🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Model Code: E30 Trim: 316i Production Years Covered: 1988-1991 Codes Engine Code Family: M40 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The E30 3 Series, particularly the 316i, was positioned as a compact executive sports sedan, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and handling characteristic of BMW. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and certain models from Alfa Romeo and Volvo. Key Features Handling: Renowned for its superb chassis balance, responsive steering, and engaging driving dynamics. Reliability: Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, a hallmark of BMW engineering of the era. Build Quality: Known for excellent build quality and durable materials, contributing to its longevity. Manual Value Proposition Benefit: Enables owners and technicians to perform a wide range of service and repair tasks, saving on labor costs and ensuring correct procedures are followed. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting Body Styles Covered: Sedan (2-door and 4-door), Convertible, Touring (Wagon) Page Count Estimated Pages: Refer to actual manual for precise count, typically 500+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emission controls Transmission: Manual transmission, clutch system, driveline, driveshafts, differential Brakes: Brake system hydraulics, front and rear brakes (disc/drum depending on model), parking brake, ABS (if equipped) Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, wipers, horns, power accessories, fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering system, power steering Body Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, chassis components Climate Control: HVAC system, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (if equipped) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt replacement, battery testing Repair: Engine component rebuilds (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper repair, electrical component replacement, suspension component replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting common problems, diagnostic codes (if applicable for the era), symptom-based diagnostics Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, timing specifications, electrical resistance values Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable: Likely searchable text, enabling quick information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: Factory quality, with clear diagrams and instructions. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Engine Code: M40B16 Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1596 cc) Performance Horsepower Ps: Approx. 100 PS (98 hp) at 5800 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning) Torque Nm: Approx. 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant Lubrication Oil Type: API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification) Engine Management ECU: Bosch Motronic 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 240 G (4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission) Optional Type: ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic transmission) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron IIE or Dexron III equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: 4325 mm (Sedan) Width Mm: 1670 mm Height Mm: 1380 mm (Sedan) Weights Curb Weight Kg: Approx. 1100-1200 kg (depending on body style and equipment) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg: Approx. 1600-1700 kg 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: E30 platform generally performed well for its era, though specific ratings are less common than modern standards. Refer to historical archives for detailed tests. Active Features ABS: Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models. Traction Control: Not typically available on the 316i E30. Passive Features Airbags: Driver airbag optional on later models, passenger airbag not standard. Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, driver and front passenger. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones designed for impact energy absorption. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio: Factory-fitted radio/cassette player (e.g., BMW Bavaria C, RDS models). Upgrades common. Speakers: Typically 4 or 6 speakers, depending on trim and options. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional cruise control available on some models. Connectivity Bluetooth Usb: Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket solutions are available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions. Air Filter: Replace every 30,000-40,000 km or as needed based on inspection. Spark Plugs: Replace every 40,000-60,000 km. Specific type (e.g., NGK BKR6EK) recommended. Coolant Flush:...
The E30 3 Series, particularly the 316i, was positioned as a compact executive sports sedan, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and handling characteristic of BMW.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and certain models from Alfa Romeo and Volvo.
Key Features
Handling:
Renowned for its superb chassis balance, responsive steering, and engaging driving dynamics.
Reliability:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, a hallmark of BMW engineering of the era.
Build Quality:
Known for excellent build quality and durable materials, contributing to its longevity.
Manual Value Proposition
Benefit:
Enables owners and technicians to perform a wide range of service and repair tasks, saving on labor costs and ensuring correct procedures are followed.
Approx. 100 PS (98 hp) at 5800 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Nm:
Approx. 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant
Lubrication
Oil Type:
API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Engine Management
ECU:
Bosch Motronic
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
Getrag 240 G (4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission)
Optional
Type:
ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic transmission)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron IIE or Dexron III equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
4325 mm (Sedan)
Width Mm:
1670 mm
Height Mm:
1380 mm (Sedan)
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1100-1200 kg (depending on body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Approx. 1600-1700 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
E30 platform generally performed well for its era, though specific ratings are less common than modern standards. Refer to historical archives for detailed tests.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on the 316i E30.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver airbag optional on later models, passenger airbag not standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, driver and front passenger.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones designed for impact energy absorption.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio:
Factory-fitted radio/cassette player (e.g., BMW Bavaria C, RDS models). Upgrades common.
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers, depending on trim and options.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control available on some models.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Usb:
Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket solutions are available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions.
Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000-40,000 km or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 40,000-60,000 km. Specific type (e.g., NGK BKR6EK) recommended.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation to maintain corrosion protection.
Timing Belt:
The M40 engine uses a timing *belt*. Replacement interval is critical, typically every 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification). Flush every 2 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW approved ATF or Pentosin CHF 11S (depending on system type, refer to manual). Check level regularly.
Known Issues
Engine M40:
Potential for head gasket leaks, worn valve stem seals leading to oil consumption, and timing belt tensioner issues. Regular belt replacement is paramount.
Rust:
Prone to rust in common E30 areas: jacking points, rear wheel arches, front fenders, sunroof drains, and battery tray.
Electrical:
Fraying wiring harness insulation (especially around engine bay and door hinges), faulty headlight relays, and dashboard illumination issues.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear trailing arm bushings are common wear items affecting handling and ride quality.
Maintenance Parts
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter W917/2 or equivalent BMW P/N 11 42 1 730 917
Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter C2533 or equivalent BMW P/N 13 72 1 730 979
Spark Plug Part Number:
e.g., NGK BKR6EK or BMW P/N 12 12 1 743 096
Timing Belt Kit Part Number:
e.g., Gates K015473xs or equivalent BMW P/N 11 31 1 417 146 (belt, tensioner, idler)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporty, and well-engineered vehicles.
Model Evolution
E30 Introduction:
The E30 generation was introduced in 1982 as the successor to the E21. It significantly refined the design and engineering of the 3 Series.
E30 Facelift:
The E30 underwent a significant facelift in 1987, which included revised bumpers, body trim, and updated interior features, relevant to the 1988-1991 range.
Production
Production Period:
1982-1994 (global, with variations by market and body style)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other international locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
E30 Legacy:
The E30 generation is highly regarded by enthusiasts and is considered a modern classic, winning numerous accolades for its design and driving dynamics over its production life.
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its handling, build quality, and sporty character during its era.