Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 50,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1990 M3 - E30.
The 1990 BMW M3, built on the E30 platform, features a 5‑speed manual transmission and a 4.6‑quart oil capacity, with oil viscosity ratings of 15W‑40, 10W‑40 and 10W‑30 meeting API SJ standards, and its EPA fuel‑economy rating is 15 city, 26 highway, 18 combined mpg. This model year belongs to an early period of the M3’s complaint history, a time that includes the lowest recorded complaint count of one in 1996 and precedes the later surge of 216 complaints in 2006. Consequently, the 1990 example illustrates the initial durability that characterized the first generation of the M3 before later years introduced more frequent issues.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 11421258038. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11421258038 |
| Engine air filter | 13721278138 |
| Fuel filter | 13321268231 |
| Spark plug | 12129061882 |
| Front wiper blades | 61611387678 |
| Serpentine belt | 11231709638 alt 64551722991 |
| Thermostat | 11531315537 |
| Cabin air filter | 64311394093 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Manual 5-spd |
| Overall length | 171.3 in |
| Overall width | 66.1 in |
| Overall height | 53.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in |
| Curb weight | 2866 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 55.1 / 54.7 in |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 15 / 26 / 18 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4.6 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, GL-5 in the differential.
| Differential Gear Oil | GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3.6 Pints |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.6 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 50,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE. Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO…
Showing 1 of 1 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B340714 | 2023-10-13 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4.6 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 15 city / 26 highway / 18 combined mpg.