Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Key Competitors Era:
Mercedes-Benz SL, Porsche 911, Jaguar XJS, Aston Martin DB7
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful engines, comfortable long-distance touring capability
Target Audience:
BMW 8 Series (E31) owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts
Benefit:
Enables cost-effective and efficient maintenance and repair
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission, Drive Chain, Rear Wheel Drive
Chassis:
Steering, Brakes, Wheels and Tires, Frame
Electrical:
Engine Electrics, General Electrical Equipment, Instruments, Lighting
Body And Interior:
Equipment
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, component inspection
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit tracing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Adjustments:
Component adjustments, calibration procedures
Depth:
Factory-level technical details, specifications, torque values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Engine Code:
M60B40 (4.0L V8) / M62B44 (4.4L V8) / S62B50 (5.0L V8 - M8) / M70B50 (5.0L V12) / M73B54 (5.4L V12)
4.0L V8 Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm
4.0L V8 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
4.4L V8 Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm (US Spec)
4.4L V8 Torque:
317 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (US Spec)
5.4L V12 Horsepower:
322 hp @ 5000 rpm
5.4L V12 Torque:
361 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Catalytic Converter:
Dual catalytic converters
Type:
ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic
Type:
Getrag 6-speed manual (primarily for 840Ci models)
Automatic Features:
Adaptive transmission control, Sport mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon compatible (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic
Length:
191.7 in (4870 mm)
Height:
52.5 in (1333 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
3,700 - 4,100 lbs (1678 - 1860 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4,800 - 5,000 lbs (2177 - 2268 kg)
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Specific ratings may vary by year and testing methodology; refer to OEM documentation for definitive data.
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Brake Assist:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point automatic seatbelts
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD RDS or BMW Professional RDS
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation System
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control)
Cellular Integration:
Optional BMW Cellular Car Phone
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, using synthetic oil
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for V8, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for V12 (check specific plug type)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L V8:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.4L V8:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.4L V12:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Common Wear Items:
Cooling system components (hoses, expansion tank), ABS sensors, fuel pump, starter motor, VANOS system (on V8s)
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur due to age of wiring harnesses and complex systems; the manual is crucial for diagnosis.
V12 Specific:
Dual ignition systems require careful timing and maintenance; throttle body synchronization.
Maintenance Tasks Covered
Tune Up Procedures:
Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, fuel injector cleaning
Suspension And Steering:
Component inspection, replacement of bushings, tie rods, ball joints
Brand Legacy:
BMW's reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and luxury vehicles
E31 Development Period:
Late 1980s, launched in 1989
Production Years:
1989-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Available Models:
840Ci (4.4L V8), 850Ci (5.4L V12)
