🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Generation:

E30

Year:

1987

Chassis Code:

E30

Engine Code:

S14B23

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1987 BMW M3 E30 was a homologation special designed for Group A touring car racing, establishing BMW's reputation for high-performance driver-focused sedans.

Competitors:

Competed against cars like the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth, and Alfa Romeo 75 Evoluzione.

Performance Focus:

Renowned for its exceptional handling, balanced chassis, and spirited engine performance.

Design Elements:

Distinctive box flares, aggressive aerodynamic body kit, and motorsport-inspired interior.

Value Proposition:

Indispensable resource for owners and mechanics seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the iconic E30 M3 to factory specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All M3 E30 models

Repair Scope:

A-Z (All repairs)

Data Specificity:

Vehicle Specific (Not generic)

Target Audience:

Dealership Technicians

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Exact count not provided, typical for factory manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (Assumed based on common availability for this market)

Format:

Printed (Typical for original dealership manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specifications for the S14B23 engine.

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, tank, lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition control module (ICM).

Cooling System:

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

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable for region), muffler, pipes.

Transmission Manual:

Getrag 265 5-speed manual transmission, clutch system, shifter linkage, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Not applicable for the E30 M3.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, CV joints, differential (limited slip differential - LSD), rear axle assembly.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, sway bar, bushings, steering knuckle, wheel bearings.

Suspension Rear:

Trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, sway bar, bushings.

Steering System:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, pump, fluid.

Brakes Front:

Ventilated disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, ABS (if equipped).

Brakes Rear:

Solid disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, ABS (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, horn.

Electronics Control:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnosis, Motronic system.

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, fenders, bumpers, hood, trunk, doors, interior trim, glass.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (if equipped).

Body Electrical:

Power windows, mirrors, central locking, interior lighting, instrumentation.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for all systems, common fault finding.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.

Overhaul:

Complete engine, transmission, and differential overhaul procedures.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic trees, error code interpretation for Motronic system.

Adjustments:

Valve adjustments, throttle body synchronization, idle speed control.

Torque Specifications:

All critical torque values for fasteners and components.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Factory-level detail with exploded diagrams, schematics, and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed Hardcopy (Original Manufacturer Format)

Quality:

High-quality paper and printing as per original BMW documentation standards.

Binding:

Perfect bound or spiral bound (depending on original format), designed for workshop use.

Paper:

Durable, often coated paper to resist shop grime.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

S14B23

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated inline-4 cylinder

Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2302 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

91 mm x 87 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

195 hp @ 6,000 rpm (Catalytic Converter Version: 192 hp)

Torque:

230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 4,750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Injection (L-Jetronic variant with ECU)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Fuel Pump Pressure:

Approximately 5 bar (72.5 psi)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 Synthetic (check manual for exact seasonal recommendations)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.7 Liters (6.0 US Quarts) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 265 5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

Not available (E30 M3 was exclusively manual)

Gear Ratios:

Close-ratio gear set, Dog-leg first gear pattern (1st gear is down and to the left)

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW recommended Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 1.5 Liters

Differential Fluid Type:

SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil (for LSD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,330 mm (170.5 in)

Width:

1,700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1,370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2,565 mm (101.0 in)

Track Width Front:

1,406 mm (55.4 in)

Track Width Rear:

1,430 mm (56.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, but typically around 1,700 kg

Weight Distribution:

Near 50/50 front/rear, contributing to its renowned handling

Wheel Size:

15 x 7 inches (standard)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Tire Size:

205/55 VR 15 (standard)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No formal crash ratings available from modern agencies for this era.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional on early models, standard on later revisions.

Lsd:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) - Standard on all E30 M3 models, crucial for traction and handling.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts

Safety Structure:

Reinforced chassis, crumple zones, and safety cage integration for motorsport homologation.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically a factory AM/FM radio with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Dashboard Instruments:

Comprehensive M-specific gauges including oil temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (as mentioned in safety).

Traction Control:

Not equipped.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or annually, using high-quality synthetic oil.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 km (20,000 - 30,000 miles), depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable (S14 engine uses a timing chain).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendations.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (High-performance racing fluid recommended for spirited driving)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11S (check manual for specific type)

Engine Wear:

S14 engine can be sensitive to oil starvation; maintain oil levels diligently. Check valve stem seals and timing chain guides.

Rear Subframe:

Common issue: Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points from the chassis due to stress. Reinforcement is often recommended.

Rust:

Rust can affect wheel arches, rocker panels, sunroof drains, and chassis points, especially in damp climates.

Electrical:

Aging wiring harnesses, connector corrosion, and relay failures can occur over time.

Suspension Bushings:

Worn control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and trailing arm bushings are common and impact handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorsport:

BMW M GmbH's first purpose-built road car, derived directly from racing development.

E30 M3 Development:

Conceived to homologate the E30 for Group A Touring Car racing, it featured a bespoke chassis and engine.

Variants:

Evolution I, Evolution II, Sport Evolution, Cecotto, Ravaglia editions followed, each with incremental upgrades.

Production Years:

1986 - 1991

Production Numbers:

Approximately 17,970 units produced across all variants.

Motorsport Dominance:

Achieved significant success in touring car championships worldwide, solidifying its racing pedigree.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its driving dynamics, track capability, and motorsport heritage. Often cited as one of the greatest driver's cars of its era.

Collectible Status:

Highly sought-after collector car, with values appreciating significantly due to its rarity and performance legacy.