🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series (E30) Generation: E30 Codes Chassis Code: E30 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics seeking detailed technical information for the iconic E30 3 Series. Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Offers extensive coverage of multiple engine variants and chassis configurations within the E30 generation, providing significant value for DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Key Features Highlight: Comprehensive 1313-page guide covering a wide range of models and maintenance/repair procedures. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Workshop repair and service Model Years Covered: 1985-1990 Engine Variants Covered: 316/316i (M10), 316i/318i (M40), 318is (M42), 320i/323i/325e/325i (M20), 320is (S14), 324d/324td (M21) Page Count Total Pages: 1313 Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Propeller Shaft, Rear Axle Chassis: Steering, Brakes, Wheels and Tires, Suspension Systems, Pedals Bodywork: Body, Body Equipment, Seats, Hood, Sunroof, Body Cavity Seating and Undercoating Electrical: Engine Electrical Equipment, Electrical System, Instruments, Lights, Heating and Air Conditioning, Radio and Special Equipment Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication, general data Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for various systems, diagnostic trouble codes (where applicable for era) Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems Rebuilds: Engine and transmission rebuild procedures, component overhauls Installation: Procedures for installation of various accessories and equipment Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader Print Quality Quality Notes: Digital format, clarity and readability dependent on original source scan quality and PDF rendering. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine E30 M10 Variants: 316/316i (M10): Typically 1.8L, 90-105 hp. 318i (M10): 1.8L, 105 hp. E30 M40 Variants: 316i/318i (M40): 1.8L, 100-115 hp. E30 M42 Variants: 318is (M42): 1.8L DOHC, 138 hp. E30 M20 Variants: 320i/323i (M20): 2.0L-2.3L, 125-148 hp. 325e (M20): 2.7L 'Eta', 121-125 hp. 325i (M20): 2.5L, 168-170 hp. E30 S14 Variants: 320is (S14): 2.3L DOHC (derived from M3), 192 hp. E30 M21 Variants: 324d (M21): 2.4L Diesel, ~86 hp. 324td (M21): 2.4L Turbo Diesel, ~115 hp. Performance Horsepower Range: ~86 hp (324d) to ~192 hp (320is/M3 variant) Fuel System Injection Systems: Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic (various versions) Carburetion: Solex or Pierburg carburetors on some earlier/lower-spec models (e.g., 316) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Types: Getrag 240 (4/5-speed manual), Getrag 260 (5-speed manual for larger engines) Optional Automatic Transmissions: ZF 3HP22 (3-speed automatic), ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 2566 mm (101.0 in) Length: Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in) Width: Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in) Height: Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 1100 kg to 1350 kg, depending on engine and equipment 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Era Context: As per 1980s safety standards; equipped with safety-conscious features for its time. Active Features Braking System: Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear (standard on most models), disc brakes front and rear on higher-performance variants (e.g., 325i, M3). Steering System: Recirculating ball steering (some models offered power steering). Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts. Body Structure: Reinforced passenger safety cell. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio Systems: Factory radio units (e.g., Bavaria C, possibly with cassette), optional premium sound systems. Driver Assistance ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some later models. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Basic; primarily focused on vehicle operation and comfort features. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Frequency: Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check manual for specifics. Spark Plug Replacement: Varies by engine, often around 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs. Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial for M40, M42, M20, M21 engines. Typically 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km). M10 and S14 use chains. Critical to consult manual for exact interval and procedure. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 generally recommended. Specific viscosity may vary with climate. Consult manual for precise BMW approval (e.g., BMW Longlife-98 for later approvals). Coolant: Ethylene glycol based coolant mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). BMW blue or green coolant compatible. Capacity approx. 6-7 liters. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Transmission Fluid Manual: GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 1.3-1.5 liters. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent ATF. Capacity approx. 1.2-1.5 liters (pan fill). Differential Fluid: GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 1.3-1.5 liters. Known Issues Common Problems: Cooling system leaks (hoses, expansion tank), fuel distributor issues (M10/M20), ABS sensor failure (if equipped), rust (especially on...
Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics seeking detailed technical information for the iconic E30 3 Series.
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Offers extensive coverage of multiple engine variants and chassis configurations within the E30 generation, providing significant value for DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Key Features
Highlight:
Comprehensive 1313-page guide covering a wide range of models and maintenance/repair procedures.
Approx. 1100 kg to 1350 kg, depending on engine and equipment
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Era Context:
As per 1980s safety standards; equipped with safety-conscious features for its time.
Active Features
Braking System:
Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear (standard on most models), disc brakes front and rear on higher-performance variants (e.g., 325i, M3).
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering (some models offered power steering).
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger safety cell.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Systems:
Factory radio units (e.g., Bavaria C, possibly with cassette), optional premium sound systems.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some later models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Basic; primarily focused on vehicle operation and comfort features.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Frequency:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check manual for specifics.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine, often around 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for M40, M42, M20, M21 engines. Typically 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km). M10 and S14 use chains. Critical to consult manual for exact interval and procedure.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 generally recommended. Specific viscosity may vary with climate. Consult manual for precise BMW approval (e.g., BMW Longlife-98 for later approvals).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). BMW blue or green coolant compatible. Capacity approx. 6-7 liters.