🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Chassis Code:

E30

Generation:

First Generation E30 M3

Engine Code:

S14

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW E30 M3 owners, mechanics, and restorers

Advantage:

Official factory documentation provides unparalleled accuracy and completeness compared to aftermarket manuals.

Completeness:

Covers 'all the repair procedures you will ever need'.

Origin:

Official BMW factory service manual.

Delivery:

Instant digital download, no shipping costs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair and service procedures for the BMW E30 M3

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (actual number not specified, but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on product description and common availability of BMW service manuals)

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Fuel Supply System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Shifter Mechanism, Drive Shaft

Chassis:

Front Axle, Steering, Rear Axle, Brakes, Pedals, Wheels and Tires

Body And Interior:

Body, Body Equipment, Seats, Special Roofs, Heating and Air Conditioning

Electrical:

General Electrical System, Instruments, Lights, Radio and Special Equipment, Equipment and Accessories for Body

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, fluid changes, inspections

Repair:

Component repair, system diagnostics, overhauls

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault finding

Depth:

Comprehensive, intended for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Reader Requirement:

Any PDF reader

Digital Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing (assumed)

Binding:

Not applicable (digital delivery)

Paper:

Not applicable (digital delivery)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder

Engine Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2302 cc)

Engine Code:

S14B23

Horsepower Eu:

195 hp (145 kW) at 6,750 rpm (for European spec with catalytic converter)

Horsepower Us Cat:

192 hp (143 kW) at 6,750 rpm (for US spec with catalytic converter)

Horsepower Us No Cat:

200 hp (149 kW) at 6,750 rpm (for US spec without catalytic converter, rare)

Torque Eu:

170 lb-ft (230 Nm) at 4,750 rpm (for European spec with catalytic converter)

Torque Us:

170 lb-ft (230 Nm) at 4,750 rpm (for US spec)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic (various versions depending on market and emissions)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Bore X Stroke:

91.0 mm x 87.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.3:1

Redline:

7,200 RPM

Timing System:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Chain-driven

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 265 (5-speed close-ratio manual)

Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.72, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.71, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.72 (typical ratios, can vary slightly)

Differential:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) standard

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW recommends specific MTF (Manual Transmission Fluid), e.g., BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-80/75W-90 GL-4

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 1.5 - 1.8 liters

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,241 mm (167.0 in)

Width:

1,700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1,370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2,565 mm (101.0 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)

Wheel Size Standard:

7J x 15 ET20 (front and rear)

Tire Size Standard:

205/50 VR 15

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

While specific official ratings from modern agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP for the E30 M3 are not readily available, the E30 chassis generally performed well for its era, with a robust structure.

Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard

Suspension:

Independent front and rear suspension for improved handling and stability

Airbags:

Driver airbag (optional or standard depending on late-model production year/market)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts

Body Structure:

Reinforced chassis and safety cage design

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted BMW Bavaria C Business or similar cassette players; provision for CD changers on later models.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Early Features:

Limited by era; focus on core driving dynamics rather than electronic aids beyond ABS.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

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

Filter Replacement:

Oil filter with every oil change. Fuel filter every 20,000-30,000 miles (30,000-50,000 km). Air filter as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 20,000-30,000 miles (30,000-50,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (BMW recommended, consult manual for specific approvals like BMW LL-98).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.0 liters (5.3 US quarts) with filter.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (non-silicone based).

Engine Related:

Eccentric shaft wear (in early S14s), VANOS issues (if applicable to specific sub-models, though E30 M3 typically doesn't have VANOS), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), head gasket failures, fuel injector issues.

Chassis Related:

Subframe cracking (common on E30s, especially M3), suspension bushing wear, rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, battery tray), seized brake calipers, differential mounts.

Electrical Related:

Corroded wiring harnesses, failing instrument cluster components, headlamp switch issues, starter motor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw M Division:

Developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH to homologate the E30 for Group A touring car racing.

Homologation Special:

First M car to be based on a standard production model. Homologation requirements heavily influenced its design and chassis.

Chassis Modification:

Unique wider track, revised suspension geometry, and flared fenders compared to standard E30 models.

Production Years:

1986-1991

Production Volume:

Approx. 5,800 units worldwide (including Evolution models)

Major Variants:

Evolution I (Evo I), Evolution II (Evo II), Sport Evolution (Sport Evo/Evo III), Convertible, DTM Champion Edition.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Success:

Highly successful in touring car racing, including multiple DTM championships, and significantly contributed to BMW's racing pedigree.

Collectible Status:

Widely regarded as a modern classic and one of the most desirable M cars ever produced, commanding significant collector interest and value.