Segment:
Entry-level luxury compact sedan/coupe, known for its sporty handling and build quality.
Rivals:
Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and Acura Integra.
Strengths:
Balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics, driver-focused interior, durable engineering.
Significance:
The E30 generation cemented BMW's reputation for building engaging and reliable compact executive cars.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control, engine management (DME)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260), Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22) - removal, installation, overhaul, diagnosis
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshaft, differential, rear axle assembly
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system (including power steering), alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake system components, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, bleeding procedures
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for DME
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, seals, bodywork repair basics
HVAC:
Heating and ventilation system, air conditioning system diagnosis and service
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, tune-up procedures, belt adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common symptoms and their causes, repair procedures for specific faults across all systems
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation
Diagnostics:
Engine diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, component testing procedures
Level:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance and routine checks to advanced engine rebuilding, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (M40B18)
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower:
113 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
119 lb-ft (162 Nm) @ 4250 rpm
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Type:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack depending on DME version
Type:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled
Type:
Wet sump, pressure-lubricated
Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260/5)
Type:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate
Final Drive Ratio:
Varies (e.g., 3.46:1 for manual, 3.91:1 for automatic)
Length:
Approx. 170.5 inches (4330 mm)
Width:
Approx. 65.7 inches (1670 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Measurement:
Approx. 100.6 inches (2555 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-2800 lbs (1225-1270 kg)
NHTSA Side Impact:
Not readily available for this specific year/model, but generally considered robust for its era.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag became standard in later E30 models, but may be optional or absent on early 1989 318i.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for impact absorption.
Features:
Basic analog instrumentation, optional cassette player or early CD player, manual climate controls.
Features:
ABS (optional) was the primary advanced driver assistance system for this era.
Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Analog systems.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed (copper plugs typically every 30k, plat/iridium much longer).
Engine Oil:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific BMW approval, e.g., BMW Longlife-98 or older spec).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 type ethylene glycol-based) or equivalent with water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or similar manual transmission fluid.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Engine M40:
Timing chain stretch/wear, valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, idle control valve issues.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failure.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rods; rear shock mounts can fail.
Electrical:
Corroded ground points, failing fuel pump relays, intermittent headlight issues, door lock actuator failure.
Body:
Rust issues, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and rear shock towers.
Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence dating back to its inception.
E30 Era:
The E30 chassis (1982-1991) is considered one of BMW's most iconic and successful generations, defining the modern compact executive sports sedan.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with some assembly in other global locations.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The E30 3 Series (including variants like the 325i) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in the late 1980s.
Driving Dynamics:
Consistently praised for its exceptional handling, steering feel, and ride comfort balance.
N/A:
As this is a service manual, formal vehicle certifications are not applicable.
