📚 Vehicle Manual Information

BMW 320I E30 Service Repair Manual 1987-1991

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

320i

Chassis Code:

E30

Model Years Covered:

1987-1991

Engine Code Common:

M20B20

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW E30 3 Series is a highly regarded compact executive car known for its driving dynamics and build quality. The 320i variant represents a strong mid-range offering within the E30 lineup.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, and Alfa Romeo 75.

Design Philosophy:

Focus on driver engagement, balanced chassis, and sophisticated engineering typical of BMW.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, specific repair and maintenance information essential for preserving the longevity and performance of the E30 320i.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

Delivery:

Instant Download

Compatibility:

PC/MAC Compatible

Page Count:

Not Specified (Comprehensive)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, diagnostics

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, pressure regulator, fuel tank

Lubrication:

Oil pump, oil cooler, lubrication passages, oil filter replacement

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan operation

Ignition System:

Distributor, spark plugs, ignition coils, timing adjustment

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, wiring diagrams, switches, lighting

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearshift linkage, transmission overhaul, fluid changes

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission removal/installation, fluid services, torque converter (if applicable, specific to model variant)

Suspension Front:

Wheel bearings, control arms, shock absorbers, struts, steering components

Suspension Rear:

Shock absorbers, trailing arms, springs, differential mounting

Brakes Hydraulic:

Brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, bleeding procedures

Steering:

Steering rack, tie rods, power steering system (if applicable)

Bodywork:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators

Interior:

Seat removal/installation, dashboard components, trim panels

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks

Repair:

Component replacement, rebuilding procedures, fault diagnosis

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, common problems and solutions, symptom-based analysis

Rebuilding:

Engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, differential overhaul

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step wiring diagnostics, component testing

Installation:

Engine installation, transmission installation, major component replacement

Depth:

Comprehensive workshop level, suitable for DIY mechanics and professional technicians

Diagrams:

Detailed step-by-step diagrams and illustrations for all procedures

Electrical Diagrams:

Full electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, tolerances

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typically, depending on OCR quality)

Printable:

Yes (print selected pages or entire manual)

Zoom Functionality:

Yes

Quality Description:

Clear, easy-to-read text and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (M20 series)

Displacement Cc:

1990 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

80.0 mm x 66.0 mm (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1 to 10.5:1 (depending on specific variant/market)

Horsepower Ps:

Approx. 125-129 PS @ 6000 rpm

Torque Nm:

Approx. 174-180 Nm @ 4300 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specific to market)

Oil Capacity Liters:

Approx. 4.25 Liters (without filter change)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-40 or 15W-50 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual Liters:

Approx. 1.5 Liters

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4325 mm

Width Mm:

1680 mm

Height Mm:

1380 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1150-1250 kg

Wheelbase Mm:

2570 mm

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Wheel Offset Et:

ET 12 to ET 22 (common)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing Era:

Era specific, likely not rated by modern standards like NHTSA or Euro NCAP.

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Discs (standard on most models, or drums on base models)

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering (with optional power steering)

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Factory fitted analogue or early digital tuning radios, often with cassette players.

Speakers:

Typically 2 or 4 speaker systems.

ABS:

Optional on some models, standard on later variants.

Connectivity Era:

Limited connectivity by modern standards; primarily analogue systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Km Miles:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 6,000-10,000 miles (refer to manual for precise recommendations).

Air Filter Replacement Km Miles:

Every 20,000-30,000 km or 12,000-18,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement Km Miles:

Every 30,000-50,000 km or 18,000-30,000 miles.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent G11 type (Ethylene Glycol based).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron III or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific model variant for exact spec).

Common E30 Issues:

Cooling system component failure (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel distributor issues, differential seal leaks, subframe cracks (rear), door seal degradation, electrical sensor failures.

Manual Utility For Issues:

The manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures and repair instructions for addressing these common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, sporty driving characteristics, and driver-focused design.

E30 Introduction:

The E30 generation replaced the E21 and was produced from 1982 to 1994, becoming one of BMW's most iconic and successful models.

E30 Facelift:

The 1987-1991 models represent the 'late' E30s, featuring updated aesthetics (e.g., 'big valve' bumpers, revised interior) and often improved mechanicals.

Production Period:

1987-1991 for the 320i E30 variant covered by this manual.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany, with potential assembly in other regions.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General E30 Reputation:

The E30 generation is widely celebrated for its driving dynamics and is considered a modern classic by many automotive publications and enthusiasts.