Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and exclusivity
Key Competitors:
Porsche 928, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Jaguar XJS
Design:
Iconic wedge-shaped profile, pop-up headlights, long hood, flowing lines, developed by BMW Technik GmbH
Performance Orientation:
Focus on powerful V8 and V12 engines, advanced chassis dynamics, and high-speed stability
Technological Advancements:
Early adoption of multi-link suspension, advanced engine management, and electronic aids
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, internal components, timing, cylinder head, block assembly
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection (DME), sensors, ECU, wiring diagrams
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, linkages, overhaul procedures
Transmission Automatic:
Hydraulic control, torque converter, gearbox, overhaul, shift solenoids
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axle components, limited-slip differential (optional)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, linkages, column, hydraulic components
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, hydraulic lines, calipers, rotors, fluid specifications
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, instrumentation, central locking, power windows, mirrors
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control, blower motor, refrigerant types
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant, hoses, fan assembly
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, chassis components, rust prevention
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, upholstery, headliner
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis
Repair And Overhaul:
Component removal, installation, and detailed rebuilding procedures for all major systems
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, circuit testing, component troubleshooting
Engine Rebuilding:
Piston and ring replacement, bearing clearance checks, cylinder honing, valve seat grinding
Transmission Rebuilding:
Gearset replacement, seal and gasket renewal, clutch pack inspection and replacement (automatic)
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Ball joint replacement, bushing renewal, steering rack rebuild, alignment specifications
Brake System Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures, ABS module diagnostics
Body Panel Repair And Replacement:
Panel alignment, welding procedures, corrosion repair techniques
Climate Control Service:
Refrigerant evacuation and recharge, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator)
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Code V8:
M60B30 (3.0L), M60B40 (4.0L)
Engine Code V12:
M70B50 (5.0L), S70B56 (5.6L)
3.0L (M60B30):
188 hp @ 5800 rpm, 270 Nm @ 4500 rpm
4.0L (M60B40):
282 hp @ 5800 rpm, 400 Nm @ 4500 rpm
5.0L (M70B50):
295 hp @ 5200 rpm, 470 Nm @ 3900 rpm
5.6L (S70B56 - Alpina B12 5.6):
372 hp @ 5400 rpm, 550 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Configuration:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Block Material:
Aluminum alloy (Nikasil coating on M60, Alusil on M70)
Oil Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to Condition Based Service system for later models)
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type and engine variant)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 50,000-70,000 miles (highly recommended, though BMW stated 'lifetime' fluid for some units)
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-98 (e.g., Castrol SYNTEC 5W-30 or 5W-40, check manual for specific grade)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 or equivalent ethylene glycol based with silicate inhibitors)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends Castrol Brake Fluid)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III (or equivalent)
Engine Oil Sludge:
M60 V8 engines are prone to oil sludge buildup due to the Nikasil cylinder lining's sensitivity to heat and improper oil changes. Alusil engines are less susceptible.
Cooling System Leaks:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks and hoses can degrade and leak over time.
Window Regulators:
Electric window regulators can become slow or fail.
ABS Sensor Failure:
Wheel speed sensors for the ABS system are known to fail.
Ignition Coil Packs:
On V8 models, ignition coil packs can fail, leading to misfires.
Door Seal Deterioration:
Weather stripping around doors and windows can deteriorate, leading to leaks.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E31 Introduction:
Introduced in 1989 as a flagship coupe, designed to be a modern successor to the classic E9 coupe and to compete with high-end GT cars.
Engine Progression:
Initially launched with the M60 V8, later gaining the M70 V12, and eventually updated with revised V8s and the Alpina-tuned S70 V12.
Design Evolution:
Minor styling updates and feature enhancements throughout its production run, including improved aerodynamics and interior refinements.
Production Period:
1989-2000
Production Volume:
Approximately 30,600 units worldwide
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
