Class:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Porsche 928, Jaguar XJ-S.
Design:
Striking, aerodynamic coupe body with classic BMW proportions and pop-up headlights.
Performance:
Powerful V8 engine, refined handling, comfortable ride suitable for long distances.
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced (for the era) features, focus on driver and passenger comfort.
Primary Use:
To provide detailed repair and maintenance procedures for mechanical technicians and knowledgeable owners.
Covered Years:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Engine Variants Covered:
4.0L V8 (M60B40)
Region Applicability:
Global (primarily North American and European specifications)
Type:
Comprehensive Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic), differential, driveline.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, including adaptive suspension if applicable), steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), comfort electronics, lighting systems, instrument cluster, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, fuse locations, battery, alternator, starter.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable), interior trim, seats, climate control (HVAC), exterior trim.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, general inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics, mechanical component diagnostics.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, tolerances, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, component identification.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Designed for professional technicians but accessible to advanced DIYers.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 5800 rpm (DIN)
Torque:
400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (DIN)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.3)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Longlife Coolant (typically blue or green ethylene glycol based)
Oil Capacity Liters:
7.5 Liters (8.0 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific climate/service recommendations)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24)
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 265, rare)
Automatic Features:
Sport and Comfort modes, electronically controlled.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (total system capacity, less for drain and fill)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Vehicle predates widespread standardized testing such as NCAP)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available on later models and optional.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners.
Chassis Safety:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional CD or Cassette systems, optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system with CRT screen in the center console (BMW Business Navigation System).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (BMW Park Distance Control, PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats optional.
Oil Change Interval:
10,000-15,000 miles or annually (consult manual for exact BMW recommendations based on driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (recommended, especially for automatic transmissions).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2-3 years or as per BMW recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (V8 engines often use 8 spark plugs).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (low viscosity recommended for ABS systems)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
CHF 11S (or equivalent synthetic hydraulic fluid)
Common Electrical Problems:
Sensor failures (e.g., MAF, O2), SRS system faults, window regulators, central locking issues, pixilation on instrument cluster LCDs.
Common Mechanical Problems:
Cooling system components (radiator, water pump, hoses), VANOS system (if equipped, though M60 does not have VANOS), oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket), subframe bushings, front suspension components.
Specific Component Concerns:
Headlight motors for pop-up mechanism, climate control flap actuators, ABS/ASC sensor rings.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Brand Focus:
Performance, luxury, innovative engineering, driving pleasure ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').
Design Era:
Designed in the late 1980s, representing BMW's foray into the ultra-luxury GT segment.
Predecessors:
BMW M635CSi (E24) can be seen as a spiritual predecessor in the grand touring coupe segment.
Successors:
BMW 8 Series (E63/E64) and later the BMW 8 Series (G15/G16).
Production Years:
1990-1999
Production Volume:
Approximately 31,600 units globally for the E31 generation, with the 840Ci being a significant portion.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised for its design, performance, and build quality by automotive publications of the era.
Design Awards:
Often cited as one of the most beautiful automotive designs of the 1990s.
Customer Satisfaction:
Generally high for build quality and engineering, though maintenance costs can be a factor for owners.
