Positioning:
Premium Grand Tourer, BMW's flagship coupe/convertible during its production run.
Competitors:
Porsche 928, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Jaguar XJS, Aston Martin DB7.
Design Philosophy:
Long hood, short deck, muscular lines, advanced aerodynamics, luxurious interior.
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Unique Selling Proposition
Usp:
Sophisticated V8 and V12 engines, advanced chassis technology (e.g., multi-link suspension), and distinct styling.
Engine Mechanical:
Diagnosis, repair, rebuild procedures for all E31 engine variants (V8, V12)
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection, engine management systems, sensors, actuators
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission service, diagnosis, and repair
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles, and related components
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS, fluid service, component replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, mirrors, central locking
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top (if applicable)
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank service
Exhaust System:
Exhaust components, catalytic converters, mufflers
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Restoration:
Guidance for restoring various aspects of the vehicle
Diagnostics:
Access to professional technician-level diagnostic information
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all diagnostic and repair procedures from A-Z
Detail Level:
Highly detailed, including printable diagrams
Engine Variants:
M60B30 (3.0L V8), M60B40 (4.0L V8), M70B50 (5.0L V12), M73B54 (5.4L V12)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 215 hp (3.0L V8) to 322 hp (5.4L V12)
Torque Range:
Approximately 290 Nm (3.0L V8) to 490 Nm (5.4L V12)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Engine Layout:
V8 and V12 configurations
Safety Ratings:
While specific official crash test ratings from agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP for the E31 are not as readily available as for modern vehicles, BMW's engineering at the time prioritized occupant safety with features like reinforced A-pillars and high-strength steel construction.
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction Control) on later models.
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, crumple zones.
Infotainment Systems:
Early models featured cassette players and optional CD changers. Later models offered BMW's professional radio/navigation systems with larger displays and integrated features. Emphasis on premium audio systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
ASC+T (Traction Control), cruise control, parking sensors (on some later models).
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards, primarily focused on phone integration via optional BMW car phones in some markets.
Other Innovations:
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) on some models, electric steering column adjustment, heated seats, dual-zone climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, and other interval-based services typically recommended at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual; typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic oil for V8/V12 engines.
Coolant:
BMW G48 ethylene glycol coolant or equivalent (blue color).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent like Dexron III, but specific type is crucial and detailed in the manual).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on transmission).
Common Problems:
Cooling system failures (water pump, radiator hoses), VANOS system issues (on later M60/M62 derived engines), ABS/ASC sensor failures, window regulator failures, headlight motor issues, ignition coil failure (especially on V12), rear main seal leaks.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular oil changes, preventative replacement of cooling system components, and meticulous attention to electrical system health are crucial for E31 longevity.
Brand Focus:
BMW's heritage in producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics.
E31 Development:
Developed as a successor to the E24 6 Series, the E31 was a significant technological leap, incorporating V8 and V12 engines, a sophisticated multi-link suspension, and advanced electronics.
Production Years:
1989-1999
Production Numbers:
Approximately 30,600 units worldwide, making it a relatively rare and collectible BMW.
