🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series / 5 Series Product Name: BMW 3 & 5 Series 1981-1991 Service Repair Manual Generation E Chassis Codes Covered: E21, E28, E30 Codes Engine Codes Covered General: M10, M20, M30, M40, M21 (Diesel) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: BMW owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides comprehensive, factory-level information that generic aftermarket manuals may lack, enabling accurate diagnostics and repairs. Key Features Coverage Scope: Covers two of BMW's most iconic and enduring series, offering a wide range of engine and chassis options from a significant era. Information Source: Likely compiled from official BMW technical documentation or authorized service publications. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (Specific count not provided, typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF assumed for modern sales, but could be printed) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system, cooling system Engine Electrical: Ignition system, fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic, K-Jetronic, L-Jetronic), starting system, charging system, sensors, ECUs Transmission Manual: Clutch system, manual gearbox overhaul, shift linkages, driveshafts Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP series) overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, cooling Drivetrain: Differential, rear axle, limited-slip differential (LSD) options Suspension Steering: Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (semi-trailing arms, independent rear suspension), shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering system Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear disc/drum brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake hydraulics, parking brake Electrical System: Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, interior electronics, power windows, central locking, HVAC controls, instrument cluster Body Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, sunroof, interior trim, chassis lubrication points Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting Repair: Component removal and installation, full engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild, brake caliper overhauls, suspension component replacement Diagnostics: Electrical system diagnostics, fuel system pressure testing, ignition timing adjustment, compression testing Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts Rebuild Procedures: Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including specifications and clearances Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific procedures 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Likely PDF with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams Print Quality Diagrams Illustrations: High-quality, clear line drawings and exploded views Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital format) Completeness Scope Of Manual: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 3 Series Engines: 2.0L M10 (e.g., 320i), 2.3L M20 (e.g., 323i), 2.7L M20 (e.g., 325e), 2.5L M20 (e.g., 325i/is), 2.4L M21 Diesel (e.g., 324d/td) 5 Series Engines: 2.0L M10 (e.g., 520i), 2.3L M20 (e.g., 520i), 2.5L M20 (e.g., 525i), 2.7L M20 (e.g., 528e), 2.8L M30 (e.g., 528i), 3.2L M30 (e.g., 533i), 3.4L M30 (e.g., 535i), 2.4L M21 Diesel (e.g., 524d/td) Performance Typical Horsepower Range: Approximately 90 HP (Diesel) to 218 HP (M30 variants) Typical Torque Range: Approximately 110 lb-ft to 230 lb-ft Fuel System Injection Systems: Bosch L-Jetronic, K-Jetronic, Motronic fuel injection; Carburetion on some earlier models (e.g., M10) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended), Diesel for diesel models 🔧 Transmission Standard 3 Series Standard Transmission: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual (Getrag) 5 Series Standard Transmission: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual (Getrag) Optional 3 Series Optional Transmission: 3-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 3HP series), 4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP series) 5 Series Optional Transmission: 3-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 3HP series), 4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP series) Features Gearbox Type: Rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Range: Approx. 97.1 in (E21 3 Series) to 104.3 in (E34 5 Series) Length Range: Approx. 168.0 in (E21 3 Series) to 191.1 in (E34 5 Series) Width Range: Approx. 65.5 in to 70.1 in Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 2,600 lbs to 3,600 lbs depending on model and engine Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by model, specified in manual 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited standardized testing for this era; focus on passive safety features designed at the time. Active Features ABS: Available on higher trims and later models (Bosch ABS II or III) Traction Control: Rarely available on these models Passive Features Seat Belts: 3-point inertia reel seat belts (front), 2-point lap belts (rear) standard; 3-point rear belts optional/standard on later models Airbags: Driver airbag introduced on later E30 and E34 models; not standard Crumple Zones: Designed with controlled crumple zones...
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (semi-trailing arms, independent rear suspension), shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering system
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc/drum brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, interior electronics, power windows, central locking, HVAC controls, instrument cluster
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, sunroof, interior trim, chassis lubrication points
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Component removal and installation, full engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild, brake caliper overhauls, suspension component replacement
Diagnostics:
Electrical system diagnostics, fuel system pressure testing, ignition timing adjustment, compression testing
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including specifications and clearances
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific procedures
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Likely PDF with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams
Print Quality
Diagrams Illustrations:
High-quality, clear line drawings and exploded views
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital format)
Completeness
Scope Of Manual:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics.