🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series (E30) Model Variant: 316i Codes Chassis Code: E30 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: BMW E30 316i owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops Value Proposition: Provides comprehensive, detailed repair and maintenance information for the BMW 316i E30, enabling owners to service and repair their vehicles effectively. Competitive Analysis Differentiation: Claims 'real deal' status with A-Z coverage of mechanical and electrical repairs, distinguishing it from less comprehensive guides. Key Features Content Highlight: Extensive coverage of all repairs, both mechanical and electrical, supported by detailed visuals. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Models: All BMW 316i E30 models Covered Years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Coverage Scope: Mechanical and Electrical Repairs, A-Z Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies (Digital product, printable pages, content comprehensive) Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (Printable Pages) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), cooling system, exhaust system Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveshafts, differential Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pad/disc replacement, caliper overhaul Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, ignition system, engine control unit (ECU), diagnostics Bodywork Interior: Body panel repair, rust prevention, interior trim, seats, HVAC system Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, timing belt/chain inspection, fluid level checks Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for all mechanical and electrical component repairs and replacements Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common issues Diagnostics: Engine management diagnostics, electrical fault finding using diagrams Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics Visual Aids: Tons of detailed pictures and diagrams 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (implied by printable pages) Print Quality Printability: All pages printable Binding Type Binding: Digital - Not Applicable (User prints and binds) Paper Type Paper Recommendation: Standard printing paper (User dependent) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Family: M40 Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1596 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 71.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 or 9.5:1 (depending on specific model year/market) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) at 6000 rpm Torque: Approx. 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) at 4300 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic fuel injection (Mono-Jetronic on earlier models, likely L-Jetronic/Motronic on later 1988-1991 models) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended) Engine Management Ignition System: Electronic Ignition (Distributorless on later models, or with distributor) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Manual ( Getrag 240 ) Optional Transmission Type: 3-speed Automatic (ZF 3HP22) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation Fluid Specs Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 2-door Sedan (E30/2), 4-door Sedan (E30/4), Convertible (E30/2C), Touring (E30/5 - less common for 316i) Wheelbase: 2560 mm (100.8 in) Length: Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in) for sedans Width: Approx. 1640 mm (64.6 in) Height: Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in) for sedans Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1150 - 1250 kg (2535 - 2756 lbs) depending on body style and transmission 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Features Era: Standard safety features for the late 1980s/early 1990s. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear drums (or all-around discs on some later models). ABS optional on some variants. Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point front seatbelts, often with pretensioners. Rear seatbelts. Body Construction: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio System: Factory-fitted radio/cassette player (various brands like Blaupunkt, Becker). Aftermarket upgrades common. On Board Computer: Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) with basic functions like fuel consumption, trip distance, time. Driver Assistance ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on many E30 models, including the 316i. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for exact spec). Spark Plug Replacement Interval: Approx. 30,000 - 40,000 km (depending on plug type, e.g., copper vs. platinum). Timing Belt Interval: The M40 engine uses a timing belt. Replacement interval typically around 60,000 km or 4 years. Critical to replace as failure can cause severe engine damage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic 10W-40 or 5W-40 (API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, BMW Longlife-98 specification may be applicable for later oil types). Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water. BMW Blue coolant (G48) or equivalent. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 Known Issues Engine M40: Timing belt wear, valve stem seals (oil consumption), starter motor issues, idle...
BMW E30 316i owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, detailed repair and maintenance information for the BMW 316i E30, enabling owners to service and repair their vehicles effectively.
Competitive Analysis
Differentiation:
Claims 'real deal' status with A-Z coverage of mechanical and electrical repairs, distinguishing it from less comprehensive guides.
Key Features
Content Highlight:
Extensive coverage of all repairs, both mechanical and electrical, supported by detailed visuals.
Step-by-step instructions for all mechanical and electrical component repairs and replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common issues
Diagnostics:
Engine management diagnostics, electrical fault finding using diagrams
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics
Visual Aids:
Tons of detailed pictures and diagrams
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (implied by printable pages)
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages printable
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital - Not Applicable (User prints and binds)
Paper Type
Paper Recommendation:
Standard printing paper (User dependent)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Family:
M40
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1596 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 71.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 or 9.5:1 (depending on specific model year/market)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) at 6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) at 4300 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection (Mono-Jetronic on earlier models, likely L-Jetronic/Motronic on later 1988-1991 models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended)
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless on later models, or with distributor)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual ( Getrag 240 )
Optional
Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic (ZF 3HP22)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation
Fluid Specs
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
2-door Sedan (E30/2), 4-door Sedan (E30/4), Convertible (E30/2C), Touring (E30/5 - less common for 316i)
Wheelbase:
2560 mm (100.8 in)
Length:
Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in) for sedans
Width:
Approx. 1640 mm (64.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in) for sedans
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1150 - 1250 kg (2535 - 2756 lbs) depending on body style and transmission
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Features Era:
Standard safety features for the late 1980s/early 1990s.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums (or all-around discs on some later models). ABS optional on some variants.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, often with pretensioners. Rear seatbelts.
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio System:
Factory-fitted radio/cassette player (various brands like Blaupunkt, Becker). Aftermarket upgrades common.
On Board Computer:
Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) with basic functions like fuel consumption, trip distance, time.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on many E30 models, including the 316i.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for exact spec).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 30,000 - 40,000 km (depending on plug type, e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Interval:
The M40 engine uses a timing belt. Replacement interval typically around 60,000 km or 4 years. Critical to replace as failure can cause severe engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic 10W-40 or 5W-40 (API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, BMW Longlife-98 specification may be applicable for later oil types).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water. BMW Blue coolant (G48) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Engine M40:
Timing belt wear, valve stem seals (oil consumption), starter motor issues, idle control valve issues, injector seals.
Electrical:
Corrosion in fuse box and connectors, failure of OBC (On-Board Computer) if equipped, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Body Rust:
Common rust areas include wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, and around windows.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on the 'Ultimate Driving Machine', sporty handling, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E30 Development:
The E30 generation succeeded the E21 and introduced significant improvements in handling, refinement, and a wider range of engine options. It was a highly successful model for BMW.
E30 Timeline:
Produced from 1982 to 1994 (globally, with sedan production ending earlier in some markets). The 316i variant was introduced later in the E30 lifecycle.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with some assembly in other BMW facilities globally.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
E30 Reputation:
The E30 platform is highly regarded for its driving dynamics, build quality, and longevity, often considered a modern classic.
Ratings
Contemporary Reviews:
Contemporary reviews praised the E30's handling, responsive steering, and comfortable ride, though the 316i was positioned as the entry-level model with more modest performance.