BMW 8 Series (E31) Service & Repair Manual 1990-1999

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 131931

Tags: 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 8 Series (E31) 980 BMW Car Case Construction Excavators

Product variants

Description

The 8 Series (E31) represents a flagship luxury grand tourer from the 1990-1999 production years, available in Coupe and Convertible body styles. Positioned as a premium competitor against marques such as Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, the E31 embodied a commitment to performance and luxury with its sleek, aerodynamic design and powerful V8 and V12 engine options. These models were celebrated for their sophisticated engineering, offering a blend of dynamic driving capabilities and refined comfort, making them a distinctive choice for discerning drivers. This comprehensive workshop service and repair manual provides detailed information essential for the maintenance and repair of the 8 Series (E31). Covering a wide array of systems, including V8 and V12 engines, automatic and manual transmissions, suspension, steering, brakes, and electrical systems, this manual offers step-by-step procedures for everything from routine maintenance to complex component overhauls. With over 980 pages of content, it serves as an invaluable resource for owners, mechanics, and technicians seeking to preserve the performance and integrity of their vehicle.

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

8 Series

Chassis Code:

Production Years Covered:

1990-1999

Body Styles Covered:

Coupe, Convertible

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Positioning:

The BMW 8 Series (E31) was positioned as BMW's flagship luxury grand tourer, competing with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Jaguar XJS.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz SEC/SL (R129), Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928.

Key Features Of Vehicle

Design Philosophy:

Long, low, and sleek design with a focus on aerodynamics and powerful V8/V12 engines. Embodied BMW's 'ultimate driving machine' ethos in a grand touring package.

Key Features Of Manual

Manual Advantage:

Provides the same level of detailed technical information as used by BMW dealerships, enabling complex repairs and diagnostics for owners and independent mechanics.

Manual Utility

Target Audience:

Do-it-yourself enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their BMW E31 8 Series.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Engine Coverage:

V8 (M60, M62), V12 (M70, S70)

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed Automatic (GM 4L30-E, ZF 4HP24), 6-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)

Chassis Systems Covered:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Exhaust

Electrical Systems Covered:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Charging, Starting, Body Electronics, HVAC Controls, Audio Systems

Body And Interior Coverage:

Body Repair, Interior Trim, Seats, Sunroof, Power Windows, Door Locks, Airbags

Page Count

Total Pages:

Manual Type

Type:

Workshop Service & Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

File Format:

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, rebuild procedures, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves, camshafts, crankshafts)

Engine Management And Fuel:

Fuel injection systems (DME), ignition timing, sensor diagnostics, fuel pump, injectors

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, coolant specifications

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, lubrication specifications, oil change intervals

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converters, mufflers, exhaust pipes, O2 sensors

Transmission And Drivetrain:

Automatic and manual transmission removal, installation, internal repairs, clutch service, driveshafts, differential

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, power steering system, steering rack

Brake System:

Disc brake service (pads, rotors, calipers), ABS system diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures

Electrical And Diagnostics:

Detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, component testing, ECU diagnostics

Body And Chassis:

Body panel alignment, rust repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, trim replacement, chassis component repair

Supplemental Restraint System:

Airbag system component replacement, SRS module diagnostics, seat belt maintenance

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for virtually all vehicle systems

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing of sensors, actuators, control modules, wiring continuity checks, voltage drop testing

Body Work And Cosmetics:

Panel replacement, dent repair, bumper repair, interior component replacement

Technical Depth

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Print Quality

Printability:

All pages are printable without restriction.

Binding Type

Binding:

Digital Download (No physical binding)

Paper Type

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

Digital Features

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within PDF format.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine V8

Engine Code:

M60B40 / M62B44

Displacement Liters:

4.0L / 4.4L

Horsepower Hp:

282 hp (M60B40) / 282 hp (M62B44)

Torque Lb Ft:

295 lb-ft (M60B40) / 324 lb-ft (M62B44)

Primary Engine V12

Engine Code:

M70B50 / S70B56

Displacement Liters:

5.0L / 5.6L (Alpina B12)

Horsepower Hp:

296 hp (M70B50) / 372 hp (S70B56)

Torque Lb Ft:

332 lb-ft (M70B50) / 383 lb-ft (S70B56)

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic DME)

Engine Construction

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic (GM 4HP24 for V8, ZF 4HP22 for V12 initially, later M62 V8 used 4HP24)

Optional Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual (Getrag 420G, available on some V8 models)

Transmission Fluid

Automatic Fluid Spec:

Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)

Manual Fluid Spec:

BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length Mm:

4780 mm (Coupe)

Width Mm:

1855 mm

Height Mm:

1370 mm

Weights

Curb Weight Kg:

1700-1850 kg (Varies by engine and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags standard.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.

Construction:

Reinforced body structure with integrated safety cage.

Active Features

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.

Traction Control:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on some models.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Premium sound systems available, often from Alpine or Harman Kardon. BMW Professional Radio systems.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system (BMW Navigation System Professional) available on some models.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Aid:

Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control) optional on later models.

Connectivity

Early Telematics:

Limited early telematics and connectivity compared to modern vehicles.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-18 months (check specific model year and oil type).

Spark Plugs:

Every 60,000 miles (V8 M60), 100,000 miles (V8 M62, M70 V12, S70 V12) for platinum/iridium plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil V8:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic, meeting BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specifications (check manual).

Engine Oil V12:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic, meeting BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specifications (check manual).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Known Issues

Common Problem 1:

Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket).

Common Problem 2:

Cooling system issues (worn hoses, leaking radiator, failed water pump).

Common Problem 3:

ABS/ASC control module failures.

Common Problem 4:

Window regulator failures.

Common Problem 5:

CCC (Car Communication Computer) failures in later models.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles and grand tourers, building on its reputation for engineering excellence.

Model Evolution

E31 Development:

The E31 was a significant departure for BMW, designed to be a more luxurious and GT-focused car than previous coupes. It was the first BMW to feature a V12 engine in a production car.

Production

Production Start:

Production End:

Total Units Produced:

Approximately 30,600 units.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 1991:

Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1991.