Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking performance, comfort, and advanced technology in a stylish coupe or convertible.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS, Ferrari 412.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic, sleek, muscular styling with signature BMW kidney grille; focused on driver engagement and long-distance comfort.
Platform:
Exclusive E31 platform, shared no body panels with other BMW models of the era.
Technological Advancements:
Early adoption of traction control (ASC), adaptive suspension (EDC), and advanced onboard computers for its time.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive workshop repair procedures for all systems and components.
Estimated Page Count:
High, likely exceeding 1000 pages for full coverage.
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (Instant Download), likely PDF
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul; clutch system; driveshafts; differentials.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering rack, power steering system.
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, ignition system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, mirrors, seats, central locking, alarm system, ECU diagnostics.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk operation, convertible top operation (if applicable), chassis components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service and repair, heating system, climate control diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system interpretation, ECU fault codes, sensor testing.
Depth Level:
Extremely high, covering basic maintenance to complete vehicle rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Diagrams:
Detailed step-by-step diagrams, exploded views, and electrical schematics.
Engine Type 1:
4.0L V8 SOHC (later M60B40)
Displacement 1:
3.0L (2997 cc) and 4.0L (3982 cc)
Horsepower 1:
218 hp (M60B30), 282 hp (M60B40)
Torque 1:
214 lb-ft (M60B30), 295 lb-ft (M60B40)
Engine Type 2:
5.0L V12 SOHC
Displacement 2:
5.0L (4988 cc)
0 60 Mph V8:
Approx. 6.5 seconds
0 60 Mph V12:
Approx. 6.2 seconds
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Block Material:
Aluminum (M60 V8), Aluminum (M70 V12)
Transmission Type V8:
5-speed manual ( Getrag 280/5 )
Transmission Type V8 Auto:
4-speed automatic ( ZF 4HP24 )
Transmission Type V12:
4-speed automatic ( ZF 4HP24 )
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Automatic Shift Logic:
Electronic control, driver-selectable modes (e.g., Sport)
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.6 inches (1311 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.1 inches (2720 mm)
Curb Weight V8 Coupe:
Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg)
Curb Weight V12 Coupe:
Approx. 4100 lbs (1860 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120mm
Crash Test Data:
Limited public data from the era; Nించింది, but designed to meet European standards of the time.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on later models
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags became standard during the production run.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll-over protection bars for convertible models (if applicable to the specific year/manual scope).
Head Unit:
Original BMW cassette/radio with CD changer option, often upgraded in modern times.
Display Technology:
Basic LCD displays for climate control and onboard computer.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Suspension Control:
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) was an option, offering adjustable suspension damping.
Original Connectivity:
Basic, with optional car phone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, per BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) or manual recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 60,000 miles for iridium plugs, check specific engine variant.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, depending on coolant type.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic oil, e.g., SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for precise viscosity).
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 liters (6.9 - 7.4 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity V12:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 liters (7.9 - 8.5 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ZF TE-ML 11B or approved equivalent (e.g., Dexron III based fluids can be problematic, use specific BMW or ZF fluid).
Common Issue 1:
Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) system failures on early M60 engines (prone to wear and solenoid issues).
Common Issue 2:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump).
Common Issue 3:
ABS/ASC system faults (sensor issues, control module failures).
Common Issue 4:
Electrical gremlins, particularly related to window regulators, door locks, and complex wiring harnesses.
Common Issue 5:
Interior wear and tear, especially on leather and dashboard components.
Common Issue 6:
Catalytic converter failure on M60/M70 engines.
Brand Focus:
BMW has a long history of producing driver-focused, high-performance luxury vehicles, known for engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Predecessor:
No direct predecessor, created as a new flagship model for BMW's GT segment.
Successor:
8 Series (E63/E64) generation, and later the 8 Series (G15/G16).
Production Period:
1989-1999 (E31 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
Production Volume Estimate:
Relatively low volume compared to mainstream models, around 30,600 units produced.
Automotive Journalism Awards:
While specific awards for this era are less documented, the 8 Series was lauded for its groundbreaking design and engineering by automotive press globally.
Design Appreciation:
Widely recognized as one of the most beautiful BMW designs of the modern era, often cited for its timeless styling.
