🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i Year: 1989 Chassis Code: E30 Engine Designation: M20B25 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Compact executive sports sedan/coupe Reputation: Renowned for driving dynamics, build quality, and sporting heritage Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75 Key Features Driving Dynamics: Rear-wheel drive, near 50/50 weight distribution, independent suspension, communicative steering Engine Performance: Smooth inline-six engine known for its responsiveness and torque band Build Quality: Typical BMW precision engineering and durable construction 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: BMW 325i (E30 chassis) Secondary Coverage: BMW 325 (E30 chassis) Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as 'complete' and 'full factory') Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Full overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling Engine Management: Bosch Motronic fuel injection and ignition systems (M1.3), sensors, actuators, troubleshooting Drivetrain: Clutch, transmission (manual and automatic), driveshaft, differential, axles Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering linkage Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (discs), ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinder Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starter, ignition, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic codes HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and service Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, structural components, corrosion protection Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Systematic fault finding for all major components, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all mechanical and electrical components Overhaul And Rebuild: Complete procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds Adjustment: Valve adjustments, idle speed adjustments, clutch adjustments Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Digital PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable (standard for factory PDFs) Print Quality Printability: Printable in sections or entire document Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M20B25 Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2494 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 75.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Performance Horsepower: 168 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.) Torque: 164 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M1.3 Fuel Injection and Ignition System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended) Lubrication Oil Type: SAE 15W-40 or 15W-50 (check specific owner's manual for climate variations) Oil Capacity: Approx. 5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter change 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission Optional Type: ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission Features Rear Axle Ratio: Typically 3.73:1 for manual, 3.46:1 for automatic (check VIN for specifics) Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil recommended Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4340 mm (170.9 in) Width: 1678 mm (66.1 in) Height: 1370 mm (53.9 in) Wheelbase: 2565 mm (101.0 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on body style and options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by model and configuration 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Standard: Reflects 1980s automotive safety standards Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option Traction Control: Not typically available Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag available as an option on later models, not standard on all 1989 models. Seatbelts: Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear Crumple Zones: Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory cassette player with AM/FM radio, optional CD player Speakers: Typically 4-6 speakers depending on options Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually (depending on oil type and driving conditions) Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap) Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid Power Steering Fluid: BMW approved CHF 11S or equivalent Pentosin hydraulic fluid Known Issues Common Wear Items: Brake rotors/pads, control arm bushings, sway bar links, fuel pump, fuel injectors, coolant hoses, starter motor, window regulators Engine Specifics: Head gasket leaks (especially if overheated), oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, timing belt condition (critical - M20 is timing belt driven) Electrical Issues: Corrosion on grounds, faulty door lock actuators, intermittent warning lights 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Brand Focus: German automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles Model Evolution E30 Generation: Second generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994 (e30 chassis) 325I Introduction: Introduced to offer a more potent...
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Digital PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (standard for factory PDFs)
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable in sections or entire document
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M20B25
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Performance
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
164 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M1.3 Fuel Injection and Ignition System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
Lubrication
Oil Type:
SAE 15W-40 or 15W-50 (check specific owner's manual for climate variations)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter change
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission
Optional
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Features
Rear Axle Ratio:
Typically 3.73:1 for manual, 3.46:1 for automatic (check VIN for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil recommended
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4340 mm (170.9 in)
Width:
1678 mm (66.1 in)
Height:
1370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2565 mm (101.0 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on body style and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and configuration
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Standard:
Reflects 1980s automotive safety standards
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option
Traction Control:
Not typically available
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's airbag available as an option on later models, not standard on all 1989 models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory cassette player with AM/FM radio, optional CD player
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speakers depending on options
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW approved CHF 11S or equivalent Pentosin hydraulic fluid
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Brake rotors/pads, control arm bushings, sway bar links, fuel pump, fuel injectors, coolant hoses, starter motor, window regulators
Engine Specifics:
Head gasket leaks (especially if overheated), oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, timing belt condition (critical - M20 is timing belt driven)
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on grounds, faulty door lock actuators, intermittent warning lights
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
German automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles
Model Evolution
E30 Generation:
Second generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994 (e30 chassis)
325I Introduction:
Introduced to offer a more potent inline-six engine compared to the 323i and 320i variants.
Updates For 1989:
The 1989 model year often falls into the 'late' E30 production, potentially including minor cosmetic or equipment updates compared to earlier models.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
E30 Generation Acclaim:
The E30 generation as a whole is widely acclaimed for its timeless design and exceptional driving experience, often featured on 'best cars' lists.
Individual Model Awards:
While specific awards for the '1989 325i' are not prominently listed, the model lineage consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its performance and handling.
Ratings
Historical Performance:
Consistently ranked high in its class for performance, handling, and build quality by contemporary automotive publications.