Positioning:
Flagship luxury grand tourer, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz SL, Porsche 928, and Jaguar XJS.
Key Differentiators:
BMW's signature driving dynamics, advanced V8 and V12 engines, sophisticated engineering, and high-quality interior.
Model Identity:
E31 8 Series represented BMW's foray into the high-end coupe market, emphasizing performance, luxury, and advanced technology for its era.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain (driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, comfort systems, engine control unit (ECU), ABS control unit, transmission control unit (TCU), diagnostic connectors, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, aerodynamics
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks & changes, belt replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation
Repair:
Engine component overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis & repair, body panel repair & replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), step-by-step diagnostic procedures, wiring diagram interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance and fluid services to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork procedures.
Digital Format Notes:
N/A (Original printed manual)
Print Quality:
Professional dealer-grade printing
Binding:
Original dealer binding (likely spiral-bound or perfect bound)
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments
Engine Code 840Ci:
M60B40 (4.0L V8)
Engine Code 850Ci:
M70B50 (5.0L V12)
Engine Code 850Csi:
S70B56 (5.6L V12)
Horsepower 840Ci:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 840Ci:
400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower 850Ci:
296 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 850Ci:
470 Nm (347 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm
Horsepower 850Csi:
375 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque 850Csi:
550 Nm (406 lb-ft) @ 4100 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic engine management system (specific version varies by engine)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Transmission 840Ci:
4-speed automatic (Steptronic)
Transmission 850Ci:
4-speed automatic (Steptronic)
Transmission 850Csi:
6-speed manual
Transmission 840Ci Optional:
5-speed manual (in some markets)
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual gear selection via selector lever or steering wheel buttons (if equipped).
Safety Ratings Era:
Modern safety standards for its time; specific crash test ratings may be limited by modern methodologies.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on some models
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioners
Infotainment System:
Basic by modern standards; Cassette player, FM/AM radio, optional CD changer, analog climate control.
Display Type:
Analog gauges, central information display (MID) in the instrument cluster.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, limited to ABS and ASC+T (on some models).
Connectivity Features:
None beyond basic radio/cassette functions.
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, per BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or manual recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Varies by engine; V12 engines often have longer intervals than V8s. Consult manual for specifics (e.g., 60,000+ miles).
Engine Oil Spec 840Ci V8:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil.
Engine Oil Spec 850Ci V12:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent SAE 10W-40 or 10W-60 synthetic oil (depending on climate and engine variant).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
BMW ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) LT-3 or LT-4, or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Refer to manual; typically GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, with specific viscosity.
E31 Common Problems:
Plastic cooling pipe failures, VANOS system issues (on M60/S62 related engines if applicable), ABS/ASC sensor failures, headlight motor failures, fuel pump issues, interior trim wear, electrical gremlins.
Bmw Gt Legacy:
BMW has a long history of producing high-performance and luxurious coupes and grand tourers, building on models like the E9, E24 6 Series, and E34 5 Series platform.
E31 Development:
Developed as BMW's halo car of the early 1990s, showcasing advanced aerodynamics, V12 engine technology, and a focus on driver engagement.
Production Years:
1989-1999
Production Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
Automotive Journalism Awards:
While not necessarily winning specific 'awards' as commonly understood today, the E31 8 Series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its engineering, performance, and luxury when launched.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently reviewed as a potent grand tourer with excellent handling for its size and weight, especially the V12 models.
