Market Position:
The E30 3 Series was BMW's cornerstone compact executive car during the 1980s and early 1990s, renowned for its sporting prowess and driver engagement. It solidified BMW's reputation for building the 'ultimate driving machine'.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E), Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Volvo 240.
Driving Dynamics:
Excellent balance, responsive steering, rear-wheel-drive bias, robust chassis.
Engine Offerings:
Efficient 4-cylinder engines and smooth, powerful inline-6 engines.
Build Quality:
Typically high for its era, reflecting BMW's commitment to engineering and materials.
Coverage Models:
318i, 325, 325e, 325es, 325i, 325is, 325i Convertible
Coverage Years:
1981-1994 (Primary focus on North American market models from 1982 onwards)
Estimated Page Count:
High (Equivalent to a substantial workshop manual, typically 1000+ pages in print form. File size suggests extensive content.)
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual (Factory Service Manual - FSM style)
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260), Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22), clutch, driveshaft, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front strut, rear semi-trailing arm), steering system (rack and pinion), braking system (front discs, rear drums/discs).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrument cluster, ignition switch, starter, alternator, battery, basic diagnostics.
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, heating and ventilation, air conditioning.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (if equipped), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for applicable models.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, coolant flush, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, general inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and installation.
Engine Rebuild:
Cylinder head removal and overhaul, camshaft timing, piston/ring inspection, crankshaft and bearing checks.
Transmission Service:
Fluid changes, clutch replacement, manual transmission overhaul (basic), automatic transmission servicing.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
File Size:
500MB (Indicates high resolution, detailed graphics, and extensive content.)
Print Quality Recommendation:
Printable for workshop use; PDF format allows for digital searching and printing of specific sections.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Engine Variant 318I:
M10B18: 1.8L Inline-4, Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection.
Engine Variant 325E:
M20B27: 2.7L Inline-6 (Eta), Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic Fuel Injection, emphasis on torque and efficiency.
Engine Variant 325I 325Is:
M20B25: 2.5L Inline-6, Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection, higher performance variant.
Horsepower 318I:
Approx. 101-114 hp (depending on specific market and tuning).
Horsepower 325E:
Approx. 121-124 hp.
Horsepower 325I 325Is:
Approx. 168-171 hp.
Torque 325I 325Is:
Approx. 164-167 lb-ft.
Fuel Injection Systems:
Bosch L-Jetronic and Motronic systems, requiring specific diagnostic tools and knowledge for troubleshooting.
Timing Belt Vs Chain:
M10 and M20 engines utilize a timing chain (though the M20 has a chain for the camshaft and a belt for the water pump, check specifics per engine).
Transmission Standard:
4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260).
Transmission Optional:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22).
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulic actuation.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 75W-80.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron III (or equivalent specification, check manual for precise BMW part number).
Body Styles:
2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, convertible, (rarely) touring wagon.
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 2600-3000 lbs (1180-1360 kg), varies by model and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Not explicitly stated, but typically around 3700-4000 lbs.
Crash Test Data:
Limited official NHTSA ratings for early models, but generally considered safe for its era. Later E30s saw improvements in safety features.
ABS:
Optional on many models, standard on some higher trims and later years.
Traction Control:
Rarely available on E30 models.
Airbags:
Optional driver-side airbag available from around 1987-1988 onwards, standard on late models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts.
Original Infotainment:
Basic analog radio, cassette player, manual climate control. Later models offered optional power windows, mirrors, and limited on-board computers.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS was the primary driver assistance technology. No electronic stability control (ESC) or advanced driver aids.
Connectivity Options:
None in the modern sense; focused on mechanical and basic electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for premium or platinum types.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A for M10/M20 engines (chain-driven camshaft).
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-98 or an equivalent synthetic oil (e.g., 10W-40, 5W-30 depending on climate and engine wear). Check manual for exact API service classification.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW recommends specific blue or green coolant (check manual for part number).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW CHF 11S or an equivalent hydraulic fluid (check manual carefully for correct type).
Coolingsystem:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump bearing failure. Heater core leaks.
Engine Gaskets:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks. Head gasket failures can occur with overheating.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failure, fuel injector clogging, DME (Engine Control Unit) issues.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, rear shock mounts, and trailing arm bushings are common due to age and mileage.
Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay), corroded grounds, failing instrument cluster capacitors.
Body Rust:
Rust is a significant concern, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, jack points, and the sunroof area.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-focused sedans and coupes that blend performance with practicality.
E30 Evolution:
Evolved from the E21. Introduced the 'compact' executive sedan concept for BMW. Later models received updated styling, engines (M20 introduction), and more features. Known for iconic M3 variant (not covered by this specific manual).
Production Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing).
Global Sales:
Highly successful globally, selling over 2.3 million units.
Automotive Journalism Awards:
The E30 3 Series consistently received praise from automotive publications for its driving dynamics and engineering, often cited as a benchmark for its class. Recognized as a highly desirable driver's car.
Value Retention:
Highly sought after by enthusiasts, leading to strong value retention, especially for well-maintained examples of performance variants.
