Era:
Late 1980s entry-level luxury sports sedan.
Segment:
Compact Executive Car (Entry-level)
Competitors 1987:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and driver-focused cockpit.
Engine Type:
Inline-6 cylinder engine known for smooth power delivery.
Build Quality:
Reputation for robust build quality and longevity typical of BMW.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count varies by edition)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine (M20B27), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Getrag 260 manual, ZF 4HP22 automatic), Driveshaft, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Semi-Trailing Arm), Steering, Brakes (Front Discs, Rear Drums/Discs)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Starting & Charging, ECU/DME (Motronic 1.3)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Faults, Reading Diagnostic Codes (e.g., DME checks)
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair
Installation:
Component Installation and Adjustment (e.g., timing belt, valve adjustments)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission overhauls.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed torque specifications and diagrams.
Type:
Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate
Manual Fluid:
BMW ATF Dextron III (or equivalent GL-4 gear oil)
Automatic Fluid:
BMW ATF Dextron II/III (or equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 1250 kg (2756 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 1280 kg (2822 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1750 kg (3858 lbs)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 450 Liters (15.9 cu ft)
NHTSA Rating 1987:
Specific NHTSA ratings from this era are generally not available in the modern format. Vehicles were built to meet prevailing safety standards.
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs (optional) or Drums. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was often optional or standard on later E30 models, may be available on some 1987 US models.
Suspension Stability:
Independent front suspension with anti-roll bar, semi-trailing arm rear suspension contributing to stable handling.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones front and rear.
Driver Airbag:
Optional on some late 1987 models, standard on later E30 variants.
Audio System:
Factory fitted BMW radios, often with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades common.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on certain models.
Cruise Control:
Often optional, electronic cruise control system.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity without aftermarket modification.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years, critically important due to interference engine design.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 Synthetic/Semi-Synthetic (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Cooling System:
Water pump failure, radiator leaks, thermostat issues, heater core leaks.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failures, clogged injectors, incorrect fuel pressure.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn sway bar links, rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs).
Electrical:
ABS sensor failures, instrument cluster issues, main ground strap degradation.
Body Rust:
Common rust areas: jacking points, fender liners, rocker panels, battery tray.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-oriented cars with excellent engineering and performance.
E30 Introduction:
The E30 chassis was introduced in 1982 as the successor to the E21 3 Series.
325 Introduction:
The 325i (replacing the 323i) arrived in 1985 with the M20B27 'Eta' engine, later modified for better performance in the 325i.
E30 Production Years:
1982-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Munich)
Automotive Press Awards:
The E30 generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its handling and driving experience, contributing to BMW's strong reputation.
Consumer Reports Reputation:
Generally positive reliability ratings for the era, though specific issues were noted (e.g., cooling system).
