
Climate Control:
HVAC blower motor, temperature controls, recirculation flap actuators, AC compressor clutch wiring
Windows Locks:
Power window motors and switches, central locking system wiring
Wipers Washers:
Wiper motor, washer pump, intermittent wiper module (if equipped), switch wiring
Audio System:
Radio wiring, speaker connections, antenna wiring
Cruise Control:
System components and control module wiring (if equipped)
ABS:
ABS control module, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic unit wiring
Troubleshooting Guides:
Wiring fault diagnosis, component testing, common electrical issue resolution
Component Identification:
Clear identification of electrical components, relays, fuses, and connectors
Wiring Harness Routing:
Visual representation of wiring harness paths throughout the vehicle
Connector Pinouts:
Detailed pinout diagrams for major ECUs and connectors
Fuse Relay Locations:
Identification and function of all fuses and relays
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (DOHC, 16-valve)
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2302 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower Us Spec:
192 hp @ 6900 rpm
Torque Us Spec:
170 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Horsepower Euro Spec:
200 hp @ 6900 rpm (Catalytic Converter equipped models, some variations)
Torque Euro Spec:
177 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm (Catalytic Converter equipped models, some variations)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection (later models may feature Motronic variants)
Fuel Type Required:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Oil Capacity:
5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter W90, Mahle OC 27
Coolant Capacity:
8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed Manual
Gear Ratios Close Ratio:
1st: 3.72, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.77, 4th: 1.30, 5th: 1.00
Gear Ratios Dogleg Shift Pattern:
1st: 3.72, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.77, 4th: 1.30, 5th: 1.00 (Note: 1st gear is to the left and down, common on performance variants)
Transmission Type:
None (M3 exclusively manual)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) standard
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
1.2 Liters (1.3 US Quarts)
Length:
4330 mm (170.5 in)
Height:
1370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2565 mm (101.0 in)
Front Track:
1430 mm (56.3 in)
Rear Track:
1430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200-1250 kg (2645-2755 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 1600 kg (3527 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Specified
Standard Wheel Size:
15 x 7.0J (early models), 16 x 7.5J (later models)
Standard Tire Size:
205/55 VR 15 (early models), 225/45 VR 16 (later models)
Crash Test Data:
Limited specific modern crash test data available; based on E30 platform standards of the era.
ABS:
Standard on most E30 M3 models (Bosch ABS II)
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc, 280 mm diameter
Brakes Rear:
Solid Disc, 272 mm diameter
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear
Headrests:
Front adjustable headrests
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced body structure with integrated roll cage elements (for racing homologation)
Audio System Standard:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, 4 speakers.
Infotainment Options:
Optional upgraded sound systems, premium cassette units.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory
Usb:
Not available from factory
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (chain-driven camshafts)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 Synthetic (depending on climate and driving conditions, consult manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based) or equivalent
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded grounds, failing relays (especially fuel pump and ABS), frayed wiring in stress points.
Fuel System:
Clogged injectors, failing fuel pump, weak fuel pressure regulator.
Engine S14:
Oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, potential valve seat wear in high-mileage examples, timing chain tensioner wear.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings, subframe bushings leading to vague handling.
Rust:
Common areas include wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, and around windows.
Bmw Motorsport:
BMW Motorsport division (later BMW M GmbH) origins, focused on racing homologation.
E30 Platform:
Based on the E30 3 Series platform, heavily modified for performance.
Homologation Purpose:
Developed to compete in Group A Touring Car racing, requiring a specified number of road-going examples.
Key Variants:
Evolution I (1986-1987), Evolution II (1988), Sport Evolution (1989-1990)
Production Years:
1986-1991
Production Location:
Regensburg, Germany
Total Production Units:
Approx. 18,000 units (across all variants and markets)
Motorsport Success:
Numerous wins and championships in touring car series worldwide, including DTM, ETCC, and IMSA GTO.
Automotive Journals:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its driving dynamics, engine performance, and motorsport pedigree.
Collectibility:
Highly sought-after collector car, recognized as one of the greatest BMW M cars of all time.