🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series

Model Code:

E31

Year:

1994

Engine Code Primary:

M60B40

Engine Code Alternative 1:

M60B30

Engine Code Alternative 2:

M62B44

Transmission Code Primary:

GETRAG 420G (5-speed Manual)

Transmission Code Alternative:

ZF 5HP30 (5-speed Automatic)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW E31 8 Series was positioned as a luxurious grand tourer, competing with high-end coupes from Mercedes-Benz (W140 S-Class Coupe), Porsche (928), and Aston Martin.

Competitive Analysis:

The E31 offered a unique blend of V8 power, advanced technology for its era, and distinctive styling, differentiating itself from more performance-oriented or opulent rivals.

Key Features:

Pop-up headlights, frameless door glass, extensive use of electronics, powerful V8 engines, and a sophisticated chassis.

Manual Value Proposition:

Indispensable for owners seeking to maintain, repair, or understand the complex systems of their 1994 BMW E31, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for the 1994 BMW E31 8 Series.

Page Count:

981

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Adobe)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete tear-down and rebuild procedures for M60 V8 engines (including M60B40 and M60B30 variants), detailing cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and valve train.

Engine Electrical:

Engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, ignition system, starter, alternator, wiring diagrams, sensor testing, and common electrical faults.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic 4.1), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, fuel filter replacement, and diagnostic procedures.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan operation, hoses, and coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold removal and installation, catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust system diagnosis.

Clutch:

Clutch assembly removal, inspection, replacement, and adjustment procedures for manual transmission models.

Transmission Manual:

GETRAG 420G 5-speed manual transmission: disassembly, assembly, gear inspection, bearing replacement, and fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic transmission: operational principles, fluid service, common faults, and basic diagnostics.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, hydraulic pump, hoses, tie rods, and alignment specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and subframe removal/installation.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, and wheel alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation, brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.

Pedals And Linkages:

Brake pedal assembly, accelerator pedal, clutch pedal (manual), and associated linkages.

Body Panels:

Hood, doors, trunk lid, fenders, bumpers: removal, installation, alignment, and repair.

Sunroof:

Sunroof mechanism, motor, tracks, seals, and common repair issues.

Electrical System General:

Battery, charging system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, and basic wiring principles.

Radio And Audio:

Factory radio unit, speaker system, antenna, and common audio system faults.

Special Equipment:

Climate control system, power windows, power seats, cruise control, central locking, and other factory-installed features.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, and lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, and systematic troubleshooting steps for various systems.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all major mechanical and electrical systems.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance and diagnostics to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, allowing for clear reproduction of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

M60B40

Engine Type:

V8, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Displacement:

3982 cc (4.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 90 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower Hp:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque Lb Ft:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M4.1 Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (depending on market)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

GETRAG 420G 6-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 5HP30 5-speed Automatic Transmission

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Differential:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often standard or optional on higher trims.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oil, e.g., BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent, typically a Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,775 mm (188.0 in)

Width:

1,885 mm (74.2 in)

Height:

1,370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2,630 mm (103.5 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1,790 kg (3,946 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on 1994 models).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard.

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available on some models.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory radio with cassette player, often with a separate amplifier and CD changer option.

Display Technology:

Analog gauges, central multi-function display for OBC (On-Board Computer) and system warnings.

Driver Assistance:

ABS, optional ASC/ASC+T.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on internal vehicle systems and factory-installed audio. No integrated Bluetooth or USB from factory.

Comfort Features:

Dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable seats with memory, heated seats, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, power sunroof.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km, or as indicated by the vehicle's oil service light (condition-based service).

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specification synthetic oil, e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II/III or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific model designation).

Known Issues 1:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system issues, particularly on later M60/M62 engines, leading to rough idle or power loss.

Known Issues 2:

Cooling system plastic components can degrade over time (expansion tank, hose connectors).

Known Issues 3:

ABS sensor failures and ABS pump issues.

Known Issues 4:

Window regulator mechanisms can fail.

Known Issues 5:

Headliner sagging.

Known Issues 6:

Electrical gremlins due to age and complexity of wiring.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW has a long history of producing luxury performance vehicles, known for engineering excellence and driver engagement.

Model Evolution:

The E31 8 Series (1990-1999) was BMW's flagship coupe, designed to compete in the premium GT segment. It was succeeded by the 6 Series (E63/E64).

Production Period:

1990-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany