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Model information

Vehicle Identification Number breakdown:

First 3 letters - Manufacturers code.  WBA = BMW AG, WBS = BMW Motorsport GmbH
Next 4 digits - Model type
Next digit - Restraint system, 0 = Seat belts, 1 = SRS
Next digit - Check digit determined by VIN

Next letter - Model year
B 1981 H 1987
C 1982 J 1988
D 1983 K 1989
E 1984 L 1990
F 1985 M 1991
G 1986 N 1992

Next letter - plant code. A = Munich, B or D = Dingolfing, E = Regensburg

Last 7 digits - Sequential serial number, consisting of 7 numbers until Jan 1 1989. After that date, the first 2 digits of the 7 where changed to letters, e.g. DH10443

1988 model changes:

Engine : Revised ETA motor (2.7 Liter) has power increased to 127 bhp at 4,800 rpm, as opposed to 121 hp at 4,250 rpm

Fuel Supply :  Fuel tank capacity increased to 16.4 gallons/62 Liters as opposed to 14.5 gallons / 55 Liters.  (Except M3)

Suspension :  Aluminum front suspension control arms for M3.

Body :

New design bumpers with less overhang, 20mm front and rear, except convertible and M3.
Ellipsoid low beam headlights.
Restyled and slightly larger tail light clusters, except convertible and M3.
New style high mount brake light for convertible.
Complete front section of body shell assembly redesigned for easier repair.
Blacked out windshield , rear window and side window frames, except convertible.

1989 Model changes:

Plastic, painted bumper covers.

Dimensions:

Dimension
Unit
325
325i
325iS
325iX
325iC
M3
Length
 mm 4450 4450 4450 4450 4450 4345
Width
 mm 1646 1646 1646 1661 1646 1680
Height (unloaded)
 mm 1379 1379 1379 1400 1370 1370
Wheel base
 mm 2570 2570 2570 2570 2570 2558
Front overhang
 mm 825 825 825 845 845 793
Rear overhang
 mm 1054 1054 1054 1074 1074 990
Front track
 mm 1407 1407 1407 1420 1407 1412
Rear track
 mm 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1424
Min turning circle (wheels)
 m 9.8 9.8 9.8 10.3 9.8 10.3
Min turning circle (overall)
 m 10.5 10.5 10.5 11.1 10.5 --

Gear Ratios,   all ratios :1

Manual
ZF
Getrag
M3
First
 3.84 3.83 3.82
Second
 2.20 2.20 2.20
Third
 1.39 1.40 1.40
Fourth
 1.00 1.00 1.00
Fifth
 0.81 0.81 0.81
Reverse
 3.46 3.46 3.71

 

Automatic

 First 2.48
  Second 1.48
  Third 1.00
  Fourth 0.73
  Reverse 2.09

 

Final drives
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
318i M10
318i/is M42
 4.10 (M)
318iC M42
 4.27 (M) 4.27(M)
325
 2.93 2.93
325e/eS
 2.93
325i/is/iC
 3.73 3.73 3.73(M)
4.10(A)		 3.73(M)
4.10(A)		 3.73(M)
4.10(A)		 3.73(M)
4.10(A)		 3.73(M)
325iX
 3.91 3.91(M)
4.10(A)		 3.91(M)
4.10(A)		 3.91(M)
4.10(A)
M3
 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10
 

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E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7.  Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson