Positioning:
The BMW E30 3 Series was positioned as a compact executive sports sedan and coupe, renowned for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty heritage. It solidified BMW's reputation in this segment.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, and various American and Japanese luxury sedans of the era.
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, near-perfect weight distribution, independent suspension, communicative steering, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Engine Options:
Offered a range of acclaimed 4-cylinder (M10 based) and 6-cylinder (M20 based) engines, known for their smoothness and performance.
Audience:
Enthusiasts, driving purists, and those seeking a reliable, sporty, and well-engineered German luxury vehicle.
Applicable Models:
318i, 325, 325e, 325es, 325i, 325is, 325i Convertible
Estimated Pages:
Likely several hundred pages, based on typical comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and file size.
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF inferred from file size)
Engine:
Engine mechanical (M10, M20 variants), fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic), ignition systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch service, driveshaft, differential.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders), brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor resurfacing, parking brake system.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, alternator, starter motor, battery, lighting system, accessories, fuses and relays, dashboard instruments.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, interior trim, convertible top operation (if applicable).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement, tune-up procedures.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, including component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues, electrical diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls.
Engine Code 318I:
M10B18 (1.8L Inline-4)
Engine Code 325:
M20B25 (2.5L Inline-6)
Engine Code 325E:
M20B27 (2.7L Inline-6 'Eta')
Horsepower 318I:
Approx. 100-105 hp
Horsepower 325I:
Approx. 168-170 hp
Horsepower 325E:
Approx. 121-127 hp (lower revving, economy-focused)
Torque 325I:
Approx. 164 lb-ft
Fuel Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic (318i), Bosch Motronic (325e, 325i)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type 318I:
4-speed or 5-speed manual
Transmission Type 325:
5-speed manual
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic (ZF)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Differential Type:
Open differential (limited slip optional on performance models)
Wheelbase Sedan:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4300 mm (169.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1670-1700 mm (65.7-66.9 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
1200-1350 kg (2645-2976 lbs), depending on model and equipment
Trunk Volume Approx:
Approx. 425 liters (15.0 cu ft)
Crash Testing:
While official NHTSA ratings for early E30s are limited, contemporary reviews praised its solid structure and occupant protection for its era. Later models may have improved structural rigidity.
ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on some later/performance variants.
Airbags:
Driver airbag became optional in the late 1980s and standard on some models by 1990. Passenger airbags were not typically offered on the E30.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specific intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (copper, platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For M20 engines: Every 30,000-50,000 miles. For M10 (some variants): Timing chain, generally requires less frequent attention but can stretch.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 recommended. Consult manual for exact viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II (or equivalent ATF)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (hose failures, plastic radiator tanks), fuel distributor issues (M-Jetronic), fuel pump failures, seized heater control valves, sagging headliner, worn subframe bushings, cracked exhaust manifolds (M20), timing belt tensioner failure (M20).
Maintenance Focus:
Proactive replacement of rubber components (hoses, belts, bushings) due to age is crucial for reliability.
Bmw Legacy:
The E30 continued BMW's legacy of producing driver-centric vehicles with exceptional engineering and sporting prowess.
Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 1982 (Europe) / 1984 (North America) as the successor to the E21 3 Series.
Body Styles:
Initially available as a 2-door sedan, later expanded to 4-door sedan, convertible, and the iconic M3 variant (though not covered by this specific manual).
Production Period:
1982-1991 (global production, North America 1984-1991)
Production Sites:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also other BMW plants.
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its handling, build quality, and performance, often cited as a benchmark for its class.
Collectibility:
The E30 has become a highly sought-after modern classic, particularly performance variants like the 325iS and M3 (though M3 is not in this manual's scope).
Value Proposition:
Offers a classic BMW driving experience at a more accessible price point than some of its predecessors or successors.
