🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Generation:

E30

Model Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

E30

Engine Code:

S14

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact executive sports coupe/sedan homologation special

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, owners seeking to maintain and repair their E30 M3

Key Rivals:

Porsche 911 (964), Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16 Cosworth, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Heritage:

Motorsport homologation special derived from touring car racing

Distinctive Styling:

Box flares, revised bumpers, rear spoiler, unique C-pillar and rear window angle

Performance Focus:

High-revving S14 engine, revised suspension, stronger chassis components

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Complete factory service and repair

Engine Coverage:

S14 engine, including fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, and cooling systems

Drivetrain Coverage:

Getrag 265 5-speed manual transmission, clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles

Suspension Coverage:

Front strut assembly, rear multi-link suspension, bushings, bearings

Braking System Coverage:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (if equipped), brake lines, calipers, master cylinder

Electrical System Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors, lighting, starter, alternator, battery

Body And Chassis Coverage:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, chassis components

Heating And Air Conditioning Coverage:

HVAC system components, refrigerant, operation

Troubleshooting Coverage:

Diagnostic procedures and fault finding for all systems

Approximate Pages:

Hundreds (exact number not specified, but typical for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (typical for factory manuals sold in primary markets)

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, fuel, ignition, exhaust, cooling, transmission, drivetrain

Chassis:

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging, starting, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, sensors, wiring harnesses

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, aerodynamics, interior trim, seats

Comfort And Climate:

HVAC system, climate control

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plugs, brake pad replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, error code interpretation

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component repair

Component Removal And Installation:

Detailed steps for removing and installing all major components

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque values, clearances, alignment specifications, electrical resistance values

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures for fuel injection, ignition, and ABS systems

Electrical Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams with component locations

Rebuild Information:

Detailed instructions and specifications for rebuilding major mechanical components like the engine and transmission

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (expected for professionally converted factory manuals)

Resolution:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text

Printability:

Printable in its entirety or select pages

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (S14B23)

Displacement:

2302 cc (2.3 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

91 mm x 87 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1 (Euro/US models)

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic (various versions)

Horsepower:

218 hp @ 6750 rpm (Euro Spec, Catalytic Converter)

Torque:

230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm (Euro Spec)

Redline:

7250 rpm

Injection Type:

Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Grade:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent, ethylene glycol based)

Oil Grade Recommendation:

10W-40 or 15W-50 (Synthetic Recommended for performance driving)

Oil Capacity:

5.5 Liters (5.8 Quarts) with filter

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 265 5-Speed Manual

Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.72, 2nd: 2.41, 3rd: 1.70, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.16

Type:

N/A (M3 E30 was exclusively manual)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, single dry plate

Fluid Type:

GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 75W-80W)

Fluid Capacity:

1.5 Liters (1.6 Quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4345 mm (171.1 in)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2565 mm (100.9 in)

Front Track:

1408 mm (55.4 in)

Rear Track:

1436 mm (56.5 in)

Curb Weight:

1200 - 1270 kg (2646 - 2800 lbs), depending on market and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1700 kg (3748 lbs)

Wheel Size:

15 x 7.0J (standard), 15 x 7.5J (optional EVO wheels)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Tire Size:

205/50 VR 15 (standard), 225/50 VR 15 (optional EVO)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Not extensively tested by modern standards; E30 platform generally considered robust for its era.

ABS:

Optional on some models, standard on later 1991 models

Braking System:

4-wheel disc brakes with vented front rotors

Seatbelts:

3-point front, 2-point rear

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones

Headrests:

Front and rear headrests

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory radio/cassette player (various brands like Blaupunkt, Becker) with optional amplifier and speaker upgrades

Instrumentation:

Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, and economy meter.

ABS:

Optional ABS system for enhanced braking control.

Connectivity Options:

N/A (Focus on pure driving experience; no modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Filter Replacement:

Oil filter with every oil change; Air filter every 15,000-20,000 miles; Fuel filter every 30,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Every 30,000 miles (check manual for specific type/gap)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles

Brake Fluid:

Flush and replace every 2 years

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (specific to hydraulic systems)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Problems:

Subframe mounting point cracks, differential bearing wear, fuel distributor leaks, VANOS issues (if equipped on later S14 variants, though not on the standard E30 M3), rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points), brittle rubber bushings, oil leaks.

Maintenance Focus:

Critical to maintain cooling system integrity; regular inspection of suspension and subframe mounts.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorsport:

BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport) established legacy of performance and racing pedigree

E30 Introduction:

E30 platform introduced in 1982; M3 variant first appeared in 1986.

M3 Development:

Developed to homologate the car for Group A touring car racing, featuring a unique chassis and bodywork compared to standard E30s.

Production Phases:

E30 M3 had several iterations including the Evolution models (Evo I, Evo II, Sport Evolution).

Production Years:

1986-1991

Manufacturing Plant:

BMW's Garching, Germany facility (initially)

Production Volume:

Approximately 17,970 units worldwide across all E30 M3 variants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Success:

Highly successful in touring car racing championships worldwide (DTM, ETCC, IMSA).

Classic Car Status:

Widely regarded as a modern classic and one of BMW's most iconic M cars.

Performance Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, driver feedback, and mechanical purity.