Era:
The E30 represents BMW's move towards more refined and driver-focused compact luxury sport sedans and coupes in the 1980s, bridging the gap between the classic 02 series and modern BMWs.
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201), Audi 80/90, and increasingly, Japanese marques like the Acura Integra and Lexus ES 250 as the generation progressed.
Design Philosophy:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, engaging driving dynamics, rear-wheel-drive platform, and iconic 'Hoffmeister kink' Hofmeister kink at the C-pillar.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, in-depth technical information for enthusiasts and mechanics looking to maintain, repair, and restore the legendary E30 chassis, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Vehicle Models Covered:
318i, 325, 325e, 325es, 325i, 325is, 325i Convertible
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a full factory manual)
Type:
Factory Service Workshop Manual
Language:
English (presumed for a typical US/international market manual)
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Mechanical Systems:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Driveshaft, Differentials, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical Systems:
Basic Electrical Circuitry, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), Audio System Wiring, ABS (if equipped)
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Chassis Components, Rust Prevention & Repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault Code Diagnosis (OBD I), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Schematics & Diagnosis, Mechanical Component Diagnosis
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuilds, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Overhaul, Body Panel Repair, Electrical Component Replacement
Adjustments And Settings:
Valve Adjustments, Ignition Timing, Carburetor/Fuel Injection Adjustments, Wheel Alignment, Parking Brake Adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Family:
BMW M20 (Inline 6-cylinder) and M10 (Inline 4-cylinder)
M20B25 Specs:
2.5L (2494cc) SOHC Inline-6, 168 hp @ 5800 rpm, 167 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (typical for 325i/325is)
M20B27 Eta Specs:
2.7L (2693cc) SOHC Inline-6 (Economy Tuned), 121-127 hp @ 4800 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (typical for 325e/325es)
M10B18 Specs:
1.8L (1766cc) SOHC Inline-4, 101-114 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm, 103-116 lb-ft @ 3250-4300 rpm (typical for 318i)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection (model and year dependent)
Octane Rating:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane recommended)
Type:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission (most performance models)
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF.2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)
Length:
Approx. 170.5 inches (4330 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1710 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-3100 lbs (1225-1406 kg), varies by model and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3900-4100 lbs (1769-1860 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.6 cu ft (442 L)
NHTSA Ratings:
No standardized NHTSA ratings available for this era in a format directly comparable to modern vehicles. However, BMWs of this period were generally well-regarded for structural integrity.
ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on later 325i/325is
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional on 325 models, standard on 325is
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became optional in later years (late 80s/early 90s), not standard across the board.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory cassette or AM/FM radio with optional CD player (later models). Often aftermarket head units are installed.
Speakers:
Door-mounted and rear parcel shelf speakers.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system, optional air conditioning.
Early Features:
Limited by era. Focus was on mechanical and driving experience, not digital integration. Antennae are manual or power operated.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (typically copper plugs, platinum plugs had longer intervals).
Engine Oil:
API SN/SP, ACEA A3/B4, 5W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Problems Mechanical:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel pump failure, timing belt tensioner issues (M20), oil pan gasket leaks, differential mounts, subframe reinforcement (rear), clutch slave cylinder leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Motronic ECU connector issues, dashboard warning light failures, intermittent power to accessories, window regulator failures, headlight switch failure.
Common Problems Body:
Rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, battery tray area, trunk floor), door seal degradation, interior plastic brittleing.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for building 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was solidified with the E30, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Generations:
The E30 was BMW's second generation of the 3 Series, replacing the E21 and preceding the E36. It was available as a 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, convertible, and rarely, a touring (wagon).
Production Years:
1982-1994 (globally, with the specific covered years 1984-1990 being the core of the North American market availability for this manual).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some production in South Africa and other contract facilities.
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its handling, build quality, and performance, often appearing on 'best driver's cars' lists from the 1980s.
Classic Status:
Widely considered a modern classic, with strong enthusiast communities and high residual values for well-maintained examples.
Manual Originality:
This is a factory-produced manual, representing the official technical documentation used by BMW dealerships and certified technicians.
