🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: E30 Model Generations Covered: First Generation (E30) Applicable Model Years: 1982-1994 (General E30 Production) Codes Chassis Code: E30 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: BMW E30 owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians Competitive Analysis Manual Advantage: Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as a dealer-sourced manual, offering significant cost savings. Key Features Feature 1: Covers all engine variants for the E30 chassis, ensuring broad applicability. Feature 2: Includes comprehensive electrical schematics essential for diagnosing complex issues. Feature 3: Detailed procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, a key component of BMW's driving experience. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Page Count: Estimated 2000+ pages (based on typical factory manual depth for this era) Manual Completeness: Comprehensive (All models and engines listed) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, fuel tanks & lines, radiator, exhaust system Drivetrain Systems: Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, gear shift mechanism, propeller shaft, transfer box (if applicable to specific models), front axle, rear axle Chassis Systems: Steering & wheel alignment, brakes, pedals, wheels & tires, integrated suspension systems Body And Interior Systems: Body, body equipment, seats, hoods, sun roof, electrical system, instruments, lights, heating & air conditioning, radio & special equipment, equipment & accessories for engine & chassis, equipment & accessories for body, body cavity sealing & undercoating Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides, fault diagnosis for all systems Repair Procedures: Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, suspension work, electrical system repairs Technical Data Inclusion: Detailed specifications, torque values, electrical diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts Visual Aid Quality: Highly detailed exploded pictures and diagrams 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip Printability: All pages are printable Download Type: Instant Download ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family 316 318I M10: BMW M10 series, Inline-4 cylinder, SOHC Engine Family 316I 318I M40: BMW M40 series, Inline-4 cylinder, SOHC Engine Family 318Is M42: BMW M42 series, Inline-4 cylinder, DOHC, VANOS Engine Family 320I 323I 325E 325I M20: BMW M20 series, Inline-6 cylinder, SOHC Engine Family 320Is S14: BMW S14 series, Inline-4 cylinder, DOHC (M3 specific) Engine Family 324D 324Td M21: BMW M21 series, Inline-6 cylinder, Diesel, Turbocharged (for TD) Performance Typical Hp Range: 70 hp (316) to 238 hp (M3 Evolution) Typical Torque Range: 94 lb-ft (316) to 243 lb-ft (M3 Evolution) Fuel System Fuel Delivery Type: Carbureted (early models) and Bosch Fuel Injection (Motronic variants) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: Getrag 240 (4-speed or 5-speed manual for 4-cylinder models), Getrag 260 (5-speed manual for 6-cylinder models) Optional Optional Transmission Type: ZF 3HP22 (3-speed automatic) or ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic) for various models Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles Available: 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, convertible, touring (wagon - limited availability in some markets) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 2400 lbs to 3200 lbs (depending on model and equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Passive Safety Features: Crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, safety steering column, padded dashboard Active Features Brake System Type: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (later models may have rear ventilated discs). ABS available as an option on many models. Steering System Type: Recirculating ball steering with optional power assist 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Original Infotainment Features: AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (late models), basic speaker systems. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models and later production years. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendations). Spark Plug Replacement: Varies by engine (e.g., M10/M20: 20,000-30,000 miles, M42: 30,000-50,000 miles) Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial for M40 and M21 engines (typically 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years). M10, M42, M20, S14 typically use a timing chain which requires less frequent inspection/replacement. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 (refer to manual for specific model and climate recommendations). BMW recommends synthetic oils. Coolant Specification: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), or a compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicates. Brake Fluid Specification: DOT 4 Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (viscosity varies, e.g., 75W-90, 80W-90, consult manual) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III (or equivalent ATF), specific fill levels critical Known Issues Common E30 Issue 1: Cooling system: Radiator leaks, water pump failures, thermostat issues are common due to age. Common E30 Issue 2: Electrical system:...
Body, body equipment, seats, hoods, sun roof, electrical system, instruments, lights, heating & air conditioning, radio & special equipment, equipment & accessories for engine & chassis, equipment & accessories for body, body cavity sealing & undercoating
Procedures Included
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault diagnosis for all systems
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, suspension work, electrical system repairs
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (later models may have rear ventilated discs). ABS available as an option on many models.
Steering System Type:
Recirculating ball steering with optional power assist
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Original Infotainment Features:
AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (late models), basic speaker systems.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models and later production years.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine (e.g., M10/M20: 20,000-30,000 miles, M42: 30,000-50,000 miles)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for M40 and M21 engines (typically 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years). M10, M42, M20, S14 typically use a timing chain which requires less frequent inspection/replacement.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 (refer to manual for specific model and climate recommendations). BMW recommends synthetic oils.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), or a compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicates.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (viscosity varies, e.g., 75W-90, 80W-90, consult manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF), specific fill levels critical
Known Issues
Common E30 Issue 1:
Cooling system: Radiator leaks, water pump failures, thermostat issues are common due to age.
Common E30 Issue 2:
Electrical system: Corroded grounds, faulty relays, aging wiring harnesses, particularly in the engine bay and dashboard.
Common E30 Issue 3:
Suspension: Worn control arm bushings, sway bar links, and shock mounts are frequent wear items.
Common E30 Issue 4:
Fuel system: Clogged fuel injectors, aging fuel pumps, and deteriorating fuel lines can cause performance issues.
Common E30 Issue 5:
Rust: Body rust, especially in the rockers, wheel wells, and around the battery tray, is a common concern for E30s.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW, renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, sport sedans, and sophisticated engineering.
Model Evolution
E30 Introduction Era:
Launched in 1982 as a successor to the E21, the E30 marked a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive car line.
E30 Key Variants:
Iconic M3 variant (E30 M3) introduced in 1986, powered by the S14 engine and featuring homologation-specific bodywork and suspension.
Production
Production Period:
1982-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Munich, Dingolfing), and assembly plants in other countries.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Recognition:
The BMW E30 is widely regarded as a classic sports sedan and is celebrated for its timeless design, driving dynamics, and build quality. The E30 M3 is particularly iconic and highly sought after.