Positioning:
Flagship luxury grand tourer, positioned as a high-performance, technologically advanced coupe and convertible
Competitors:
Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS, Mercedes-Benz SEC models, Aston Martin DB7 (later models)
Design:
Iconic long hood, short deck, shark-nose styling, pop-up headlights, CSL-inspired rear C-pillar
Performance Orientation:
Focus on smooth, powerful acceleration and stable high-speed cruising
Value:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the complex systems of the E31 8 Series, enabling owners and independent specialists to perform dealer-level service
Coverage Scope:
Complete workshop service and repair
Specific Areas:
Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical Systems, HVAC, Bodywork, Diagnostic Procedures, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for full factory manual)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Print or Digital (e.g., PDF, CD-ROM - depends on specific product offering)
Engine:
V8 M60B30 (3.0L), V8 M60B40 (4.0L) - including fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4HP24, 5HP30), Manual Transmission (e.g., Getrag 6-speed on some variants), Differential, Driveshafts, Axles
Chassis:
Front and Rear Suspension (MacPherson struts front, multi-link rear), Steering System (Hydraulic power steering), Brakes (ABS, ventilated discs front/rear)
Electrical:
Full wiring diagrams, ECU operation, sensor diagnostics, lighting, power windows, central locking, sunroof, audio systems, instrument cluster, EML (Engine Management Light) troubleshooting
HVAC:
Automatic climate control system, A/C compressor, blower motor, climate control module diagnostics
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk operation, bumper assemblies, glass replacement
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacement
Repair:
Engine component rebuilds (e.g., cylinder head removal, piston replacement), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component repair/replacement
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, electrical testing procedures, fuel system pressure testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic trees and wiring schematics
Digital Format Details:
Searchable text, hyperlinked sections, high-resolution diagrams (if PDF)
Print Quality:
Professional printing, clear diagrams, durable paper (if printed version)
Binding:
Professionally bound (e.g., spiral, perfect bound) for workshop durability (if printed version)
Paper Quality:
Heavy-duty, smudge-resistant paper suitable for workshop environments (if printed version)
Engine Options 1990:
M60B30 (3.0-liter V8) and M60B40 (4.0-liter V8)
M60B30 Horsepower:
Approx. 215 hp @ 5800 rpm
M60B30 Torque:
Approx. 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
M60B40 Horsepower:
Approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm
M60B40 Torque:
Approx. 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Configuration:
V8, 90-degree cylinder banks
ECU System:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 (or similar, depending on specific variant)
Type:
Pressurized liquid-cooled
Transmission 1990 Model:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP24)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Optional on some markets/variants, typically a 6-speed Getrag unit (e.g., Getrag 420G on later models, potentially a 6-speed option on 4.0L in some regions)
Automatic Features:
Electronic shift control, Sport mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron II (or equivalent, consult manual for exact spec)
Length:
Approx. 4775 mm (188.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1855 mm (73.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1300 mm (51.2 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2633 mm (103.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1700-1800 kg (3750-3970 lbs)
Crash Test Data:
Limited public data available for 1990 models; designed to meet contemporary safety standards
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T on later models/variants
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on later variants
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C Reverse or Professional RDS cassette radio, optional CD changer
Navigation:
Early factory navigation systems available on select models (e.g., BMW On-Board Computer with Navigation)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available for 1990 model year
Phone Integration:
Optional car phone integration systems available on some models
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months (synthetic oil)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40, consult manual for specific viscosity)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) for M60B40
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Engine Problems:
Nikasil cylinder liner wear (early M60 engines, later Alusil), VANOS issues (on later M60/M62), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan, cooling system component failures (water pump, hoses, thermostat)
Electrical Problems:
ABS/DSC module issues, instrument cluster failure, headlight motor issues, wiring harness degradation
Chassis Problems:
Front and rear suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), rear subframe mounting points (potential corrosion/cracking)
Automotive Press Acclaim:
Generally praised for its performance, comfort, and sophisticated styling upon release, though often noted for its high price point.
Design Awards:
Praised for its distinctive and aerodynamic design, considered a future classic by automotive journalists.
