Codes, service & character

E30 engine archive

Identify the main European E30 engines, understand their service needs and follow each unit to the models and technical guides that matter.

All entries6 all entries

M10

Simple iron-block four-cylinder with chain-driven camshaft; durable and easy to understand.

The defining small straight-six: smooth, tuneful and dependent on timely belt service.

BMW’s first production passenger-car diesel, offered naturally aspirated and turbocharged.

Late-model four-cylinder with hydraulic tappets and a timing belt; inspect cam wear.

A compact 16-valve twin-cam that gave the 318is its high-revving character.

Motorsport-derived four-cylinder with individual throttles, built for the E30 M3.