Primary Coverage:
Workshop repair and maintenance
Included Sections:
General Information, Lubrication, Inspection and Adjustment, Fuel System, Engine Removal/Installation, Cylinder Head/Valve, Cylinder/Piston, Crankcase, Crankshaft/Primary shaft, Clutch, Gearshift Linkage, Sub transmission, Transmission, Front Wheel/Suspension, Rear Wheel/Suspension, Hydraulic Brake, Battery/Charging System, Ignition System, Electric Starter, Switches, Technical Features, Troubleshooting, Electrical Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (Exact count not specified, but content suggests hundreds of pages)
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (M10 variants), Clutch, Manual Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Front and Rear Suspension, Steering, Hydraulic Brakes
Electrical:
Battery/Charging System, Ignition System, Electric Starter, Switches, Wiring Diagrams
Fuel And Emission:
Fuel System (carbureted or early injection depending on 316 variant)
Body And Interior:
General Repair Procedures, not specified in detail but implied by 'Workshop Repair procedures'
Maintenance:
Lubrication, Inspection, Adjustment, Fluid Capacities
Repair Rebuild:
Engine rebuilding, Cylinder Head/Valve service, Crankshaft/Primary shaft service, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repair
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting sections, system-specific diagnostics
Electrical Work:
Re-wiring, component testing, circuit tracing via diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive workshop-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to major component rebuilds.
Engine Family:
BMW M10 inline-4 cylinder
Displacement Typical:
1.6 Liters (1573 cc)
Horsepower Typical:
Approximately 75-85 hp (depending on specific market and tuning)
Torque Typical:
Approximately 120-130 Nm (depending on specific market and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Typically Carbureted (e.g., Solex or Zenith) for early E30 316 models, or early Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection on later variants.
Ignition:
Distributor-based ignition system
Era Safety Standards:
Designed to mid-1980s safety standards; European NCAP or equivalent ratings for this era are not directly comparable to modern standards.
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums (typical for 316); some later or optional models may have rear discs.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts front and rear (standard)
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months (consult manual for specific M10 engine recommendations)
Spark Plugs:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on plug type and condition)
Timing Belt Chain:
M10 engines use a timing chain, generally requiring minimal maintenance but inspection for wear/noise is advised.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (consult manual for precise recommendation based on climate)
Coolant:
BMW approved coolant or equivalent (e.g., ethylene glycol based) at a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, non-silicone based.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust on wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, and battery tray.
Fuel System Carburetor:
Carburetor wear, vacuum leaks, fuel delivery issues can affect idle and performance.
Cooling System:
Aging hoses, thermostat failure, radiator leaks, and water pump wear are common.
Electrical Components:
Aging wiring harnesses, failing relays, intermittent switch contacts, and alternator issues.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in control arm bushings, sway bar links, and subframe mounts leading to imprecise handling and clunks.
Brand Identity:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing sporty handling and engineering excellence.
E30 Introduction:
The E30 generation was introduced in 1982, replacing the E21. It was a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive car line.
Production Years:
1983-1988 (for the E30 316 model covered by this manual)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (e.g., Dingolfing plant), with some assembly in other BMW facilities worldwide.