📚 Vehicle Manual Information

BMW 325 E30 Service Repair Workshop Manual 1987-1991

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325

Chassis Code:

E30

Model Years Covered:

1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

👋 Introduction

Value Proposition:

Offers a complete and high-quality resource for owners and independent mechanics looking to maintain or repair their E30 325, distinguishing itself from incomplete or low-quality alternatives.

Competitor Differentiation:

Emphasizes completeness and accuracy, directly contrasting with cheaper, fragmented, or poorly reproduced manuals commonly found.

Customer Satisfaction:

Guaranteed customer satisfaction, indicating a focus on delivering a superior product experience.

Manual Authority:

Presented as the 'Best Manual Available,' suggesting it's curated from authoritative sources like official BMW service literature.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, common for such products)

Completeness:

Complete Manual, No Missing Pages

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of engine components (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods).

Engine Management And Fuel:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection system (specific variants for 325i/is/iC), ignition system, diagnostic procedures, fuel pump, injectors, sensors.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission, clutch operation, and driveline components.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission (if applicable to specific models covered), shift control, hydraulic system.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system operation, pump, rack and pinion, steering linkage, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake systems, hydraulic components, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, horn, power windows, central locking, fuse box layouts, troubleshooting.

Bodywork:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, bumpers, glass replacement, interior trim.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation, components, refrigerant handling, troubleshooting.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all major vehicle systems.

Component Removal And Installation:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing virtually all mechanical and electrical components.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and brake calipers.

Diagnostic Codes:

Information on engine diagnostic codes (e.g., blinking codes from the Motronic unit) and their meanings.

Level Of Detail:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and specialized procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF with text searchability and printable pages, offering high fidelity to original workshop manuals.

Digital Quality:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text for accurate interpretation.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M20B25

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Horsepower Est:

168-171 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (varies slightly by model year and market)

Torque Est:

164-167 lb-ft @ 4000-4300 rpm (varies slightly by model year and market)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with engine management.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)

Compression Ratio Est:

8.5:1 or 9.4:1 (depending on specific variant)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission

Automatic Transmission:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission (optional)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF fluid

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)

Length:

Approx. 170.3 inches (4325 mm)

Width:

Approx. 65.3 inches (1658 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2850-3100 lbs (1293-1406 kg), depending on body style and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model; consult vehicle placard.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

Wheel Size:

Typically 14-inch or 15-inch alloy wheels (e.g., 15x6.5)

Front Rear Tire Size:

Commonly 205/60R14 or 205/55VR15

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

E30 chassis designed with crumple zones and safety cage. Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings from this era are limited but generally considered robust for its time.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on some models.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag introduced in later model years (typically from 1989/1990 onwards).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (driver and passenger).

Seat Construction:

Reinforced passenger compartment structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory BMW E30 radios, often with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades common.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models.

Antenna System:

Power antenna, often integrated into the rear window or C-pillar.

Check Control System:

Onboard monitoring system for various vehicle functions (lights, fluids, etc.).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific conditions.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or as specified by BMW coolant type.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or longer for platinum/iridium plugs if specified/retrofitted.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for M20 engine; typically every 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) or 5 years due to interference engine design. Manual will detail this.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic or semi-synthetic 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 (API SJ/SL or higher, ACEA A3/B3) depending on climate and manual recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue or Green antifreeze coolant (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Heater Core Leaks:

Common issue due to age and material degradation, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin.

Window Regulator Failure:

Plastic components can become brittle and break, affecting window operation.

Rubber Bushings:

Suspension and subframe bushings degrade over time, affecting handling and ride comfort.

Fuel Pump And Relay:

Can fail with age, causing intermittent or complete loss of engine power.

Cooling System Leaks:

Radiator, hoses, and expansion tank are common leak points due to material age.

Cluster Illumination Failure:

Instrument cluster warning lights and illumination can fail due to faulty solder joints or backlighting.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing sporty handling and driver engagement, is embodied in the E30 platform.

E30 Generation:

The E30 was the second generation of the BMW 3 Series, succeeding the E21 and preceding the E36. It was a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive car line.

325 Variants:

The 325 designation typically refers to models equipped with the 2.5-liter M20 engine, available in sedan (4-door), coupe (2-door), and convertible (iC) body styles, as well as the sportier 325iS/iX variants.

Production Period:

The E30 generation was produced from 1982 to 1994 globally, with the 325 model and its associated variants active within the specified 1987-1991 range.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Classic Status:

The E30 3 Series, particularly the 325 models, is widely recognized as a modern classic and a benchmark for sporty sedans and coupes of its era. Frequently appears on 'best of' lists.

Driving Enthusiast Accolades:

Praised for its balanced chassis, direct steering, and engaging driving experience, earning accolades from automotive journalists and enthusiasts.