Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain and repair their BMW 8 Series E31.
Competitors:
Porsche 928, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Jaguar XJS.
Vehicle Philosophy:
BMW's flagship coupe offering a blend of high performance, luxury, advanced technology for its era, and distinctive styling.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive technical data essential for accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Delivery:
Instant Download
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electricals, fuel system (injection, tank, lines), cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, gearbox (manual and automatic), drive shaft, differential.
Chassis:
Steering system, suspension (front and rear), braking system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
General electrical equipment, starter, charging system, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, onboard computer systems, power windows, mirrors, locks, climate control electronics, audio system wiring.
Body And Interior:
Frame/body structure, body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, climate control system (HVAC), safety systems (airbags if equipped).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections), scheduled service intervals, fluid checks and replacements.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting flowcharts.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement.
Installation:
Procedures for installing replacement parts and accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed wiring diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code Typical:
M60B40 (4.0L V8), M60B30 (3.0L V8), M70B50 (5.0L V12)
Engine Layout:
V8 and V12 configurations
Displacement 8Cyl:
3.0L (M60B30), 4.0L (M60B40)
Displacement 12Cyl:
5.0L (M70B50)
Horsepower M60B40:
Approx. 296 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque M60B40:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower M70B50:
Approx. 300 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque M70B50:
Approx. 332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
ECU System:
Motronic M3.3/M3.3.1 (V8), M1.2 (V12)
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity Approx:
8.0 - 9.5 Liters (Varies by engine)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24)
Transmission Type Opt:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 265/6 for some markets/engines)
Automatic Features:
Electronic control, Sport mode.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., MTF LT-2 or equivalent spec)
Length:
Approx. 4,778 mm (188.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,853 mm (72.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,612 mm (102.8 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
1,700 - 1,950 kg (3,748 - 4,299 lbs) depending on engine and configuration.
Crash Test Data:
Specific official crash test ratings from era may vary; generally reflects BMW's robust build quality.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard; passenger airbag available on later models or as an option.
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioned front seat belts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium sound systems by Nakamichi or Bavaria available. Cassette player standard.
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation system (BMW C1/C3).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (HVAC).
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats optional.
Connectivity Systems:
Basic telecommunications (e.g., optional car phone preparation) for the era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check manual for specifics.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Change:
Every 2-4 years or specified mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by type (e.g., platinum/iridium plugs can last longer), typically 60,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40, or as per owner's manual).
Coolant Spec:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based, or equivalent spec)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (typically CHF 11S or similar approved fluid)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, MAF sensors, cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, hoses), fuel pump, ABS sensors, window regulators, VANOS system (on M60/M62 derived engines).
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be prone to minor electrical issues due to the complexity of systems for the era; thorough diagnosis is key.
V12 Specific Issues:
The M70 V12 can be complex to service, with potential for issues related to its dual ECUs, ignition systems, and cooling.
Manufacturer Origin:
Germany
Brand Focus:
Performance luxury vehicles.
Generation Designation:
E31
Discontinuation Year:
1999
Production Period:
1989-1999
Production Volume Total:
Approximately 30,621 units
Design Language:
Iconic 'shark nose' design, pop-up headlights, pillarless coupe profile, advanced aerodynamics for its time.