Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Positioning:
A benchmark for driving dynamics and build quality in its class, offering a balance of performance, luxury, and practicality.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E), Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Volvo 240/740
Design Philosophy:
Iconic BMW 'Hoffmeister kink', balanced weight distribution (near 50/50), driver-focused cockpit.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its agile handling, precise steering, and robust chassis.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic variants), ignition system, sensors, actuators, emissions control
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, drivetrain components
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body
Suspension And Steering:
Front/rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering rack, power steering system
Brakes:
Disc brakes (front/rear), ABS (where applicable), brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis repair, corrosion prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, error code interpretation
Engine Repair:
Component replacement, gasket sealing, timing belt/chain service, head gasket replacement
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, transmission seal replacement, internal component repair
Brake Service:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, short/open circuit diagnosis
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, rust repair, door mechanism adjustment, glass replacement
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and adjustment procedures for camber, caster, and toe
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level (Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures)
316:
M10B18 (8-valve SOHC I4), 1.8L, ~90-105 hp
316I:
M10B18 (8-valve SOHC I4 with fuel injection), 1.8L, ~105 hp
318I:
M10B18 (8-valve SOHC I4 with fuel injection), 1.8L, ~105-115 hp (later M40B18 1.8L DOHC I4 with fuel injection, ~115 hp)
320I:
M20B20 (12-valve SOHC I6 with fuel injection), 2.0L, ~125-129 hp
325I:
M20B25 (12-valve SOHC I6 with fuel injection), 2.5L, ~170-171 hp
325I 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 7.5-8.0 seconds
Injection Type:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic (depending on model and year)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
M10: Chain, M20: Chain, M40: Belt (replace ~40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years for M40).
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 (refer to manual for exact specs and temperature ranges)
Coolant:
BMW Blue/Green antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent compatible fluid)
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, trunk floor, strut towers.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can crack, fan clutch failure, water pump leaks.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failure, injector seal leaks, fuel accumulator failure (early models).
Electrical:
Fuse box issues, voltage regulator failure, wiring harness degradation, instrument cluster problems.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, sagging springs, worn shock absorbers.
Engine Mounts:
Degradation of rubber engine and transmission mounts leading to vibration.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, high-quality vehicles.
E30 Development:
Designed as a successor to the E21, focusing on improved handling, comfort, and practicality. Introduced a more monocoque chassis design.
Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible, Touring (Wagon - rare in some markets).
Production Years:
1982-1994 (globally, with E30 production ending in 1991 for most markets, but continuing in South Africa until 1994)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa, USA, Thailand, Mexico