Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer
Era:
Late 1980s / Early 1990s flagship coupe and convertible
Competitors:
Porsche 928, Ferrari 412, Jaguar XJ-S, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)
Design:
Striking, aerodynamic design with concealed headlights, long hood, and muscular stance.
Engines:
Available with potent V8 (M60) and the iconic V12 (M70) engines, representing BMW's pinnacle of engineering at the time.
Technology:
Incorporated advanced automotive technologies of its era, including electronic engine management and sophisticated chassis electronics.
Driving Experience:
Emphasis on comfortable long-distance touring combined with performance and handling capabilities.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul and repair of M60 (V8) and M70 (V12) engines, including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and exhaust systems.
Engine Electrical:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) diagnosis and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Repair and diagnosis for both automatic (e.g., 4HP24, 5HP30) and manual transmissions, including torque converter and clutch service.
Drivetrain:
Front/rear axle, differential, driveshafts, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, linkages, and associated components.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake discs, pads, calipers, and lines.
Electrical Systems:
Complete vehicle electrical system, including lighting, power windows, central locking, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable), OBC (On-Board Computer), and EML (Electronic Engine Control).
HVAC:
Climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, and blower motor.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, and convertible top operation.
Interior:
Seat removal/installation, dashboard components, interior trim.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common faults, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, engine rebuild, transmission overhaul.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for dismantling and reassembling all major vehicle systems and components.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical testing values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes advanced diagnostic procedures for electronic systems.
Type:
V8, 32-valve, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 90 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
M70B50 Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
M70B50 Torque:
470 Nm (347 lb-ft) @ 4100 rpm (approx.)
Injection:
Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic 3.3 for V8, 1.7 for V12)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91+ Octane)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (4HP24 initially, later 5HP30)
Type:
5-speed Manual (e.g., Getrag S6-37BH for M60 engines)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available on some models
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Manual Transmission Fluid MTF LT-2 or equivalent
Crash Testing Era:
Pre-modern crash testing standards, but designed with significant safety features for its time.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.
Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, energy-absorbing crumple zones, door impact beams.
Audio System:
Premium sound systems available (e.g., Harman Kardon), with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Early GPS navigation systems available on some models, often requiring separate map discs.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control standard.
Parking Sensors:
Not available during this production period.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone systems, largely analog and dated by modern standards.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Spark Plugs:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 km (37,000-62,000 miles), depending on plug type (e.g., standard vs. long-life).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000-100,000 km (37,000-62,000 miles), especially for automatics.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (consult manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump seals can fail.
Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid issues on M60 engines, ABS/ASC control module failures, window regulators.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failure, fuel injector issues.
Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings and ball joints.
M70 Specific:
Dual ignition system complexity, throttle body actuators, and frequent maintenance needs due to V12 configuration.
