🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 316i Generation: E30 Codes Chassis Code: E30 Engine Code Variant: M10B18 (early part of production range likely) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact executive sedan/coupe. The E30 3 Series was renowned for its sporty handling and build quality. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Ford Sierra, Opel Ascona/Vectra. Key Features Driving Dynamics: Excellent balance, rear-wheel drive, responsive steering, and a driver-focused cockpit were hallmarks of the E30 generation. Reliability And Durability: BMW's reputation for robust engineering contributed to the E30's longevity, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and daily drivers. Manual Value Proposition Cost Effectiveness: Provides detailed procedures to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, significantly reducing labor costs associated with dealership servicing. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Year Coverage: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by publisher; typically 500+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: Likely English (standard for most international markets), but verification is recommended. Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanicals (M10 series), fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system. Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul and repair, clutch operation, driveshafts, differentials. Chassis: Suspension (front struts, rear trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs), steering system (rack and pinion), braking system (front discs, rear drums/discs depending on spec), wheel alignment. Electrical: Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator), lighting system, instrumentation, fuses and relays, basic diagnosis of electrical faults. Body And Trim: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, fluid level checks. Repair: Engine component replacement (pistons, bearings, gaskets), fuel injector servicing, brake pad/disc replacement, shock absorber replacement, radiator replacement, starter/alternator repair. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, electrical, and braking issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the specific model variant's ECU). Diagnostics: Component testing, sensor readings, basic electrical circuit tracing. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Detailed specifications and torque values are expected. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Searchable: Typically searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval. Binding Type Physical Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Digital Resolution: High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline-4 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated Engine Code E30 316I: Likely M10B18 (pre-facelift models) or potentially M40B18 for later 1988-1991 models. Verification is crucial. Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1766 cc or 1795 cc depending on specific M10/M40 variant) Performance Horsepower: Approximately 98-105 hp (depending on specific variant and market regulations) Torque: Approximately 140-145 Nm (103-107 lb-ft) depending on specific variant and market regulations Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended) Engine Management ECU Type: Bosch Motronic (likely M1.3 or similar) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF or similar) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulically operated (manual transmission) Fluid Specification Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF Dextron II or equivalent (check manual for specific part numbers) Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF Dextron II or equivalent (check manual for specific part numbers) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4325 mm (170.3 in) Width: Approx. 1677 mm (66.0 in) Height: Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1100-1200 kg (2425-2645 lbs), depending on transmission and options. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Check vehicle specific plate, typically around 1600 kg. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: No official standardized ratings from modern agencies (NHTSA/Euro NCAP) for this era. However, the E30 chassis was known for its robust safety cell. Active Features ABS: Optional on some models, standard on high-performance variants or later production runs. Check specific vehicle. Limited Slip Differential: Optional on some models, particularly with M-Sport packages or performance variants. Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts (later models may have three-point rear). Driver Airbag: Rarely fitted as standard on early E30 models, became more common on later production years, often as an option. Reinforced Chassis: The E30 featured a strong unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio System: Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player. Many units may have been upgraded over time. Speaker System: Typically 2-4 speaker system depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on many models. Connectivity Obc: On-Board Computer often featured basic functions like fuel consumption, average speed, and time. Prone to failure on these older vehicles. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to...
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, electrical, and braking issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the specific model variant's ECU).
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Detailed specifications and torque values are expected.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Searchable:
Typically searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Digital Resolution:
High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code E30 316I:
Likely M10B18 (pre-facelift models) or potentially M40B18 for later 1988-1991 models. Verification is crucial.
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc or 1795 cc depending on specific M10/M40 variant)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 98-105 hp (depending on specific variant and market regulations)
Torque:
Approximately 140-145 Nm (103-107 lb-ft) depending on specific variant and market regulations
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic (likely M1.3 or similar)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF or similar)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated (manual transmission)
Fluid Specification
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dextron II or equivalent (check manual for specific part numbers)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dextron II or equivalent (check manual for specific part numbers)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4325 mm (170.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1677 mm (66.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1100-1200 kg (2425-2645 lbs), depending on transmission and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Check vehicle specific plate, typically around 1600 kg.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
No official standardized ratings from modern agencies (NHTSA/Euro NCAP) for this era. However, the E30 chassis was known for its robust safety cell.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on high-performance variants or later production runs. Check specific vehicle.
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional on some models, particularly with M-Sport packages or performance variants.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts (later models may have three-point rear).
Driver Airbag:
Rarely fitted as standard on early E30 models, became more common on later production years, often as an option.
Reinforced Chassis:
The E30 featured a strong unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player. Many units may have been upgraded over time.
Speaker System:
Typically 2-4 speaker system depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models.
Connectivity
Obc:
On-Board Computer often featured basic functions like fuel consumption, average speed, and time. Prone to failure on these older vehicles.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
If equipped with the M40 engine, the timing belt requires replacement approximately every 50,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years. The M10 engine uses a timing chain.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Use BMW-approved coolant.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check manual for precise viscosity based on ambient temperature). BMW Longlife-98 or similar specification oils if available.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (with filter change) for M10/M40 engines.
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Engine M40:
Timing belt tensioner issues, valve stem seals leading to oil consumption, potential for VANOS issues on later M40 variants if applicable.
Engine M10:
Generally robust, but can suffer from oil leaks (e.g., rear main seal), valve seat wear over high mileage.
Cooling System:
Plastic radiator end tanks can become brittle and leak, thermostat housing leaks, fan clutch failure (if equipped).
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn shock absorbers, differential mounts can crack.
Common rust points include wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, and sunroof drains.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long history of producing driver-oriented vehicles, particularly in the 'Neue Klasse' and its successors, set the stage for the E30.
Model Evolution
E30 Launch:
The E30 generation replaced the E21 3 Series and was produced from 1982 to 1994 (coupe/convertible), with sedans produced until 1991 in most markets.
Facelift:
The E30 underwent a significant facelift in late 1987/early 1988, introducing revised bumpers, larger taillights, and interior updates. The 1988-1991 models represent the post-facelift era.
Production
Production Period 316I:
Covered within the 1988-1991 model years mentioned.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), but also assembled in other locations worldwide.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E30 generation was a regular on Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production years, particularly in its higher performance variants.
European Car Of The Year Nominee:
While not a winner for BMW in the specific years of this manual, the E30 was a strong contender and well-regarded in its class across Europe.
Ratings
Enthusiast Following:
The E30 chassis is highly regarded by automotive enthusiasts for its classic styling, driving dynamics, and relative simplicity, leading to a strong aftermarket support and community.