Original Market:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Key Competitors:
Porsche 928, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Jaguar XJS, Aston Martin DB7
Design Philosophy:
Elegant design, powerful V8 and V12 engines, advanced technology for its era, driver-focused cockpit.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform self-repairs, saving significant costs, and ensures preparedness for inevitable maintenance and repairs.
Primary Coverage:
Workshop Service Repair
Scope:
Comprehensive diagnostics, maintenance, repair, rebuilding, refurbishment, restoration
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (exact count not specified, but described as '100% COMPLETE')
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul & rebuilding, transmission removal & installation, transmission in-car servicing, engine performance, firing orders, serpentine belt routings with diagrams, timing belt replacement, timing belt service procedures
Chassis:
Brakes, front end & alignment procedures & specifications, suspension, U-Joint AND CV-Joint service procedures
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostic codes
Comfort And Convenience:
Sunroofs
Climate Control:
Air conditioning & capacities
Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules & charts, routine servicing, fluid capacity specifications
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Trouble codes, troubleshooting & diagnostics, engine performance, diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostic codes, driving concerns
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul & rebuilding, brake servicing procedures, transmission removal & installation, U-Joint AND CV-Joint service procedures, repair procedures
Technical Data:
Complete torques specifications, detailed specifications on every model covered, vacuum diagrams
Depth:
Professional level, covering everything needed to repair, maintain, rebuild, refurbish or restore the vehicle, including step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics.
Digital Format:
Digital (likely PDF, common for instant downloads)
Image Quality:
High quality, includes pictures and illustrations
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Completeness Statement:
100% Complete, no missing/corrupt pages/sections. Contains everything you will ever need.
Engine Options:
V8 (M60/M62 series) and V12 (M70/M73 series) gasoline engines.
V8 Performance Range:
Approximately 282-315 horsepower and 310-332 lb-ft of torque (depending on exact engine variant and year).
V12 Performance Range:
Approximately 295-322 horsepower and 332-370 lb-ft of torque (depending on exact engine variant and year).
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection.
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system.
Ignition Type:
Distributorless ignition (DIS) for V8, dual ignition systems for V12.
Transmission Type V8:
5-speed manual (e.g., Getrag 265) or 4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP24).
Transmission Type V12:
4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22/4HP24).
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control with sport/comfort modes.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (specific BMW part numbers would be detailed in the manual).
Length Overall:
Approximately 4,705-4,985 mm (depending on specific model variant).
Width Overall:
Approximately 1,855-1,860 mm.
Height Overall:
Approximately 1,300-1,370 mm.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,634 mm.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,700-1,900 kg (depending on engine and options).
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data publicly available from this era. BMW's focus was on passive safety features.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, often with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard or optional.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with traction control) was available on later models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from mid-production. Passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon optional), cassette player, early CD changers. Analog displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors became available on later models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on audio and basic vehicle status.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Seat Features:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats optional.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (manual will provide exact BMW recommendations).
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush are typically recommended at longer intervals (e.g., 30,000-60,000 miles), detailed in the manual.
Engine Oil Specification:
Viscosity typically 0W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting BMW LL-01 or earlier specifications (refer to manual for exact OEM spec and capacity).
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water (refer to manual for capacity and specific type).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid (refer to manual for capacity and bleeding procedures).
Common E31 Problems:
ABS/ASC sensor failures, cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), VANOS system issues (on later V8s), electronic window regulators, headliner sag, starter motor failures (on V12), catalytic converter issues.
Manual Assistance For Issues:
The manual's diagnostic and troubleshooting sections are crucial for addressing these common issues effectively.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and luxury vehicles.
E31 Development:
Conceived as a flagship coupe, intended to compete with premium GTs, replacing the E24 6 Series in spirit. Designed by Boyke Boyer.
Production Period:
1989-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Engine Variants Introduction:
Initially launched with the 850i (V12), followed by the 840i (V8), with updates to engines (M62 V8, M73 V12) and transmissions throughout its lifecycle.
