Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Ford Sierra XR4i, Opel Monza
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and driver-focused cockpit
Design Philosophy:
Iconic E30 design, a blend of sportiness and practicality, representing BMW's core values
Manual Benefit:
Essential resource for owners and mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the E30 325 models, preserving their performance and value
Years Covered:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS where applicable), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, engine control unit (ECU), body control modules, wiring diagrams for all major systems
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, interior trim, convertible top mechanism (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, inspections
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation (where applicable), electrical troubleshooting guides
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major components, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake system overhauls
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, component measurements, critical clearances and tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical troubleshooting with wiring diagrams
Engine Type 325E Es:
M20B27 Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC, 2.7 Liter (2693cc)
Engine Type 325 Is:
M20B25 Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC, 2.5 Liter (2494cc)
Horsepower 325E Es:
121 hp @ 4800 rpm (later models 127 hp)
Torque 325E Es:
170 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (later models 170 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm)
Horsepower 325 Is:
168 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 325 Is:
164 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic (325e/es) / Motronic (325/is) Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 Liters (with filter, check manual for exact spec)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate, consult manual)
Transmission Type 325E Es:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission (standard on 'es'), optional 3-speed ZF automatic (standard on 'e')
Transmission Type 325 Is:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission (standard on 'is'), optional 4-speed ZF automatic
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by model and transmission (e.g., 3.64 for 325is, 2.79 for 325e automatic)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF or SAE 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil (check manual for specific models/units)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)
Length:
Approx. 170.3 inches (4325 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.2 inches (1402 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg), varies by model and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's VIN plate
Crash Test Performance:
As per 1980s standards; generally considered safe for its era, but lacks modern safety features. Manual covers safety systems of the time.
ABS:
Optional on some models (standard on 'is' in later years), covered in the manual
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Driver Airbag:
Not standard on most models in this range, optional on some later E30s. Manual will detail any equipped systems.
Crumple Zones:
Front and rear crumple zones integral to the chassis design
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, often with amplifier and premium speaker options. Manual covers system operation and basic troubleshooting.
ABS System:
Details on the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the Bosch ABS system (where equipped) are provided.
No Modern Connectivity:
No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration in factory form. Manual focuses on the vehicle's original technology.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, but consult manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 30,000 miles for standard plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
M20 engines use a timing belt; recommended replacement interval is typically 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years. CRITICAL to follow this to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 Liters (check manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II/III or CHF 11S (check manual for specific unit)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump leaks; thermostat housing leaks.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear trailing arm bushings are common, affecting handling.
Electrical:
Fraying wiring harnesses (especially injector harness), failing fuel pump relays, instrument cluster problems, AFM issues on 'e' models.
Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier M20s), oil pan gasket leaks, oil seal leaks (crankshaft, camshaft).
Brake Maintenance:
Regular inspection and replacement of pads, rotors, and fluid is crucial for safety and performance.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building sporty, driver-oriented cars is deeply rooted in the E30 generation.
E30 Generation:
The E30 was the second generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994. It saw significant chassis refinement and the introduction of more powerful engines.
E30 325 Variants:
The 325 models represent the higher-performance variants of the E30, with the 'e' denoting efficiency (economy) due to its higher compression ratio and lower redline, and the 'i'/'is' denoting sportier performance with the higher-revving 2.5L engine.
Production Years:
1982-1994 (E30 generation), specific 325 models covered: 1984-1990
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing)
