Model Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT), positioning BMW as a performance-oriented luxury marque.
Key Competitors:
Porsche 928, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Jaguar XJS.
Design Philosophy:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a long hood, short deck, and prominent kidney grille. Emphasized performance, comfort, and technological innovation.
Innovation:
Introduced features like a multi-link rear suspension, integral rear axle, and the use of advanced materials. For its time, it represented BMW's cutting-edge in automotive engineering and design.
Engine Variants Covered:
Likely covers M60B40 (4.0L V8) and M60B30 (3.0L V8) engines, and potentially M73B50 (5.0L V12) depending on specific manual version.
Transmission Variants Covered:
Includes coverage for both manual (Getrag 420G) and automatic (ZF 4HP24) transmissions.
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era and complexity).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine management, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition, exhaust, emission controls, manual and automatic transmissions, clutch systems, driveshaft, and final drive.
Chassis:
Brakes (including ABS), suspension (front and rear), steering systems.
Body And Electrical:
Body and interior components, electrical system (including wiring diagrams, lighting, ECUs, power accessories).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, component inspection.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, including engine overhauls, transmission repairs, brake overhauls, and electrical component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common fault diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis issues.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities and types, electrical data, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to in-depth component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Includes detailed system descriptions and operating principles.
Engine Code Primary:
M60B40 (4.0L V8)
Engine Type Primary:
V8, naturally aspirated, DOHC 32-valve, BMW M60 engine family.
Displacement Primary:
3982 cc
Bore X Stroke Primary:
89 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio Primary:
10.0:1
Horsepower Primary:
282 hp (210 kW) @ 5800 rpm
Torque Primary:
295 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic M4.1 DME with multi-point fuel injection (MPI).
Engine Code Secondary:
M60B30 (3.0L V8)
Displacement Secondary:
2997 cc
Horsepower Secondary:
215 hp (158 kW) @ 5800 rpm
Torque Secondary:
290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Engine Code Tertiary:
M73B50 (5.0L V12) - introduced later in the E31 lifecycle, but potentially covered if manual includes later updates.
Displacement Tertiary:
4988 cc
Horsepower Tertiary:
326 hp (240 kW) @ 5200 rpm
Torque Tertiary:
470 Nm (347 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 420G).
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP24).
Clutch System:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch for manual transmission.
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control for smooth gear changes and optimal engine management integration.
Crash Test Availability:
Limited official crash test data available for this era; focus on OEM safety design principles.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated front and rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, and impact-absorbing structures.
Head Unit:
Early in-car infotainment systems, typically featuring a radio cassette player with an optional CD changer and a monochrome display for climate control and radio information.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) were optional on later models.
Cellular Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system available on some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system (or manual recommendation for pre-CBS models).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs, earlier for standard plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic engine oil (check specific manual for exact BMW Longlife specification).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent ZF TE-ML 11B, 75W-85W fluid.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Problems Overview:
Known issues can include VANOS system problems (on M60 engines), water pump leaks, ABS sensor failures, window regulators, coil pack failures, and general age-related wear on rubber components.
Specific Issue Vanos:
Double VANOS system on M60 engines can wear solenoids and seals, affecting engine performance and idle quality. This manual will detail diagnosis and repair procedures.
Specific Issue Electrical:
Age-related degradation of wiring insulation and module failures, particularly in the comfort electronics and engine management systems.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's history is rooted in aviation engines, evolving into performance-oriented automobiles with a focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.
E31 Introduction:
The E31 8 Series was introduced in 1989 as the successor to the E24 6 Series, representing BMW's flagship coupe and a bold statement in automotive design and engineering.
E31 Lifespan:
Produced from 1989 to 1999, with the 1995 model year falling into the mid-production phase.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany.
Production Numbers:
Total production of the E31 series was approximately 30,621 units worldwide, making it a relatively rare and collectible model.
