Applicable Model Years:
1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Engine Codes:
M20B25 (for 325i, common association with E30 generation, though 328i nomenclature is less common for E30. Assuming this refers to the 2.5L variant commonly marketed as 325i in North America, or a Euro-market 328i variant if applicable. Manual likely covers the dominant E30 engine configurations of the era.)
Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians working on E30 BMWs
Key Competitors Era:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Ford Sierra, Opel Vectra (depending on market)
E30 Legacy:
Iconic design, renowned driving dynamics, robust engineering, accessible platform for modification
Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain and repair their E30 effectively, preserving its value and performance.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition, exhaust systems
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveshaft, differential
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc), ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior panels, body sealing
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics and repair
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid level checks
Repair:
Detailed repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common problems and their solutions, fault codes (if applicable)
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, component overhaul
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for various systems
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic flowcharts.
File Type:
Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing
Searchability:
Text-searchable content for quick information retrieval
Print Quality:
High-resolution scanned pages or digitally created content for clear reproduction
Binding:
N/A (Downloadable format)
Paper:
N/A (Downloadable format)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves (M20 series for 325i; 328i may refer to specific Euro market variants or a misnomer for the 2.5L in some contexts)
Displacement:
Approximately 2.5 Liters (2494 cc for M20B25)
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 168-170 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (for M20B25)
Torque Est:
Approx. 225-230 Nm (166-170 lb-ft) @ 4000-4300 rpm (for M20B25)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified by BMW for the era, typically premium unleaded)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with knock control
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (depending on market/year)
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260 is common)
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often optional or standard on higher trims
Manual Trans Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 API GL-4/GL-5 gear oil (check manual for specific BMW PN)
Automatic Trans Fluid:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON automatic transmission fluid (check manual for specific BMW PN)
Length:
Approx. 4325 mm (170.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 1200-1350 kg (2645-2976 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
Approx. 1700-1850 kg (3748-4078 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Standard Tire Size Est:
205/55 R15
Wheel Offset Est:
ET+30 to ET+41
Crash Test Era:
Standards from the late 1980s and early 1990s (likely no formal Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings as we know them today, but tested to mandated federal safety standards).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on later models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became available in later E30 years, often as an option.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts front and rear
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette stereo system (often Blaupunkt or Becker units), with optional CD player or upgraded aftermarket units common.
Display:
Analog instrument cluster with basic warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models.
ABS:
As mentioned in safety, available on some models.
Original Connectivity:
None in the modern sense; basic antenna and wiring for stereo.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (check manual for exact recommendations).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For M20 engines, timing belt replacement is critical, typically every 40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as recommended by spark plug type (e.g., standard, platinum).
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW recommends SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil. Check manual for specific BMW Longlife specifications (e.g., BMW LL-01 for later specs, though for E30, API SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3 equivalents are relevant).
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact specification).
Common E30 Issues:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel injector O-rings, fuel pump failure, alternator issues, heater core leaks, subframe cracking (rear), differential mounts, window regulator failure, seized door handles, idle control valve (ICV) issues.
Rust Prone Areas:
Fender wells, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, battery tray area.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known for performance, engineering, and luxury vehicles since 1916.
E30 Introduction:
Introduced in 1982 as the successor to the E21 3 Series. The E30 is widely regarded as one of BMW's most iconic and best-selling models.
E30 Variants:
Available as Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible, and Touring (wagon). Specific '328i' nomenclature was more common in European markets for certain engine displacements, while North America primarily saw the 325i and M3 variants for the later E30 years.
Production Years:
1982-1994 (Sedan, Coupe, Convertible), 1988-1996 (Touring).
Production Locations:
Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), South Africa, United States (Spartanburg for some components/assembly).
E30 Reputation:
Consistently ranked as one of the best driver's cars of its era, praised for handling, balance, and reliability when properly maintained. Popular in motorsports, particularly autocross and track days.
Automotive Press Acclaim:
Often cited in 'best affordable classic' lists and praised for its analogue driving experience.
