Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive / Sports Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking to maintain and repair their E30 316i
Key Competitors Era:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Ford Sierra, Alfa Romeo 75
Vehicle Philosophy:
Driver-focused, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining the legendary E30 platform, enabling owners to perform a wide range of service and repair tasks accurately.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, overhaul, and adjustments
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, driveshafts, differential, rear axle components
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
Steering Systems:
Steering rack, power steering system, steering column
Braking Systems:
Hydraulic system, brake discs, calipers, pads, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, structural components, jacking points
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (if equipped)
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections), fluid level checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic error code interpretation (for Motronic system)
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair
Adjustment Procedures:
Valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment, clutch adjustment
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain procedures
Depth Level:
In-depth, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, diagrams, and schematics
Digital Format Details:
Searchable PDF with high-resolution images and diagrams (if digital)
Print Quality Details:
High-quality printing with clear text and durable paper stock (if printed)
Binding Type Details:
Staple-bound, perfect bound, or spiral-bound for lay-flat usability (typical for workshop manuals)
Paper Type Details:
Durable, semi-gloss or matte paper to withstand workshop environments
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (M40 variant)
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1596 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 71.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical for M40)
Horsepower:
Approx. 101-102 PS (74-75 kW) at 5800-6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 138-140 Nm (102-103 lb-ft) at 4250-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with knock sensor
Engine Oil Type:
BMW High Performance SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.25 Liters (with filter change)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters
Transmission Type Standard:
Getrag 240G 5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron II (or equivalent)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Length:
Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1680 mm (66.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1150-1250 kg (2535-2756 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1600 kg (3527 lbs)
Standard Tire Size:
185/70 R14
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Wheel Offset:
ET 30 to ET 35 (typical)
Safety Ratings Era:
Early 1990s standards; ABS was optional and not universally standard. Crumple zones designed for the era.
Active Safety Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated)
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced passenger cell, front and rear crumple zones, three-point seat belts (front and rear), optional driver's airbag (late E30 variants, less common on base 316i)
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player. Optional features like upgraded speakers or multi-speaker systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (optional), limited driver aids typical for the era.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on plug type. Inspect every oil change.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for M40 engines: Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (60,000 - 100,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure causes catastrophic engine damage.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (recommend DOT 4 for better performance)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or a BMW-approved power steering fluid
Common Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks, idle control valve issues, oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), injector issues, starter motor problems, ignition coil failures.
Common Chassis Issues:
Bushings (control arm, sway bar, trailing arm) wear, rear subframe mounting fatigue, rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, strut towers), strut bearing failure.
Common Electrical Issues:
Wiring harness degradation, fuel pump relay failures, instrument cluster problems, door lock actuator failure.
Timing Belt Part Number Example:
BMW Part No. 11 31 1 417 371 (or equivalent aftermarket)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
BMW Part No. 11 42 1 719 183 (or equivalent like Mann W712/22)
Bmw Philosophy:
Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', focusing on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E30 Introduction:
The E30 chassis replaced the E21 3 Series in 1982, and represented a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive car line. The 316i variant was an entry-level offering.
E30 Facelifts:
The E30 received a significant facelift in 1987, introducing larger bumpers, revised lights, and updated interior features. The 1990 model falls into the late E30 production period.
Production Years E30:
1982-1994 (sedan/coupe/convertible), 1985-1991 (touring/wagon)
E30 Body Styles:
2-door sedan (coupe), 4-door sedan, convertible, and 5-door touring (wagon).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other locations globally.
E30 Generation Recognition:
The E30 generation is widely regarded as a modern classic and one of BMW's most iconic and well-engineered vehicles.
Car And Driver E30:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and build quality throughout its production run.
Manual Authority:
Authoritative and trusted source for BMW E30 repair information, used by professionals and enthusiasts.