🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 318i Year: 1989 Codes Chassis Code: E30 Engine Code Primary: M40B18 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Compact executive sedan/coupe, renowned for sporty driving dynamics and build quality Competitive Analysis Competitors 1989: Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Volvo 240, Ford Sierra Key Features Vehicle Driving Dynamics: Excellent handling, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis Key Features Manual Usability: Authoritative information for accurate repairs and maintenance, reducing guesswork and costly errors Value Proposition: Essential tool for owners and mechanics to maintain the longevity and performance of the E30 318i 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Full service and repair instructions Page Count Pages: Estimated 500-800+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely printed manual; digital versions (PDF) often derived from original prints 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanicals (M40B18), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU) Transmission: Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable to model variant), clutch system, driveshafts Brakes: Brake system components (discs, calipers, master cylinder, lines), parking brake, ABS (if equipped) Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering) Electrical: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrumentation, fuses, relays, auxiliary components Body Chassis: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components, collision repair basics Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad replacement Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault codes (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides Diagnostics: Step-by-step diagnostic routines for various systems Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Typically PDF; quality can vary based on scanning of original print Print Quality Print Quality Original: High-quality technical printing with clear diagrams and text Binding Type Binding: Original would be professionally bound; digital format bypasses this Paper Type Paper Type Original: Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1796 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 81.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Performance Horsepower: 114 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate, depending on market and exact tune) Torque: 119 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approximate) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic fuel injection (typically L-Jetronic or similar phased injection system) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended) Engine Management ECU Type: Bosch Motronic (specific model number varies) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 or similar) Features Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in) Width: Approx. 1674 mm (65.9 in) Height: Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1200-1300 kg (2645-2866 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by specific model, typically around 1700-1800 kg 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Testing Era: E30 platform predates standardized crash testing as we know it today (e.g., NCAP), but BMW vehicles of this era were engineered with safety in mind. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often available as an option Traction Control: Traction control was rare or non-existent on the 318i E30 of this year Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point front seatbelts, often with pretensioners; 2-point rear seatbelts Airbags: Driver-side airbag became available later in the E30 lifecycle, might not be standard or available on all 1989 318i models Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory radio with cassette player, optional CD player later in the production run; basic speaker system. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on many models Connectivity Bluetooth Usb: Not applicable for this era 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (recommendation based on era and oil quality) Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (depending on plug type) Timing Belt: Replace every 40,000 - 60,000 miles or 5 years (CRITICAL for M40 engine to prevent catastrophic failure upon breakage) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific BMW approval) Coolant: BMW coolant or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid Transmission Fluid Manual: GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Pentosin MTF.2 or equivalent) Transmission Fluid Auto: Dexron III ATF (or specified equivalent for ZF transmission) Power Steering Fluid: Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid Known...
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault codes (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for various systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Typically PDF; quality can vary based on scanning of original print
Print Quality
Print Quality Original:
High-quality technical printing with clear diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding:
Original would be professionally bound; digital format bypasses this
Paper Type
Paper Type Original:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Performance
Horsepower:
114 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate, depending on market and exact tune)
Torque:
119 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approximate)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection (typically L-Jetronic or similar phased injection system)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic (specific model number varies)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 or similar)
Features
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4340 mm (170.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1674 mm (65.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1200-1300 kg (2645-2866 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by specific model, typically around 1700-1800 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Testing Era:
E30 platform predates standardized crash testing as we know it today (e.g., NCAP), but BMW vehicles of this era were engineered with safety in mind.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often available as an option
Traction Control:
Traction control was rare or non-existent on the 318i E30 of this year
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, often with pretensioners; 2-point rear seatbelts
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became available later in the E30 lifecycle, might not be standard or available on all 1989 318i models
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory radio with cassette player, optional CD player later in the production run; basic speaker system.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models
Connectivity
Bluetooth Usb:
Not applicable for this era
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (recommendation based on era and oil quality)
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Timing Belt:
Replace every 40,000 - 60,000 miles or 5 years (CRITICAL for M40 engine to prevent catastrophic failure upon breakage)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific BMW approval)
Coolant:
BMW coolant or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Pentosin MTF.2 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III ATF (or specified equivalent for ZF transmission)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Known Issues
M40 Engine Concerns:
Timing belt failure (due to lack of maintenance), potential head gasket issues, idle control valve problems, early valve stem seal wear
BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury, particularly in the 'ultimate driving machine' ethos.
Model Evolution
E30 Generation:
The E30 generation (1982-1994) is a highly acclaimed series, known for its compact size, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and enduring design. The 318i was an entry-level model within this successful platform.
318I Introduction E30:
The 318i variant, with its more economical 4-cylinder engine, broadened the appeal of the E30 range.
Production
Production Period:
E30 series produced from 1982 to 1994. The 318i M40 engine variant was introduced in 1987/1988.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
E30 Reputation:
The E30 series is widely regarded as one of BMW's finest generations, frequently appearing on 'best of' lists for its driving experience and build quality.
Ratings
Car And Driver Comparison:
Often featured and praised in contemporary comparison tests by automotive publications like Car and Driver for its handling and value.