1985 BMW 3 SERIES Automatic

REPAIRS & OVERHAUL
Engine and Associated Systems
In-car engine repair procedures Page 2A•1
General engine overhaul procedures Page2B•1
Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems Page3•1
Fuel and exhaust systems Page 4•1
Engine electrical systems Page5•1
Engine management and emission control systems Page6•1
Transmission
Manual transmission Page7A•1
Automatic transmission Page7B•1
Clutch and driveline Page 8•1
Brakes
Braking systemPage 9•1
Suspension
Suspension and steering systems Page 10•1
Body Equipment
Bodywork and fittings Page 11•1
Electrical
Body electrical systems Page 12•1
Wiring DiagramsPage 12•10
REFERENCE
MOT Test Checks
Checks carried out from the driver’s seat PageREF•1
Checks carried out with the vehicle on the ground PageREF•2
Checks carried out with the vehicle raised PageREF•3
Checks carried out on your vehicle’s exhaust emission system PageREF•4
Tools and Working Facilities Page REF•5
General Repair Procedures Page REF•8
Fault FindingPage REF•9
Conversion factors PageREF•17
Automotive chemicals and lubricants PageREF•18
Buying spare parts and vehicle identification numbers PageREF•19
Glossary of Technical Terms PageREF•20
IndexPage REF•25
Contents

0•4Introduction
The E30 3-Series range first became
available in the UK in March 1983, and
continued in production until April 1991, when
the revised E36 3-Series range (not covered
by this manual) was introduced. Convertible
and Touring (Estate) models were introduced
for 1988, and these models have continued in
E30 form to date.
The E28 5-Series models were introduced
in October 1981, and were superseded in
June 1988 by the revised E34 5-Series range,
Touring versions of which became available
from March 1992. Throughout this manual,
E28 models are also referred to as “old-
shape”, while E34 models are designated
“new-shape”.
The models covered by this manual are
equipped with single overhead cam in-line
four- and six-cylinder engines. Early 316 and
518 models are fitted with carburettors, but all
other models are fitted with fuel injection
systems. Transmissions are a five-speed
manual, or three- or four-speed automatic.
The transmission is mounted to the back of
the engine, and power is transmitted to the
fully-independent rear axle through a two-
piece propeller shaft. The final drive unit is
bolted solidly to a frame crossmember, and
drives the rear wheels through driveshaftsequipped with inner and outer constant
velocity joints.
The front suspension is of MacPherson
strut type, with the coil spring/shock absorber
unit making up the upper suspension link. The
rear suspension is made up of coil spring-
over-shock absorber struts, or coil springs
and conventional shock absorbers,
depending on model.
The brakes are disc type at the front, with
either drums or discs at the rear, depending
on model. Servo assistance is standard on all
models. Some later models are equipped with
an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
All models are manufactured to fine limits,
and live up to the BMW reputation of quality
workmanship. Although many of the models
covered by this manual appear complex at
first sight, they should present no problems to
the home mechanic.
Note for UK readers
The greater part of this manual was
originally written in the USA. Some of the
photographs used are of American-market
models, but the procedures given are fully
applicable to right-hand-drive models (or have
been amended where necessary).
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to Champion Spark Plug,
who supplied the illustrations showing spark
plug conditions. Thanks are also due to
Sykes-Pickavant Limited, who provided some
of the workshop tools, and to all those people
at Sparkford who helped in the production of
this manual. Technical writers who
contributed to this project include Robert
Maddox, Mark Ryan and Mike Stubblefield.
We take great pride in the accuracy of
information given in this manual, but
vehicle manufacturers make alterations
and design changes during the production
run of a particular vehicle of which they do
not inform us. No liability can be accepted
by the authors or publishers for loss,
damage or injury caused by any
errors in, or omissions from, the
information given.
Project vehicles
The main project vehicle used in the
preparation of this manual for the UK market
was a 1988 BMW 318i with an M40/B18
engine.
Introduction to the BMW 3- and 5-Series
BMW 320i Saloon (E30)

0•6Safety First!
Working on your car can be dangerous.
This page shows just some of the potential
risks and hazards, with the aim of creating a
safety-conscious attitude.
General hazards
Scalding
• Don’t remove the radiator or expansion
tank cap while the engine is hot.
• Engine oil, automatic transmission fluid or
power steering fluid may also be dangerously
hot if the engine has recently been running.
Burning
• Beware of burns from the exhaust system
and from any part of the engine. Brake discs
and drums can also be extremely hot
immediately after use.
Crushing
• When working under or near
a raised vehicle,
always
supplement the
jack with axle
stands, or use
drive-on
ramps.
Never
venture
under a car which
is only supported by a jack.
• Take care if loosening or tightening high-
torque nuts when the vehicle is on stands.
Initial loosening and final tightening should
be done with the wheels on the ground.
Fire
• Fuel is highly flammable; fuel vapour is
explosive.
• Don’t let fuel spill onto a hot engine.
• Do not smoke or allow naked lights
(including pilot lights) anywhere near a
vehicle being worked on. Also beware of
creating sparks
(electrically or by use of tools).
• Fuel vapour is heavier than air, so don’t
work on the fuel system with the vehicle over
an inspection pit.
• Another cause of fire is an electrical
overload or short-circuit. Take care when
repairing or modifying the vehicle wiring.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy, of a type
suitable for use on fuel and electrical fires.
Electric shock
• Ignition HT
voltage can be
dangerous,
especially to
people with heart
problems or a
pacemaker. Don’t
work on or near the
ignition system with
the engine running or
the ignition switched on.• Mains voltage is also dangerous. Make
sure that any mains-operated equipment is
correctly earthed. Mains power points should
be protected by a residual current device
(RCD) circuit breaker.
Fume or gas intoxication
• Exhaust fumes are
poisonous; they often
contain carbon
monoxide, which is
rapidly fatal if inhaled.
Never run the
engine in a
confined space
such as a garage
with the doors shut.
• Fuel vapour is also
poisonous, as are the vapours from some
cleaning solvents and paint thinners.
Poisonous or irritant substances
• Avoid skin contact with battery acid and
with any fuel, fluid or lubricant, especially
antifreeze, brake hydraulic fluid and Diesel
fuel. Don’t syphon them by mouth. If such a
substance is swallowed or gets into the eyes,
seek medical advice.
• Prolonged contact with used engine oil can
cause skin cancer. Wear gloves or use a
barrier cream if necessary. Change out of oil-
soaked clothes and do not keep oily rags in
your pocket.
• Air conditioning refrigerant forms a
poisonous gas if exposed to a naked flame
(including a cigarette). It can also cause skin
burns on contact.
Asbestos
• Asbestos dust can cause cancer if inhaled
or swallowed. Asbestos may be found in
gaskets and in brake and clutch linings.
When dealing with such components it is
safest to assume that they contain asbestos.
Special hazards
Hydrofluoric acid
• This extremely corrosive acid is formed
when certain types of synthetic rubber, found
in some O-rings, oil seals, fuel hoses etc, are
exposed to temperatures above 400
0C. The
rubber changes into a charred or sticky
substance containing the acid. Once formed,
the acid remains dangerous for years. If it
gets onto the skin, it may be necessary to
amputate the limb concerned.
• When dealing with a vehicle which has
suffered a fire, or with components salvaged
from such a vehicle, wear protective gloves
and discard them after use.
The battery
• Batteries contain sulphuric acid, which
attacks clothing, eyes and skin. Take care
when topping-up or carrying the battery.
• The hydrogen gas given off by the battery
is highly explosive. Never cause a spark or
allow a naked light nearby. Be careful when
connecting and disconnecting battery
chargers or jump leads.
Air bags
• Air bags can cause injury if they go off
accidentally. Take care when removing the
steering wheel and/or facia. Special storage
instructions may apply.
Diesel injection equipment
• Diesel injection pumps supply fuel at very
high pressure. Take care when working on
the fuel injectors and fuel pipes.
Warning: Never expose the hands,
face or any other part of the body
to injector spray; the fuel can
penetrate the skin with potentially fatal
results.
Remember...
DO
• Do use eye protection when using power
tools, and when working under the vehicle.
• Do wear gloves or use barrier cream to
protect your hands when necessary.
• Do get someone to check periodically
that all is well when working alone on the
vehicle.
• Do keep loose clothing and long hair well
out of the way of moving mechanical parts.
• Do remove rings, wristwatch etc, before
working on the vehicle – especially the
electrical system.
• Do ensure that any lifting or jacking
equipment has a safe working load rating
adequate for the job.
A few tips
DON’T
• Don’t attempt to lift a heavy component
which may be beyond your capability – get
assistance.
• Don’t rush to finish a job, or take
unverified short cuts.
• Don’t use ill-fitting tools which may slip
and cause injury.
• Don’t leave tools or parts lying around
where someone can trip over them. Mop
up oil and fuel spills at once.
• Don’t allow children or pets to play in or
near a vehicle being worked on.

0•8Roadside Repairs
Jacking and wheel
changing
The jack supplied with the vehicle should
be used only for raising the vehicle when
changing a tyre or placing axle stands under
the frame.
Warning:Never crawl under the
vehicle or start the engine when
this jack is being used as the
only means of support.
When changing a wheel, the vehicle should
be on level ground, with the handbrake firmly
applied, and the wheels chocked. Select
reverse gear (manual transmission) or Park
(automatic transmission). Prise off the hub
cap (if equipped) using the tapered end of the
wheel brace. Loosen the wheel bolts half a
turn, leaving them in place until the wheel is
raised off the ground.
Position the head of the jack under the side
of the vehicle, making sure it engages with thepocket made for this purpose (just behind the
front wheel, or forward of the rear wheel).
Engage the wheel brace handle and turn it
clockwise until the wheel is raised off the
ground. Unscrew the bolts, remove the wheel
and fit the spare.
Refit the wheel bolts and tighten them
finger-tight. Lower the vehicle by turning the
wheel brace anti-clockwise. Remove the jack
and tighten the bolts in a diagonal pattern to
the torque listed in the Chapter 1
Specifications. If a torque wrench is not
available, have the torque checked by a BMW
dealer or tyre fitting specialist as soon as
possible. Refit the hubcap.
Towing
Vehicles with manual transmission can be
towed with all four wheels on the ground, if
necessary. Automatic transmission-equipped
vehicles can only be towed with all fourwheels on the ground providing that the
speed does not exceed 35 mph and the
distance is not over 50 miles, otherwise
transmission damage can result. For
preference, regardless of transmission type,
the vehicle should be towed with the driven
(rear) wheels off the ground.
Proper towing equipment, specifically
designed for the purpose, should be used,
and should be attached to the main structural
members of the vehicle, not to the bumpers or
bumper brackets. Sling-type towing
equipment must notbe used on these
vehicles.
Safety is a major consideration while
towing. The handbrake should be released,
and the transmission should be in neutral. The
steering must be unlocked (ignition switch
turned to position “1”). Remember that
power-assisted steering (where fitted) and the
brake servo will not work with the engine
switched off.
Jacking, towing and wheel changing

0•9Roadside Repairs
When jump-starting a car using a
booster battery, observe the following
precautions:
4Before connecting the booster
battery, make sure that the ignition is
switched off.
4Ensure that all electrical equipment
(lights, heater, wipers, etc) is
switched off.
4Make sure that the booster battery is
the same voltage as the discharged
one in the vehicle.
4If the battery is being jump-started
from the battery in another vehicle,
the two vehcles MUST NOT TOUCH
each other.
4Make sure that the transmission is in
neutral (or PARK, in the case of
automatic transmission).
Jump starting will get you out
of trouble, but you must correct
whatever made the battery go
flat in the first place. There are
three possibilities:
1The battery has been drained by
repeated attempts to start, or by
leaving the lights on.
2The charging system is not working
properly (alternator drivebelt slack
or broken, alternator wiring fault or
alternator itself faulty).
3The battery itself is at fault
(electrolyte low, or battery worn out).
Connect one end of the red jump lead to
the positive (+) terminal of the flat
batteryConnect the other end of the red lead to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.Connect one end of the black jump lead
to the negative (-) terminal of the
booster battery
Connect the other end of the black
jump lead to a bolt or bracket on the
engine block, well away from the
battery, on the vehicle to be started.
123
4
Make sure that the jump leads will not
come into contact with the fan, drive-
belts or other moving parts of the
engine.5
Start the engine using the booster
battery, then with the engine running at
idle speed, disconnect the jump leads in
the reverse order of connection.6
Jump starting

1
Engine
Oil filter
M10 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion C121
M20 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion C160
M30 engines
3-Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion C160
5-Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion X115
M40 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion X120
Valve clearances (intake and exhaust)
M10 engines
Cold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.20 mm
Hot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 mm
M20 engines
Cold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 mm
Hot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30 mm
M30 engines
Cold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30 mm
Hot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.35 mm
M40 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydraulic adjusters
Cooling system
Antifreeze mixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40% antifreeze/60% water
Chapter 1
Routine maintenance and servicing
Air filter renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Automatic transmission fluid level check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Battery check, maintenance and charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Brake system check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Cooling system - draining, flushing and refilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Cooling system check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Differential lubricant change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Differential lubricant level check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Driveshaft gaiter check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Drivebelt check, adjustment and renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Engine idle speed and CO level check and adjustment . . . . . . . . . . 12
Engine oil and filter change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Engine timing belt renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Exhaust system check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Evaporative Emissions Control (EVAP) system check . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Fluid level checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fuel filter renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Fuel system check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Manual transmission lubricant change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Manual transmission lubricant level check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power steering fluid level check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Routine maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Service light resetting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Spark plug check and renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Spark plug HT leads, distributor cap and rotor - check
and renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Steering and suspension check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Throttle linkage - check and lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Tyre and tyre pressure checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Tyre rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Tune-up general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Underbonnet hoses - check and renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Valve clearances - check and adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Wiper blades - check and renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
1•1
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert
DIY or professional
Degrees of difficulty
Specifications Contents

Fuel system
Idle speed
3-Series, E30
316 with M10/B18 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 850 ± 50 rpm
316i with M40/B16 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 ± 40 rpm
318i with M10/B18 engine (manual transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 850 ± 50 rpm
318i with M10/B18 engine (automatic transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . 750 ± 50 rpm
318i with M40/B18 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 ± 40 rpm
320i with M20/B20 engine (L-Jetronic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 ± 50 rpm
320i with M20/B20 engine (Motronic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 760 ± 40 rpm
325i with M20/B25 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 760 ± 40 rpm
5-Series, E28 (“old-shape”)
518 and 518i with M10/B18 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 ± 50 rpm
All other models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 850 ± 50 rpm
5-Series, E34 (“new-shape”)
518i with M40/B18 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 ± 40 rpm
520i with M20/B20M engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 760 ± 40 rpm
525i with M20/B25M engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 760 ± 40 rpm
530i with M30/B30M engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 ± 50 rpm
535i with M30/B35M engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 850 ± 50 rpm
CO% at 3000 rpm
3-Series, E30
316 with M10/B18 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.5 to 1.0
316i and 318i with M40/B16 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.7 ± 0.5
318i with M10/B18 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 maximum
320i with M20/B20 engine (L-Jetronic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 ± 0.5
320i with M20/B20 engine (Motronic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.7 ± 0.5
325i with M20/B25 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 ± 0.5
5-Series, E28 (“old-shape”)
518 and 518i with M10/B18 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 maximum
525i with M30/B25 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 ± 0.5
528i with M30/B28 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5 maximum
535i with M30/B34 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.3 to 1.5
M535i with M30/B34 engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.3 to 1.5
5-Series, E34 (“new-shape”)
All models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.7 ± 0.5
Air filter element
M10 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion W155 (round) or U504 (square)
M20 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion U504 or U527
M30 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion U504 or U527
M40 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion U527
Fuel filter (all fuel injection engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion L206
Ignition system
Spark plug type
M10, M20 and M30 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion N9YCC
M40 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion C9YCC
Spark plug gap* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.8 mm
Spark plug (HT) leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion type not available
* The spark plug gap quoted is that recommended by Champion for their specified plugs listed above. If spark plugs of any other type are to be
fitted, refer to their manufacturer’s spark plug gap recommendations.
Brakes
Disc brake pad thickness (minimum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 mm
Drum brake shoe lining thickness (minimum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 mm
Wiper blades
Windscreen
3-Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion X-5103
3-Series passenger side from 1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion X-5103 (20 inch) or Champion X-5303 (21 inch)
5-Series, E28 (“old-shape”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion X-4503
5-Series, E34 (“new-shape”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion type not available
Tailgate
3-Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion X-4503
5-Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champion type not available
1•2Servicing Specifications

Tyre pressures (cold) - bars (psi)Front Rear
3-Series, E30
316 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.9 (28) 2.1 (30)
316i
Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 (29) 2.1 (30)
Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 (29) 2.2 (32)
318i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.8 (26) 1.9 (28)
320i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.9 (28) 2.0 (29)
325i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 (32) 2.3 (33)
5-Series, E28 (“old-shape”)
518 and 518i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 (29) 2.0 (29)
525i and 528i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 (32) 2.2 (32)
535i and M535i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3 (33) 2.5 (36)
5-Series, E34 (“new-shape”)
518i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 (29) 2.0 (29)
520i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 (32) 2.1 (30)
525i, 530i and 535i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 (29) 2.3 (33)
Torque wrench settingsNm
Automatic transmission sump bolts
Three-speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 to 9
Four-speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 to 7
Spark plugs
M10 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 to 30
Except M10 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 to 33
Oxygen sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 to 33
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Lubricants and fluids
Component or system Lubricant type/specification
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multigrade engine oil, viscositySAE 10W/40 to 20W/50, to API SG
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors
Manual transmission* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gear oil, viscosity SAE 80 to API-GL4, or single-grade mineral-based
engine oil, viscosity SAE 20, 30 or 40 to API-SG
Automatic transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dexron ll type ATF
Final drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMW-approved hypoid gear oil, viscosity SAE 90**
Brake and clutch hydraulic systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydraulic brake fluid to SAE J 1703 or DOT 4
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dexron ll type ATF
* E34 520i & 525i with air conditioning, E34 530i & 535i - Dexron II type ATF)
** Only available in bulk; refer to your BMW dealer
Capacities*
1•3
1
Engine oil
M10 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.0 litres
M20 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.3 litres
M30 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.8 litres
M40 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.0 litres
Cooling system
M10 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.0 litres
M20 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.5 litres
M30 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.0 litres
M40 engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.0 litres
Fuel tank
3-Series, E30
Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 litres (early),
64 litres (later)
Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 litres (early),
70 litres (later)
5-Series
E28 (“old-shape”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 litres
E34 (“new-shape”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 litresManual transmission
ZF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 litres
Getrag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 to 1.5 litres
Automatic transmission (refill)
3-speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 litres
4-speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.0 litres
Final drive capacity (drain and refill)
3-Series, E30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 litres
5-Series, E28 (“old-shape”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 litres
5-Series, E34 (“new-shape”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.7 litres
*All capacities approximate
Servicing Specifications