Era:
Classic sport sedan, known for driving dynamics and build quality
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, near 50/50 weight distribution
Design:
Iconic Bertone design, compact and sporty proportions
Professionals:
Direct equivalent to manuals used by BMW dealerships and independent workshops
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system (carburetor/injection), cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering system, braking system (front/rear, ABS if applicable)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, instrumentation, body electrical components, control units
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, glass, convertible top mechanisms
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault finding procedures for mechanical and electrical systems
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension linkage repair, electrical component replacement
Adjustment:
Valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing, idle speed adjustment, clutch adjustment
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific and general repair tools
Bodywork:
Panel replacement, dent repair, door alignment, glass replacement procedures
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement, heating and ventilation system service
Depth:
Complete overhaul and rebuild procedures, in-depth diagnostic charts, detailed torque specifications
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed steps for piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head removal and overhaul, crankshaft installation
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, troubleshooting flowcharts for common electrical faults
Scope:
Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, intended for professional use.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (approx. 1766cc for M10B18)
Bore X Stroke:
M10B18: 89.0 mm x 71.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 8.8:1 to 9.5:1 depending on specific variant
Horsepower:
Approximately 90-102 hp (DIN) at 5500-5800 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 140-150 Nm (103-111 lb-ft) at 3000-3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Pierburg 2B4 or Solex) for early models, Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection for later models/variants
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 or higher)
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based electronic ignition (e.g., Bosch)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (BMW Blue or equivalent)
Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF)
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Automatic: ATF Dexron II or equivalent.
Length:
Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1675 mm (66.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1100-1250 kg (2425-2755 lbs) depending on body style and transmission
Euro Ncap:
N/A (Pre-dates Euro NCAP standardized testing)
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated discs. Rear: Drums (or discs on some later/sportier variants). ABS optional on later models.
Steering:
Recirculating ball power steering (optional from 1985 onwards, standard on some later models)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear (standard)
Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change:
Every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used)
Air Filter:
Check every 10,000-15,000 km, replace as needed or every 30,000-50,000 km
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-50,000 km (depending on type)
Timing Belt:
M10 engine is chain-driven. M40 (if applicable) is belt-driven, typically 60,000-80,000 km replacement interval.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for exact BMW approval or viscosity preference)
Coolant:
BMW Blue coolant (G48 type) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Rust:
Common rust spots: wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, trunk floor, sunroof drain areas
Electrical:
Fraying wiring harnesses (especially under the hood), failing dashboard clusters, headlamp switch issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failures
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs)
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan; thermostat housing leaks; M10 engines can be robust but require regular maintenance.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, performance, engineering precision
E30 Generation:
Introduced in 1982 as the successor to the E21, the E30 became a benchmark for compact executive cars.
316 Positioning:
Entry-level model in the E30 lineup, offering BMW quality and handling at a more accessible price point.
Production Years:
E30: 1982-1994. 316 E30: 1983-1988 (approximate range for this specific manual coverage).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (e.g., Munich, Dingolfing)
