🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Chassis Code:

E30

Model Variant:

M3

Year:

1986

Engine Code:

S14

Chassis Codes Covered:

E30 (specifically M3 variant)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW E30 M3 is a legendary homologation special, developed to compete in Group A touring car racing. It holds a revered position in automotive history as one of the most iconic and engaging M cars ever produced. This manual serves enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain and restore this performance icon.

Competitive Analysis:

Direct competitors during its era included the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth and the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth. The E30 M3 distinguished itself with its motorsport-derived chassis, exceptional handling balance, and the potent S14 engine.

Key Features:

Iconic Motorsport Heritage, Distinctive Box Flares, Superior Handling Dynamics, High-Revving S14 Engine, Driver-Focused Cockpit.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete factory service and repair for BMW E30 M3 1986 model year, all styles.

Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but described as 'COMPLETE official full factory service repair manual')

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (S14), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Getrag 265), Driveline, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS equipped likely), Electrical System (incl. ECU diagnosis), Bodywork & Trim, Climate Control, Interior Systems, Wheels & Tires, Diagnostic Procedures, Maintenance Schedules.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, troubleshooting and diagnostics, component removal and installation, major component overhaul, adjustments, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, technical data, repair procedures for all major systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical system diagnosis. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for clear printing of individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Downloadable PDF, binding is user's choice upon printing)

Paper Type:

N/A (Downloadable PDF, paper type is user's choice upon printing)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder (S14)

Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2302 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

93.7 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Horsepower:

192 hp @ 6750 rpm (for European spec)

Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm (for European spec)

Redline:

7250 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch D-Jetronic Fuel Injection (or Motronic for later models, but 1986 likely D-Jetronic for M3)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Spark Plugs:

NGK BPR6ES or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type and gap)

Valve Lash Adjustment:

Required, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles (refer to manual for exact spec)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag 265 5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

None for the E30 M3

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate with hydraulic actuation

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW ATF or equivalent manual transmission fluid (e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2, 75W-90 GL-4)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 1.5 liters (check manual for precise figure)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

170.9 in (4341 mm)

Width:

66.3 in (1684 mm) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

54.5 in (1384 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.2 in (2570 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2777 lbs (1260 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to manual for specific GVWR

Standard Wheel Size:

15 x 7.0 inches (front and rear)

Standard Tire Size:

205/55 VR 15

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Offset:

ET 25 (front), ET 35 (rear) typically

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not subjected to modern crash testing standards like Euro NCAP or NHTSA; relied on robust BMW engineering of the era.

Active Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) likely standard on M3, sport-tuned suspension, precise steering.

Passive Features:

Reinforced chassis structure, crumple zones, three-point seatbelts, padded dashboard and steering wheel.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic analog gauges, Blaupunkt stereo system (factory option), cassette player. Limited by 1980s standards.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was a significant technological feature for its time.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards. Focus is purely on mechanical and driving performance.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually (refer to manual for precise interval based on driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Check at every oil change, replace as needed, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-50 (e.g., Castrol EDGE, Mobil 1) - consult manual for exact BMW approval.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (especially due to high heat and oil temps), oil pan gasket leaks, VANOS issues (on later M3s, not applicable to 1986 S14), strut tower rust, subframe mounting point reinforcement, aging rubber components (bushings, hoses).

Oil Filter Part Number:

Mann-Filter W 940/4 or equivalent (refer to manual for BMW P/N)

Air Filter Part Number:

Mann-Filter C 2556 or equivalent (refer to manual for BMW P/N)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW has a deep-rooted history in motorsport, consistently leveraging racing technology and lessons learned into their production vehicles, particularly through their 'M' division.

Model Evolution:

The E30 M3 was a radical departure from standard E30 models, featuring a unique body kit (including revised front/rear fenders, spoilers, and side skirts) to improve aerodynamics and accommodate a wider track. The S14 engine was derived from the M10 block and featured a DOHC 16-valve cylinder head from the M88 inline-6.

Production Years:

1986-1991

Production Variants:

Evolution I, Evolution II, Sport Evolution (later model years).

Production Volume:

Approximately 17,184 units produced worldwide across all variants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Consistently ranked among the greatest driver's cars of all time by numerous automotive publications. Celebrated for its motorsport homologation and road-holding capabilities.

Ratings:

Highly regarded by enthusiasts and collectors, often achieving high collector car values. Praised for its track performance and track-day usability.

Certifications:

Not applicable in the modern sense; its 'certification' comes from its homologation for racing series like DTM and Group A.