Segment:
Compact Executive Car / Sports Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Saab 900, Volvo 240/740
Vehicle Attributes:
Renowned for its excellent handling, driver engagement, solid build quality, and relatively compact size. The E30 platform is highly regarded by enthusiasts.
Covered Models And Years:
BMW 3 Series E30, Model Years 1984-1990
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific edition, typically 500-1000+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Print (likely paper-bound, possibly spiral-bound for ease of use)
Engine Systems:
Engine Management, Engine Mechanical, Ignition, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Emission Control
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission and Clutch, Driveshaft
Chassis Systems:
Brakes, Suspension and Steering
Body And Electrical:
Body and Interior, Electrical System
Specific Procedures:
Engine timing adjustments, valve adjustment (M10), fuel injector testing, ignition coil replacement, spark plug service, clutch replacement, transmission fluid and filter change, brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, power steering system checks, shock absorber and strut replacement, wheel bearing service, exhaust system repair, basic body panel alignment and repair, interior trim removal and installation, wiring harness tracing and repair, fuse and relay diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Lubrication and Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance and fluid changes to in-depth mechanical repairs, electrical diagnostics, and component overhaul. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Format Details:
Printed publication with clear diagrams and text. Searchable if a digital version (PDF) is also available, but the primary product appears to be print.
Quality:
High-quality paper and printing for durability in a workshop environment. Clear, legible text and detailed illustrations/diagrams.
Binding:
Likely stitched or glued binding for durability, potentially spiral-bound for lay-flat usability on workbenches.
Paper:
Durable, possibly coated paper to resist grease and workshop grime.
Coverage Scope:
Designed to be a complete reference for maintaining and repairing all major mechanical and electrical systems of the specified E30 models.
318I Engine:
M10B18, 1.8L Inline-4, SOHC, Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection
325 Engines:
M20B27 'Eta' (Economy) Inline-6, SOHC, Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection (2.7L); M20B25 Inline-6, DOHC (later models), Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection (2.5L)
318I Hp:
Approximately 101-105 hp (varies by market and specific tune)
325 Hp 2.7:
Approximately 121-125 hp (for M20B27 'Eta')
325I Hp 2.5:
Approximately 168-171 hp (for M20B25)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic variants
Engine Identification:
M10 (4-cyl), M20 (6-cyl)
ECU Type:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic
Diagnostic Ports:
Early models may rely on analog diagnostic checks or specific test connectors for ECU diagnostics. Later models might feature early forms of OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) interfaces.
Manual Transmission:
4-speed or 5-speed Getrag manual transmissions were common.
Automatic Transmission:
ZF 3HP22 3-speed or 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmissions were optional.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch.
Manual Gearbox Fluid:
BMW ATF DEXTRON II or equivalent GL-4 gear oil (check specific model/year manual for exact specification).
Automatic Gearbox Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent ATF Dexron III/Mercon.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Length:
Approx. 4360 mm (171.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1150 kg - 1350 kg (2535 lbs - 2976 lbs), depending on engine and options.
Crash Test Data:
E30 models generally performed well for their era, though specific crash test data from modern standards is not applicable. Designed with crumple zones and safety cage.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear solid disc brakes. ABS was optional on later models, particularly 325i/is.
Restraints:
Seatbelts (front and rear), optional airbags on later models (less common).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise interval based on driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For M20 engines, timing belt replacement is critical, typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 3-5 years. The M10 is a timing chain.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW recommends Castrol SYNTEC or GTX 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic or synthetic blend oil (check manual for exact grade based on climate and engine). API SG or higher.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific BMW power steering fluid.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 6-7 Liters (1.5-1.8 Gallons) for 4-cylinder, 8-9 Liters (2.1-2.4 Gallons) for 6-cylinder engines (check manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4-cylinder: approx. 4.25 L (4.5 qts). 6-cylinder: approx. 5.0 L (5.3 qts) (check manual for filter capacity).
Common E30 Problems:
Cracked dashboard, heater core leaks, fuel distributor/pump issues, cooling system leaks (hoses, expansion tank), seized blower motor, rust (especially wheel arches, rocker panels, sunroof drain areas), worn suspension bushings, subframe mount cracking (rear).
Filter Part Numbers:
Oil Filter: Mann-Filter W940/2 or equivalent. Air Filter: Mann-Filter C37200 or equivalent. Fuel Filter: Mann-Filter WK318 or equivalent. (Part numbers may vary by specific sub-model and revision).
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporty vehicles with excellent engineering and quality.
E30 Development:
The E30 succeeded the E21 3 Series and was a significant evolution, introducing more sophisticated suspension, wider engine options, and improved aerodynamics. It established BMW's dominance in the compact executive segment for decades.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing).
Popular Variants:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Touring (Wagon).
