Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe
Niche:
Homologation special for racing, focusing on performance and handling
Competitors:
Ford Sierra Cosworth, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16 Evolution
Performance Focus:
Developed by BMW M GmbH for motorsport homologation, featuring a potent engine and sport-tuned chassis
Handling Prowess:
Renowned for its exceptional handling and driver engagement, a hallmark of the E30 chassis
Collectibility:
Highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts for its performance and historical significance
Dealership Quality:
Ensures accuracy and depth of information equivalent to factory-issued service documentation
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for the E30 M3
Repair Scope:
All repairs from A-Z, vehicle-specific
Target Audience:
Dealership technicians, professional mechanics, and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to product for exact count (typically 500+ pages for comprehensive manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Printed Manual (assumed based on product description, could be digital)
Engine:
S14B23 Engine (2.3L DOHC Inline-4), including lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, and emission control systems
Transmission:
Getrag 265 5-Speed Manual Transmission (including clutch, driveshaft, differential)
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system (front and rear discs, ABS operation and troubleshooting)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear trailing arms, independent suspension, including shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and anti-roll bars
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system
Electrical:
Full vehicle electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting
Body And Chassis:
Body structure, panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, and chassis components
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake service, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based fault finding, electrical diagnostic charts
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including DME (Digital Motor Electronics) fault codes and interpretation
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, and fluid capacities
Depth:
Full factory-level detail, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Accuracy:
Vehicle-specific information, not generic; identical to dealership technician manuals
File Type:
Printed (assumed)
Print Quality:
High-quality printing for clarity and durability (typical for factory manuals)
Binding:
Professional binding (e.g., comb-bound, perfect bound, or spiral-bound) for ease of use in a workshop environment
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock, often with protective coatings, to withstand workshop conditions
Configuration:
DOHC 4-valve per cylinder Inline-4
Displacement:
2302 cc (2.3 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower:
197 hp @ 6,000 rpm (Euro-spec) / 200 hp @ 6,000 rpm (US-spec catalysed)
Torque:
230 Nm (169 lb-ft) @ 4,750 rpm (Euro-spec) / 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 4,750 rpm (US-spec catalysed)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (DME)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium octane recommended)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack
Length:
Approx. 4330 mm (170.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1675 mm (65.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2565 mm (101.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200-1250 kg (2645-2755 lbs)
Oil Change:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually (refer to manual for specific mileage based on driving conditions)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000-20,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 20,000-30,000 miles (specific type dependent)
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Coolant:
Flush and replace every 2-3 years
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-50 synthetic recommended) and API rating
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., ATF Dexron II or equivalent for manual gearbox)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 recommended
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points due to chassis stress
Oil Pan Leaks:
Common due to age and material degradation of gaskets
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early fuel pumps can be a failure point
Rust:
Common areas include wheel arches, rocker panels, and strut towers
S14 Engine Issues:
Valve guide wear, timing chain tensioner issues, and oil consumption can occur with age and high mileage
Heater Core:
Can leak or become clogged over time
Bmw Motorsport:
Direct lineage from BMW's rich motorsport history, designed to homologate for Group A touring car racing
E30 Platform:
Built on the highly regarded E30 platform, known for its balanced chassis and engaging driving dynamics
M3 Development:
Specifically engineered by BMW M to compete in motorsport, with significant chassis, engine, and aerodynamic enhancements over standard E30 models
Production Years:
E30 M3 produced from 1986 to 1991 (1992 model year represents the tail end or specific market variants)
Body Styles:
Primarily Coupe, with limited Convertible versions (Sport Evolution and Cabrio models).