🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M3 Chassis Code: E30 Model Year: 1990 Trim Level: M3 Engine Variant: S14 (2.3L) Generation: First Generation M3 (E30) Codes Engine Code: S14B23 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Iconic homologation special, performance sedan/coupe. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16, Alfa Romeo 75 Evoluzione. Key Features Performance Focus: Developed for Group A touring car racing homologation, featuring significant chassis and engine upgrades over standard E30 models. Handling: Renowned for its exceptional handling and driver engagement, thanks to a bespoke multi-link rear suspension and wider track. Design: Distinctive box-flared fenders, unique front and rear spoilers, and a more aerodynamic body kit compared to standard E30 models. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Full Coverage: All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types for 1990 BMW E30 M3 Page Count Estimated Pages: Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (S14), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Getrag 265 5-speed Manual), Drivetrain (Rear-Wheel Drive, Limited-Slip Differential) Chassis: Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Trailing Arm), Steering System (Recirculating Ball), Brakes (Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs), Wheels and Tires Electrical: Engine Management System (DME), Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays Body And Interior: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Heating and Ventilation (HVAC), Convertible Top (if applicable) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Adjustments Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Finding Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics Specifications: Torque Specifications, Clearances, Tolerances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and component-level repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick access to specific information. Print Quality Resolution: High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Displacement: 2302 cc (2.3 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 91.0 mm x 87.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 Valve Train: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder Performance Horsepower: 218 hp (163 kW) at 6750 rpm (DIN spec, some markets may vary slightly) Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) at 4750 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M3.1 Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium (98 RON / 91 AKI) Engine Management Ignition System: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or similar advanced system for its time. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 265 5-speed Manual Gear Ratios: Close-ratio, including Dogleg 1st gear pattern. Optional Type: None (M3 was exclusively manual transmission) Features Differential: BMW M Limited-Slip Differential (30% lock) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oil (e.g., Pentosin Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 or equivalent). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4345 mm (171.1 in) Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in) - wider than standard E30 Height: Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2565 mm (101.0 in) Track Width Front: Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in) Track Width Rear: Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in) - wider than standard E30 Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1200 kg (2646 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: N/A (Generally not a primary spec for performance manuals) Weight Distribution: Near 50/50 front/rear with driver, a key M3 characteristic. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data from modern standards, but E30 chassis known for good passive safety for its era. Active Features Braking System: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on M3 models. Stability Control: No electronic stability control systems. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag typically standard for 1990 models. Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts, potentially with pre-tensioners. Body Structure: Reinforced chassis and crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, potentially with optional premium sound system (e.g., Bavaria C). Dashboard Display: Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Check control panel for warning lights. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional feature, typically controlled via a stalk on the steering column. Connectivity Exterior Features: Electric mirrors, fog lights (front and rear). Interior Features Climate Control: Manual HVAC system with adjustable fan speed and temperature. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-15,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for precise intervals. Air Filter Replacement: Inspect annually, replace as needed or every 20,000-30,000 miles (30,000-50,000 km). Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000-40,000 miles (50,000-60,000 km). Specific type and gap detailed in manual. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: BMW recommends synthetic 5W-40 or 10W-40 oil meeting BMW LL-01 specifications (or...
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and component-level repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick access to specific information.
Print Quality
Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Displacement:
2302 cc (2.3 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
Performance
Horsepower:
218 hp (163 kW) at 6750 rpm (DIN spec, some markets may vary slightly)
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) at 4750 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.1 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (98 RON / 91 AKI)
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or similar advanced system for its time.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed Manual
Gear Ratios:
Close-ratio, including Dogleg 1st gear pattern.
Optional
Type:
None (M3 was exclusively manual transmission)
Features
Differential:
BMW M Limited-Slip Differential (30% lock)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oil (e.g., Pentosin Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 or equivalent).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4345 mm (171.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in) - wider than standard E30
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2565 mm (101.0 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in) - wider than standard E30
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200 kg (2646 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Generally not a primary spec for performance manuals)
Weight Distribution:
Near 50/50 front/rear with driver, a key M3 characteristic.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data from modern standards, but E30 chassis known for good passive safety for its era.
Active Features
Braking System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on M3 models.
Stability Control:
No electronic stability control systems.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag typically standard for 1990 models.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts, potentially with pre-tensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, potentially with optional premium sound system (e.g., Bavaria C).
Dashboard Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Check control panel for warning lights.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional feature, typically controlled via a stalk on the steering column.
Connectivity
Exterior Features:
Electric mirrors, fog lights (front and rear).
Interior Features
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with adjustable fan speed and temperature.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-15,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for precise intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect annually, replace as needed or every 20,000-30,000 miles (30,000-50,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-40,000 miles (50,000-60,000 km). Specific type and gap detailed in manual.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW recommends synthetic 5W-40 or 10W-40 oil meeting BMW LL-01 specifications (or equivalent older specs like A4 or E4).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. BMW blue coolant (G48) or equivalent is recommended. Always use a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Engine Oil Consumption:
S14 engines are known for higher oil consumption than some other BMW engines. Regular oil level checks are crucial.
Rear Suspension Mounts:
Cracking or failure of rear trailing arm mounting points in the chassis can occur due to age and stress. Inspection and reinforcement are advised.
Fuel Lines:
Degradation of rubber fuel lines over time can lead to leaks.
Accumulator:
The brake system may have a brake pressure accumulator which can fail over time, affecting brake pedal feel.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorsport:
BMW M GmbH's first standalone model, built to homologate the E30 for Group A touring car racing.
Model Evolution
Development:
Developed by BMW Motorsport, featuring significant chassis and engine modifications from the standard E30 3-Series.
Racing Success:
Highly successful in motorsport, winning numerous championships worldwide, including the DTM, ETCC, and IMSA GTP.
Production
Production Years:
1986-1991 (E30 M3)
Production Volume:
Approx. 17,970 units worldwide for all E30 M3 variants.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motorsport Accolades:
Winner of numerous international touring car championships, cementing its legendary status in motorsport history.
Automotive Critics:
Consistently lauded by automotive publications for its driving dynamics and track capability, often cited as one of the greatest driver's cars of its era.