🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Chassis Code:

E30

Year:

1987

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Sedan/Coupe

Significance:

Homologation special for Group A touring car racing, revered for its driving dynamics and track prowess.

Competitors:

Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16 Evolution, Alfa Romeo 75 Evolution.

Handling:

Exceptional chassis balance, revised suspension geometry compared to standard E30 models, wider track, unique body kit for aerodynamic improvements.

Engine:

High-revving S14 4-cylinder engine with individual throttle bodies, producing significant horsepower for its era.

Design:

Iconic motorsport-derived styling with flared wheel arches and distinct front/rear spoilers.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Specific Systems:

Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical, Body, HVAC, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Brakes, Suspension, Steering

Estimated Pages:

600+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, component testing, timing adjustments, valve train, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft, camshaft, oil pump, oil cooler.

Engine Management Electronics:

ECU diagnosis, sensor testing (MAP, TPS, IAT, Crank/Cam sensors), ignition system (coil, distributor, spark plugs), fuel injection system (injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator, DME).

Drivetrain Transmission:

Manual transmission (Getrag 265) repair, clutch system, driveshafts, differential (limited-slip often standard), axle components.

Chassis Suspension:

Front strut assembly, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, bushings, sway bars, shock absorbers, coil springs.

Chassis Steering:

Steering rack and pinion, power steering system (pump, lines, reservoir), tie rods, steering linkage.

Braking System:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, brake lines, master cylinder, caliper overhaul, rotor replacement.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box layout, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, instrument cluster, relays, grounds.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, upholstery, trim pieces, sound deadening.

HVAC System:

Heater core, blower motor, A/C system (compressor, refrigerant lines, evaporator, condenser), climate control operation.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), belt inspections/replacement, battery maintenance.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the E30 DME), symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine build data, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities and types, diagnostic parameters.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing quick navigation to specific topics.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

S14

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Displacement:

2302 cc

Bore X Stroke:

93.7 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Horsepower:

192 hp @ 6900 rpm (Euro Spec), 197 hp @ 6900 rpm (US Spec - Catalyst)

Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm (Euro Spec), 181 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm (US Spec - Catalyst)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection with individual throttle bodies.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ RON / 87+ AKI)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 265 5-speed manual

Gear Ratios:

Close-ratio gear set, often with a dogleg first gear (1st gear offset to the left and back).

Availability:

Not typically offered with an automatic transmission in M3 variants.

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4346 mm (171.1 in)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2565 mm (100.9 in)

Track Width Front:

1434 mm (56.5 in)

Track Width Rear:

1442 mm (56.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1200 kg (2646 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Era Assessment:

Reflects safety standards of the late 1980s; no modern crash test ratings apply directly.

ABS:

Standard Bosch ABS II system.

Seatbelts:

3-point retractable seatbelts.

Construction:

Reinforced chassis and crumple zones typical of BMW engineering.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Original units typically feature analog tuning AM/FM radios, possibly with cassette players. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Speaker System:

Basic speaker configurations, often limited to front door and rear parcel shelf speakers.

ABS:

Standard ABS for the period.

Traction Control:

Not typically equipped with electronic traction control systems.

Connectivity Features:

None (pre-dates widespread automotive connectivity).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specific recommendation.

Spark Plugs:

Inspect/replace every 30,000 miles, depending on plug type. Refer to manual for specific part numbers and gap.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendations.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for viscosity grade (e.g., 15W-50, 20W-50 for spirited driving, or 10W-40/5W-40 for general use). BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent synthetic is often recommended.

Coolant:

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

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid, high-performance (e.g., Ate TYP 200 or Motul RBF600) is recommended for M3.

Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil for manual gearbox (check specific BMW recommendation for Getrag 265).

Differential Fluid:

Hypoid gear oil, often with limited-slip additive if equipped with an LSD (e.g., BMW 8322 2 307 165 or equivalent).

Subframe Mounts:

Cracking or reinforcement failure of rear subframe mounting points is a common concern requiring inspection and potential reinforcement.

Valve Stem Seals:

Wear on valve stem seals can lead to oil consumption and blue smoke on startup.

Wheel Bearings:

Front wheel bearings can wear out, leading to noise and play.

Cooling System:

Aging hoses, thermostat, and water pump can lead to overheating if not maintained.

Bushings:

Rubber suspension and drivetrain bushings degrade over time, affecting handling and NVH.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorsport:

Directly benefits from BMW's extensive motorsport experience, particularly in touring car racing.

E30 Lineage:

The E30 M3 is a specialized variant of the popular E30 3 Series, engineered by BMW Motorsport GmbH.

Motorsport Development:

Developed to homologate the car for racing, leading to significant mechanical and aerodynamic differences from standard E30 models.

Production Years:

1986-1991 (E30 M3 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Munich, Germany.

Rarity:

Produced in limited numbers, making it a highly collectible and sought-after model.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Dominance:

The E30 M3 chassis was highly successful in various motorsport series, including DTM and Group A racing, contributing to its legendary status.

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, handling, and motorsport pedigree.

Collectible Status:

Widely considered a modern classic and a benchmark for performance sedans/coupes, commanding high values in the collector market.