🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series / 5 Series

Chassis Codes:

E30, E28, E34

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, BMW owners seeking in-depth technical knowledge.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level technical information for maintaining and repairing iconic BMW models, empowering owners and technicians.

Key Features:

Direct manufacturer data, detailed diagrams, step-by-step procedures, comprehensive coverage of multiple chassis codes.

Approach:

Comprehensive technical guidance, detailed diagrams, and practical repair/maintenance procedures to enable confident vehicle servicing.

Cost Savings:

Enables owners to perform many maintenance and repair tasks themselves, significantly reducing labor costs at professional workshops.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Maintenance, Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific model/engine; typically extensive for factory service manuals (often 1000+ pages combined)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (presumed, based on product description context)

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts), Fuel injection, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Emissions control

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch, Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Front suspension, Rear suspension, Steering system (including power steering), Brake system (hydraulic, ABS if applicable), Parking brake

Electrical Systems:

Battery, Charging system, Starting system, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer, Horn, Power windows/locks (if applicable), Fuse/Relay locations and diagrams

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Glass, Frame/Unibody structure

Fuel And Exhaust:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel injectors, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers.

Climate Control:

Heater core, blower motor, ventilation ducts, air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant lines, R134a retrofitting if applicable).

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and filter change, Air filter replacement, Spark plug replacement, Coolant flush and fill, Brake fluid change, Tune-up procedures, Belt inspection and replacement, Fluid level checks

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Clutch replacement, Brake caliper rebuild, Suspension component replacement, Steering rack replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Body panel repair and replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting common symptoms, Diagnostic charts, Fault code interpretation (if applicable for later models/systems)

Assembly Disassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation with torque specifications

Technical Bulletins:

Likely includes references or information pertaining to manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSBs) relevant to the covered models and years.

Painting And Bodywork:

Information on collision repair, panel alignment, rust treatment, and painting procedures as detailed by the manufacturer.

Product Supplies:

Recommendations for lubricants, fluids, sealants, adhesives, and other consumable products used in maintenance and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for most major vehicle systems.

Electrical Diagrams:

Includes detailed wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, crucial for troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Text Searchability:

Typically PDF format allows for keyword searching of technical terms and part names.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Common Engines E30:

M10 (e.g., 318i), M20 (e.g., 325i), M40 (e.g., 318i post-facelift), S14 (M3)

Common Engines E28:

M20 (e.g., 525i), M30 (e.g., 528i, 535i), S38 (M5)

Common Engines E34:

M20 (e.g., 520i), M30 (e.g., 535i), M50 (e.g., 525i, 530i), M52 (e.g., 528i), S38 (M5)

Typical Hp Range:

Approx. 100-220 hp for most common variants; higher for M models.

Typical Torque Range:

Approx. 100-250 lb-ft for most common variants.

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection (various generations), Carburetion on some early models.

Valve Train:

SOHC or DOHC depending on engine model

Compression Ratio:

Varies by engine, typically between 8.5:1 and 10.5:1 for gasoline engines.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission Types:

Getrag 240, Getrag 260, Getrag 265 (depending on engine and chassis)

Automatic Transmission Types:

ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24 (depending on engine and chassis)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Typically GL-4 gear oil (e.g., Castrol EPX 80W/90 or equivalent), consult manual for exact spec.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Typically Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent, consult manual for exact spec.

📐 Dimensions

E30 Wheelbase Approx:

2565 mm (91.2 in)

E28 Wheelbase Approx:

2795 mm (110.0 in)

E34 Wheelbase Approx:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1200-1500 kg (2650-3300 lbs) depending on model and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Designed to early passive safety standards; later E34 models incorporated more modern safety features.

Common Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - available on many models, especially later E30 and E28/E34.

Common Passive Safety:

Energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced passenger cell, front and rear crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Era Features:

Basic AM/FM/Cassette stereos, optional CD players on later models. Analog climate control systems. Limited electronic features by modern standards.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on many models. Traction Control (ASC/ASC+T) introduced on later E34 models and some E30 M3s.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards. No Bluetooth, USB, or integrated smartphone connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Consult specific manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type and engine. For standard plugs, often 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Consult specific manual.

Timing Belt Replacement:

For M10/M20/M40 engines: typically 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) or 4 years. M30 engines often have timing chains. Consult specific manual.

Engine Oil Type:

Varies by engine and year. Common specs include BMW Longlife-98, BMW Longlife-01. Viscosities like 10W-40, 15W-40, 5W-30 depending on ambient temperature and engine. Consult manual.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically blue or green. BMW Part Number 82-14-1-467-704 (G48 Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate) or equivalent. Always use distilled water for mixing.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, preferably DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) for ABS systems. Consult manual for specific recommendation.

Power Steering Fluid:

Typically Dexron II/III or specific ATF fluid. Consult manual for exact specification.

Common E30 Issues:

Vibrations from driveshaft guibo and center support bearing, coolant leaks (especially plastic expansion tank), rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels), fuel distributor issues on some models, oil leaks from front/rear main seals.

Common E28 Issues:

Coolant leaks (especially hose connections and radiator), fuel pump failures, AFM issues, door seal degradation, rust, electrical connector corrosion.

Common E34 Issues:

Coolant leaks (plastic components, head gasket on some V8s), SRS system faults, heater control valve issues, window regulator failures, Vanos issues on M50/M52 engines, ABS sensor failures.

Wiring Harness Degradation:

Older vehicles may experience degradation of insulation on wiring harnesses, leading to electrical gremlins. Manual will have wiring diagrams for diagnosis.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Performance, handling, and driver engagement. Known for 'Ultimate Driving Machine'.

E30 Era:

1982-1994 (sedan, coupe, convertible, touring, convertible). Iconic 'Baby-Bimmer'.

E28 Era:

1981-1988 (sedan). First 5 Series to be offered with a diesel engine and M5 performance variant.

E34 Era:

1987-1996 (sedan, touring). Introduced V8 engines and significantly advanced features for its time.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly in other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

E30 Recognition:

Consistently ranked among the best sports sedans and coupes of its era, particularly the E30 M3, a motorsport legend.

E28 Recognition:

The E28 M5 is considered one of the original 'super sedans', highly regarded for its performance and understated styling.

E34 Recognition:

Praised for its refined ride, handling, and luxury appointments. The E34 M5 is another celebrated M car.