Positioning:
Flagship luxury grand tourer, representing BMW's pinnacle of engineering and design in its era.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129), Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928, Aston Martin Virage.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, long-distance comfort, high-performance V12 engine, advanced technology for the period.
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking a sophisticated, powerful, and technologically advanced coupe.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables DIY maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, saving costs and ensuring proper upkeep of a complex vehicle.
Benefit To Technician:
Provides authoritative technical data, procedures, and specifications for professional repair and servicing.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M70 V12), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (DME).
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic: 4HP-30), clutch (if applicable to specific variants), driveshaft, differential, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, including self-leveling rear suspension on some models), steering system, braking system (ABS).
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, power accessories, diagnostics.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, convertible top (if applicable to later models).
Diagnostics:
Fault finding procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), specific component testing.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for common and uncommon issues.
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments (if applicable), idle speed adjustments, alignment procedures.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for dismantling and reassembling major components and sub-assemblies.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to advanced engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Displacement:
4988 cc (5.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
317 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Engine Electronics), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.1 liters (12.8 US quarts)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 10W-50 (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
ZF 4HP-30
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (rarely offered, primarily on earlier models and specific markets)
Electronic Control:
Electronically controlled gear shifts with driver-selectable modes (e.g., Sport, Economy).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent approved fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts) for full refill
Length:
Approx. 4785 mm (188.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1855 mm (73.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2613 mm (102.9 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1500 mm (59.1 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1505 mm (59.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1750 kg (3858 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2150 kg (4740 lbs)
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 8.0 J (front), 17 x 9.0 J (rear)
Standard Tire Size:
235/45R17 (front), 255/40R17 (rear)
Crash Test Ratings:
Vehicle did not undergo modern standardized crash testing (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) due to its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with Traction Control) on later models.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag optional on some early models, standard on later ones.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Structural Integrity:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium sound system (e.g., Blaupunkt or Harman Kardon), often with CD changer capability.
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation system (BMW Professional Navigation).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control).
Telematics:
Early on-board computer systems providing fuel consumption, range, and trip data.
Seats:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function, often with heating and lumbar support.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for exact conditions and oil type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000-60,000 miles (V12 engines have 24 spark plugs, requiring careful attention).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual recommendations.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual.
Engine Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (or approved equivalent, typically a G48 type ethylene glycol based coolant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or specified BMW fluid)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or approved equivalent (e.g., CHF 11S for specific hydraulic systems if used).
Common Problems:
Idles control valve issues, cooling system leaks (especially the water pump and hoses), ABS sensor failures, door seal degradation, window regulator issues, wiring harness degradation (due to age), catalytic converter failure.
V12 Complexity:
The V12 engine is mechanically complex with dual ECUs, dual fuel pumps, and dual distributors (on early models), requiring specialized knowledge and diagnostic tools.
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and luxury vehicles, particularly in the grand tourer segment.
E31 Development:
The E31 was developed as a halo car, showcasing BMW's technological capabilities and design direction for the 1990s. It was the first BMW to feature a V12 engine in a non-limousine production car.
Engine Introduction:
The M70 V12 engine was first introduced in the 750i/iL (E32) before being fitted to the 850i.
Production Years E31:
1989–1999
Production Volume:
Approximately 30,621 units produced across all E31 variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany.
Critical Reception:
Generally praised for its performance, luxury, and sophisticated V12 engine, though criticized for its high price and complexity.
Design Acclaim:
The E31's design, by Chris Bangle's team at BMW, is often considered a classic of its era.
