๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i / 325is Year: 1987 Chassis Code: E30 Generation Generation Name: E30 Generation Codes Engine Code Primary: M20B25 Chassis Codes Covered: E30 (specific to 325i/325is models) ๐ Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Premium compact executive sports sedan/coupe Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1987: Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Acura Integra Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for its balanced handling, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and driver-focused cockpit. Engine Reputation: The M20 straight-six engine is a hallmark of BMW's smooth power delivery and reliability. Build Quality: Exceptional build quality and robust engineering characteristic of BMW's E30 platform. Manual Value Proposition Target Audience: BMW enthusiasts, owners seeking to maintain or restore their E30 325i/325is, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive service, repair, maintenance, and restoration Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Manual Type: Full Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Print / Digital (PDF) - depending on specific product offering ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine overhaul, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), cooling system, exhaust system, engine management Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission repair, clutch service, driveline components (driveshaft, differential) Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), steering rack, power steering system Brakes: Front and rear brake system (discs, calipers, master cylinder), ABS system troubleshooting (if equipped), parking brake Electrical Lighting: Complete wiring diagrams, alternator, starter, battery, lighting systems, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, ignition system Body Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, chassis lubrication Climate Control: Air conditioning system (R12), heating system, ventilation Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-ups, scheduled servicing Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable) Repair Rebuild: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation, including engine and transmission rebuilds Restoration: Guidance for refurbishing and restoring original components, specifications for plating and finishes Technical Depth Depth: Extremely detailed, covering all aspects from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Diagnostic Capabilities: Provides specific diagnostic procedures, likely including troubleshooting trees and component testing methods. Torque Specifications: Includes comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components. Wiring Diagrams: Full-color, detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Digital File Format: PDF (if digital version) Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution, clear reproductions of original diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding Type: Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (for printed versions). Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments. โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC Displacement Cc: 2494 Bore X Stroke Mm: 84.0 x 75.0 Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Horsepower Hp SAE Net: 168 Torque Lb Ft SAE Net: 164 Performance Redline Rpm: 6500 Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic ML-Jetronic fuel injection Recommended Fuel: Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher) Engine Management Ignition System: Distributor-based electronic ignition with knock control ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: Getrag 260 5-speed manual Optional Transmission Type Optional: ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic Features Clutch Type: Hydraulic single-plate dry clutch Differential: Standard open differential; limited-slip differential (LSD) often an option ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length In: 170.5 Width In: 67.3 Height In: 54.5 Wheelbase In: 101.2 Weights Curb Weight Lbs: ~2900-3050 (depending on body style and options) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs: Approx. 4000 ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Crash Test Ratings: N/A (Testing standards and availability differ significantly from modern vehicles) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/options Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seat belts Head Restraints: Adjustable front head restraints Structure: Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones (early implementation) ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional premium sound systems, typically with cassette tape player. Driver Assistance ABS: As mentioned, ABS was an optional system, not standard across all models. Connectivity Early Features: Focus on core driving experience rather than advanced electronics. Limited connectivity by modern standards. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Miles: Approximately every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months Spark Plug Replacement Miles: Typically around 30,000 miles, depending on plug type Timing Belt Replacement Miles: Crucial: M20 engines use a timing belt. Replacement interval typically 30,000-40,000 miles or 5 years. Belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG/SH or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations) Coolant Type: BMW Blue or compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Transmission Fluid Manual: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90) Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron III (or equivalent ATF, check manual for specific part number) Known Issues Common Wear Items: Control arm bushings, sway bar links, fuel injectors, fuel pump, coolant hoses, heater core, window regulators, odometer gears (plastic)....
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation, including engine and transmission rebuilds
Restoration:
Guidance for refurbishing and restoring original components, specifications for plating and finishes
Technical Depth
Depth:
Extremely detailed, covering all aspects from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Provides specific diagnostic procedures, likely including troubleshooting trees and component testing methods.
Torque Specifications:
Includes comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Full-color, detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital File Format:
PDF (if digital version)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution, clear reproductions of original diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (for printed versions).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement Cc:
2494
Bore X Stroke Mm:
84.0 x 75.0
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Horsepower Hp SAE Net:
168
Torque Lb Ft SAE Net:
164
Performance
Redline Rpm:
6500
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic ML-Jetronic fuel injection
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher)
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Distributor-based electronic ignition with knock control
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic single-plate dry clutch
Differential:
Standard open differential; limited-slip differential (LSD) often an option
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length In:
170.5
Width In:
67.3
Height In:
54.5
Wheelbase In:
101.2
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
~2900-3050 (depending on body style and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Approx. 4000
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Testing standards and availability differ significantly from modern vehicles)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/options
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Head Restraints:
Adjustable front head restraints
Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones (early implementation)
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional premium sound systems, typically with cassette tape player.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
As mentioned, ABS was an optional system, not standard across all models.
Connectivity
Early Features:
Focus on core driving experience rather than advanced electronics. Limited connectivity by modern standards.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Approximately every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Typically around 30,000 miles, depending on plug type
Timing Belt Replacement Miles:
Crucial: M20 engines use a timing belt. Replacement interval typically 30,000-40,000 miles or 5 years. Belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF, check manual for specific part number)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Control arm bushings, sway bar links, fuel injectors, fuel pump, coolant hoses, heater core, window regulators, odometer gears (plastic).
Engine Specific Concerns:
Head gasket leaks (especially if overheated), oil pan seal leaks, front crank seal leaks.