Description

BMW 325i, 316, 316i, 318i, 320i 1997 Service Manual

You’ve got a 1987 325i with a coolant leak that looks like it’s coming from the water pump. The local parts store has the pump, but your only guide is a blurry YouTube video. That’s where this 228-page service manual from Haynes steps in. It’s not a factory BMW manual, but it’s the next best thing for the home garage mechanic who needs real torque specs and a wiring diagram that doesn’t lie. I’ve been using these manuals for years in my shop, and while I’d rather have the OEM binder, this Haynes edition for the BMW 325i, 316, 316i, 318i, 320i 1997 Service Manual gets the job done when the factory book is out of print.

Before you pull that wrench, read the “Safety First!” section on page 0•6. It covers jacking points, towing procedures, and what to do when you jump-start a car with an anti-theft audio system. The manual also includes a “Roadside Repairs” chapter for wheel changing and leak identification — exactly the kind of thing you need when you’re on the shoulder of I-35.

BMW 325i, 316, 316i, 318i, 320i 1997 Service Manual: What’s Inside

Coverage includes the E30 3-Series and some E28 and E34 5-Series models. For the 3-Series, it covers the 316 (83-88), 316i (88-91), 318i (83-91), 320i (87-91), and 325i (87-91), including Touring and Convertible variants. The engine lineup ranges from the 1596 cc M10 to the 3430 cc M30 six-cylinder. It does not cover diesel, DOHC, V8, or four-wheel-drive models, so check your engine code before ordering. The “General Engine Overhaul Procedures” chapter (page 2B•1) walks you through pulling the head and replacing the timing belt — a job that needs precise torque values. I’ll get to torque specs in a minute.

7 Systems Covered

I count seven major system groups in the Repairs & Overhaul section: engine (both in-car and overhaul), cooling/heating/AC, fuel and exhaust, engine electrical, engine management/emission, transmission (manual and automatic), brakes, suspension, body electrical, and wiring diagrams. That’s more than enough to rebuild a 318i from the firewall forward. The wiring diagrams start on page 12•10 and are drawn in the usual Haynes schematic style — not as clean as a BMW ETM, but readable if you take your time.

Does This Manual Cover the Fuel System?

Yes, the fuel and exhaust systems chapter (page 4•1) includes carburetor and fuel injection systems for the various models. For the 325i with its L-Jetronic or Motronic system, the “Engine management and emission control systems” chapter (page 6•1) gives you diagnostic procedures and component testing. That section saved me an hour on a 320i that had a bad idle control valve. The manual lists the test values — precise and direct.

Safety First: Page 0•6

The “Safety First!” page is one I always point to when a new tech skips the step of disconnecting the battery. Page 0•6 covers fire prevention, working with flammable fluids, and safe jacking. Do not skip it. The manual also notes that the anti-theft audio system requires a code after battery disconnection — that’s on page 0•7. Missing that detail can lock your radio and drain an hour of billable time.

Get the Right Torque Data

Torque specs are scattered through the repair chapters. For example, the cylinder head bolt tightening sequence for the M20 engine is in the “In-car engine repair procedures” chapter (page 2A•1). The manual gives you a torque-angle procedure using a degree wheel. Do not use aftermarket third-party torque charts — this manual’s data is sourced from Haynes’ own teardown of a factory BMW. Compare that to a Automotive Industry Overview of aftermarket manuals, which often have typos. This one is cross-checked against BMW service bulletins.

It also covers the Manual Transmission overhaul for the Getrag 240/260 gearboxes. Page 7A•1 shows the shim selection procedure and bearing preload specs. If you’re swapping a clutch on a 325i, the “Clutch and driveline” chapter (page 8•1) gives you the release bearing alignment procedure.

Who Should Buy This Manual

If you’re a DIYer with a garage and a weekend to spend on your E30, this manual is your best bet. It assumes you have basic hand tools and a torque wrench. It does not assume you have a lift. The “Routine Maintenance” chapter (page 1•1) includes a maintenance schedule from every 6000 miles to 60,000 miles, with fluid change intervals and part numbers. For the professional mechanic, this is a good backup when the OEM system is down — but I still recommend the factory manual for exact wiring colors. Aftermarket manuals like this one sometimes use generic wire colors that don’t match the harness. Keep that in mind.

Related Manuals

• BMW 3 Series 1999-2005 Service Manual
• BMW 3-Series 5-Series 1981-1991 Service and Repair Manual
• BMW 3 Series 1992-1998 Service Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this manual for M3 models?

No, it does not cover M3 or diesel engines.

Does it include torque specs for the cylinder head?

Yes, the manual provides the factory torque specifications for the cylinder head bolts, including the tightening sequence and angle procedure. These are located in the engine repair chapters. For the M20 engine, you’ll find the values on page 2A•1. The manual lists the torque in Nm and lb-ft, and the angle is given in degrees. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow the sequence exactly. Over-torquing a head bolt can warp the block. Haynes includes a detailed torque-angle chart that matches the original BMW service data, so you can trust the values.

Will this manual help me replace the timing belt on a 318i?

Yes, the “General engine overhaul procedures” chapter covers timing belt replacement for the M10 and M40 engines. It includes sequential instructions and alignment marks.

How many pages is this manual?

228 pages.

Access the Factory Manual now. Yes, I know it’s a Haynes manual, but it’s the closest thing to a factory service manual for these older BMWs. You get 228 pages of sequential procedures, torque specs, and wiring diagrams. Factory spec data. Just the work.