Positioning:
Flagship Luxury Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and distinctive styling
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS
Competitive Advantage:
BMW's signature driving dynamics, sophisticated engineering, and technological innovation
Design:
Long hood, short deck, raked windscreen, concealed pop-up headlights, frameless windows, sculpted bodywork
Performance Orientation:
Powerful V8 and V12 engines, rear-wheel drive, advanced suspension systems
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality leather upholstery, wood trim, advanced climate control, premium audio
Years Covered:
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Engine Variants Covered:
All gasoline engine variants for the E31 platform
Regions Covered:
Global (reflecting original BMW service documentation)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical workshop manuals for this era range from 1500-3000+ pages)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language:
English (primary language of source material, likely translated from German)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, DSC on later models)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, lighting, power windows, central locking, climate control, instrument cluster, audio systems
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, aerodynamics, structural components
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation systems
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), seatbelt mechanisms
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I and early OBD-II), circuit testing
Repair And Replacement:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems
Component Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other complex assemblies
Electrical System Troubleshooting:
Diagram interpretation, continuity testing, voltage drop testing, component testing
Bodywork Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, trim removal and installation
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Professional Level
Detail Level:
Diagnostic procedures, repair specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams, exploded views, system schematics
Application:
Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, enabling quick access to specific topics
Printability:
Printable, allowing for physical copies for workshop use
Image Resolution:
Variable, dependent on original scan quality; typically sufficient for diagrams and text legibility
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Engine Code 1:
M60B30 (3.0L V8)
Engine Code 2:
M60B40 (4.0L V8)
Engine Code 3:
M62B44 (4.4L V8 - later models)
Engine Code 4:
M70B50 (5.0L V12)
Engine Code 5:
S70B56 (5.6L V12 - 850CSi)
Horsepower Range:
215 hp (3.0L V8) to 375 hp (5.6L V12)
Torque Range:
295 lb-ft (3.0L V8) to 414 lb-ft (5.6L V12)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Compression Ratio V8:
Approx. 10:1 (varies by specific M60/M62 engine)
Compression Ratio V12:
Approx. 8.8:1 (M70) / 9.5:1 (S70)
Standard Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission (Getrag 420G for V8 models, ZF for V12 models)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP24 for V8, ZF 4HP22 for V12)
Later Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (ZF 5HP30 for V8 and V12 models)
Drive Type:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard on many models, DSC on later ones
Length:
Approx. 191.7 inches (4870 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.5 inches (1816 mm)
Height:
Approx. 52.9 inches (1344 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.2 inches (2672 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-4200 lbs (1680-1905 kg), varies by engine and options
Crash Test Performance:
Not subjected to modern standardized crash testing due to era of design, but built with robust safety cage and crumple zones.
Traction Control:
ASC+T and later DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard ABS on all models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (SRS) standard
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners
Structure:
Reinforced body structure with integrated roll-over protection
Audio System:
High-quality cassette player and CD changer integration, premium speaker systems (e.g., Harmon Kardon option)
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control)
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation systems were available on later models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality
Stability Control:
ASC+T and later DSC systems for enhanced stability
Telematics:
Limited by modern standards; some early cellular phone integration options may have existed.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (consult manual for specifics)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type, typically 30,000-100,000 miles (e.g., platinum/iridium plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as recommended by BMW
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40) - consult manual for exact viscosity based on climate and engine
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity recommended in manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (ZF TE-ML 11A/11B often specified)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Common Wear Item:
Cooling system components (hoses, water pump, expansion tank) due to age and material degradation.
Common Wear Item 2:
ABS/ASC sensors and modules can be prone to failure.
Common Wear Item 3:
Door seals and window seals can deteriorate, leading to leaks.
Common Wear Item 4:
E31 specific: Self-leveling suspension system (if equipped) can be complex and require specialized service.
Common Wear Item 5:
V12 engine specific: Ignition system complexity and maintenance requirements.
Wiring Harness Issues:
Degradation of wiring insulation in certain areas, particularly in the engine bay, can occur over time.
Heritage Focus:
BMW's legacy of performance driving, engineering excellence, and luxury vehicles
Design Inspiration:
Inspired by the BMW Z1 and concepts like the BMW M8 prototype
Key Advancements:
Introduction of V8 and V12 engines in a BMW coupe, advanced electronics, luxurious interior
Production Years:
1989-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Total Production Units:
Approx. 30,000 units
Automotive Journalism Awards:
Frequently praised by automotive press for its design, engineering, and performance.
Design Awards:
Recognized for its timeless and aerodynamic styling.
Production Standards:
Manufactured to BMW's stringent quality and safety standards of the era.
