🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 316i Generation: E30 Codes Chassis Code: E30 Engine Code Prefix: M40 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact executive sports sedan. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Volvo 240, Alfa Romeo 75. Key Features Design Philosophy: Sporty handling, driver-focused interior, build quality, rear-wheel drive platform. Target Audience: Enthusiasts and those seeking a premium, engaging driving experience. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Applicable Years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Page Count Estimated Pages: Over 1000 Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Full engine overhaul, component replacement, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system. Fuel System: Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, evaporative emission control. Ignition System: Ignition timing, coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition control module. Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear shift linkage, driveshafts, differential. Transmission Automatic: If applicable to specific 316i models within the range: Overhaul, fluid changes, solenoids, torque converter. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, lubrication. Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake, ABS (if equipped). Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, comfort electronics. Bodywork: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, trim, glass, rust prevention. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, drivability issues, common problems and solutions. Major Repairs: Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding. Component Replacement: Step-by-step guides for replacing radiators, alternators, starters, fuel pumps, sensors, etc. Diagnostics: Use of diagnostic tools, fault code reading (where applicable), electrical system testing. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Typically text-searchable PDF for easy keyword locating. Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution scans suitable for printing. Binding Type Type: Not applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: Not applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Name: BMW M40B16 Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Displacement: 1596 cc (1.6 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 71.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Performance Horsepower: 100 hp (74 kW) @ 5800 rpm Torque: 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) @ 4300 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic ML4.1 Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Octane Rating 91-95 RON) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch. Transmission Fluid Manual: BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 gear oil, check manual for specifics). Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron III (or equivalent, check manual for specifics). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4325 mm (170.3 in) Width: Approx. 1645 mm (64.8 in) Height: Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2560 mm (100.8 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1160-1230 kg (2557-2712 lbs), depending on options. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Testing Era: No standardized global ratings like NCAP existed in this format. Based on contemporary design and BMW's safety focus. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Optional ABS. Passive Features Body Structure: Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones. Seat Belts: 3-point inertia reel seatbelts in the front, standard in the rear. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Typically basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional upgraded sound systems available. Driver Assistance ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models. Connectivity Early Tech: Limited connectivity. Primarily focused on mechanical and analog driver interaction. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for precise BMW recommendations). Timing Belt: Recommended replacement every 60,000 km or 4 years due to the M40 engine's interference design. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG or ACEA A2-96, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate). Coolant: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water at a 50:50 ratio. Brake Fluid: DOT 4. Known Issues M40 Engine: Potential for timing chain tensioner wear, head gasket issues if overheated, injector failures. E30 Chassis: Rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, battery tray), worn suspension bushings, electrical connector corrosion, heater control valve failures. Part Numbers Example Oil Filter: Mann-Filter W 914/2 or equivalent. Air Filter: Mann-Filter C 32 114 or equivalent. Spark Plugs: NGK BKR6EK (or specified equivalent by BMW). 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Bmw Heritage: BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' established with iconic models like the 2002 and earlier 3 Series generations. Model Evolution E30 Introduction: The E30 generation (introduced in 1982) was a significant...
Step-by-step guides for replacing radiators, alternators, starters, fuel pumps, sensors, etc.
Diagnostics:
Use of diagnostic tools, fault code reading (where applicable), electrical system testing.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Typically text-searchable PDF for easy keyword locating.
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 gear oil, check manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent, check manual for specifics).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4325 mm (170.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1645 mm (64.8 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2560 mm (100.8 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1160-1230 kg (2557-2712 lbs), depending on options.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Testing Era:
No standardized global ratings like NCAP existed in this format. Based on contemporary design and BMW's safety focus.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Optional ABS.
Passive Features
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts in the front, standard in the rear.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Typically basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional upgraded sound systems available.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Connectivity
Early Tech:
Limited connectivity. Primarily focused on mechanical and analog driver interaction.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for precise BMW recommendations).
Timing Belt:
Recommended replacement every 60,000 km or 4 years due to the M40 engine's interference design.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or ACEA A2-96, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water at a 50:50 ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4.
Known Issues
M40 Engine:
Potential for timing chain tensioner wear, head gasket issues if overheated, injector failures.
E30 Chassis:
Rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, battery tray), worn suspension bushings, electrical connector corrosion, heater control valve failures.
Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter:
Mann-Filter W 914/2 or equivalent.
Air Filter:
Mann-Filter C 32 114 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs:
NGK BKR6EK (or specified equivalent by BMW).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Heritage:
BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' established with iconic models like the 2002 and earlier 3 Series generations.
Model Evolution
E30 Introduction:
The E30 generation (introduced in 1982) was a significant evolution, offering more refinement, safety, and diverse engine options, including the 316i.
E30 Facelift:
The 1988-1991 period corresponds to the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift for the E30, featuring revised bumpers, updated interior trim, and the introduction of the M40 engine for certain markets.
Production
Production Years E30:
1982-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), also assembled in South Africa and other locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
E30 Legacy:
The E30 generation as a whole is highly regarded for its driving dynamics and build quality, often cited as a benchmark for compact executive cars. While specific 'awards' for the 316i model are rare, the platform consistently received praise.