🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Chassis Code: E30 Model Variant: 316 Generation Generation Code: E30 Generation Years: 1982-1994 Codes Engine Code Typical: M10B18 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: BMW E30 owners, DIY mechanics, restoration enthusiasts, professional workshops Value Proposition: Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs and preserving vehicle value Competitive Analysis Competitor Manuals: Haynes, Chilton (often less detailed for specific BMW models) Key Features Detail Level: Factory-level detail, including specifications, diagrams, and procedures Completeness: Covers a wide range of mechanical and electrical systems 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Years: 1983-1988 Covered Models: BMW 316 (E30) Sedan, Coupe, Convertible Page Count Estimated Page Count: 500+ Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, component inspection, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system Fuel System: Fuel injection (K-Jetronic/L-Jetronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel pressure regulator Ignition System: Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition timing, electronic control unit (ECU) Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, driveshaft, U-joints Transmission Automatic: Torque converter, gearbox overhaul, hydraulic system, electronic controls (if applicable) Suspension: Front struts, rear trailing arms, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs Steering: Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods Brakes: Front discs, rear drums/discs, brake booster, master cylinder, ABS (if equipped), brake lines, caliper overhaul Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, fuse box, relays, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems Body And Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, chassis components HVAC: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-offs Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting Major Repairs: Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs Diagnostics: Component testing, electrical system diagnosis, fuel system pressure testing, emissions system diagnostics Installation: Component installation and removal procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text content Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution, clear diagrams and illustrations Readability: Optimized for digital viewing and printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC Engine Code: M10B18 Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1766 cc) Performance Horsepower Approx: 90-105 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (depending on variant and market) Torque Approx: 100-105 lb-ft @ 3200-3500 rpm (depending on variant and market) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) or L-Jetronic fuel injection Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by market, typically 91+ RON) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Std: 4-Speed Manual Optional Transmission Type Opt: 3-Speed Automatic (ZF 3HP22) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm) Length Sedan: Approx. 170.5 inches (4330 mm) Width: Approx. 65.4 inches (1661 mm) Height: Approx. 54.8 inches (1392 mm) Weights Curb Weight Approx: 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 3500-3700 lbs (1590-1680 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Early E30 models predate rigorous modern crash testing standards. Subsequent models improved. Manual covers structural and passive safety components. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes. ABS optional on later models. Passive Features Seat Belts: Three-point inertia reel seat belts (front), two-point lap belts (rear) Body Structure: Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio Options: Factory-installed cassette radio, optional CD player in later years Speaker System: Basic 2-4 speaker system Driver Assistance ABS: Optional on later models, primarily on higher trims or specific packages Connectivity Connectivity Features: Minimal by modern standards; basic antenna for radio 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions Spark Plug Replacement: 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium Timing Belt Replacement: N/A (M10 engine uses a timing chain) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended for general use; refer to manual for specific climate recommendations Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change Coolant Type: BMW Blue or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid Known Issues Common Faults: Fuel distributor leaks (K-Jetronic), vacuum leaks, coolant leaks (hose degradation), rust in common E30 areas (wheel arches, sills), worn suspension bushings, rear subframe mounts Preventative Maintenance Key Checks: Regular inspection of coolant hoses, fuel lines, brake lines, and chassis for rust...
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs
Diagnostics:
Component testing, electrical system diagnosis, fuel system pressure testing, emissions system diagnostics
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text content
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution, clear diagrams and illustrations
Readability:
Optimized for digital viewing and printing
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC
Engine Code:
M10B18
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Performance
Horsepower Approx:
90-105 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (depending on variant and market)
Torque Approx:
100-105 lb-ft @ 3200-3500 rpm (depending on variant and market)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) or L-Jetronic fuel injection
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by market, typically 91+ RON)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Std:
4-Speed Manual
Optional
Transmission Type Opt:
3-Speed Automatic (ZF 3HP22)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.2 inches (2570 mm)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 170.5 inches (4330 mm)
Width:
Approx. 65.4 inches (1661 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.8 inches (1392 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3500-3700 lbs (1590-1680 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Early E30 models predate rigorous modern crash testing standards. Subsequent models improved. Manual covers structural and passive safety components.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes. ABS optional on later models.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts (front), two-point lap belts (rear)
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio Options:
Factory-installed cassette radio, optional CD player in later years
Speaker System:
Basic 2-4 speaker system
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional on later models, primarily on higher trims or specific packages
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards; basic antenna for radio
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (M10 engine uses a timing chain)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended for general use; refer to manual for specific climate recommendations
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Known Issues
Common Faults:
Fuel distributor leaks (K-Jetronic), vacuum leaks, coolant leaks (hose degradation), rust in common E30 areas (wheel arches, sills), worn suspension bushings, rear subframe mounts
Preventative Maintenance
Key Checks:
Regular inspection of coolant hoses, fuel lines, brake lines, and chassis for rust
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on driver engagement and performance
Model Evolution
E30 Introduction:
Introduced in 1982 as a replacement for the E21, the E30 defined the modern compact luxury sports sedan segment.
316 Positioning:
The entry-level model in the E30 range, offering a balance of BMW refinement and affordability.
Production
Production Years E30:
1982-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa, USA (CKD)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
General Reputation:
The E30 platform is widely regarded as a benchmark for sports sedans and coupes, celebrated for its handling, build quality, and driver involvement. The 316, while the entry point, benefits from this overall excellence.