Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, luxurious coupe or convertible with advanced engineering and driving dynamics.
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 911, Jaguar XJ-S, Chevrolet Corvette
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic coupé body, iconic pop-up headlights, long hood, short deck proportions, intended to be BMW's flagship GT.
Performance Orientation:
Emphasis on powerful V8 and V12 engines, sophisticated suspension, and refined handling for comfortable high-speed cruising.
Professional Grade:
Directly mirrors the documentation used by certified BMW technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness for all repair and maintenance tasks.
Accessibility:
Instant download PDF format makes it readily available for use on any computer or mobile device, facilitating immediate access to critical information.
Engine Variants:
4.0L V8 (M60B40), 5.0L V12 (M70B50), 5.4L V12 (M73B54)
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (exact count not specified, but described as 'hundreds of pages')
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (implied by context and typical BMW documentation)
Mechanical:
Engine (all variants), Drivetrain (transmission, differential, driveshafts), Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Climate Control
Electrical:
Engine Management System (DME), Ignition System, Lighting System, Power Windows, Power Seats, Central Locking, Audio System, Instrument Cluster, Diagnostic Systems (OBD-I/OBD-II considerations)
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Top (if applicable to specific sub-models not explicitly detailed but assumed for the E31 generation), Interior Trim, Chassis Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair/Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Troubleshooting and Repair, Bodywork Repair Procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Error Code Interpretation (where applicable)
Technical Information:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Lubrication Points, Wiring Diagrams, Component Location Diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complex engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures. Utilizes exploded views and step-by-step instructions.
Engine Displacement 40I:
3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Engine Configuration 40I:
V8, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Displacement 50I:
4988 cc (5.0 Liters)
Engine Configuration 50I:
V12, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (later DOHC in some markets/years, but M70 is typically SOHC)
Engine Displacement 54I:
5379 cc (5.4 Liters)
Engine Configuration 54I:
V12, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower 840I:
Approx. 282 hp (M60B40), later models ~300 hp (M62B44 variant for 840Ci)
Torque 840I:
Approx. 310 lb-ft (M60B40), later models ~317 lb-ft (M62B44 variant)
Horsepower 850I:
Approx. 296 hp (M70B50), Approx. 322 hp (M73B54)
Torque 850I:
Approx. 332 lb-ft (M70B50), Approx. 361 lb-ft (M73B54)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Engine Management System with Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher)
Transmission 840I:
5-speed automatic (722.6 for later M62 variants, ZF 5HP30 for M60)
Transmission 850I:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP24 for M70), 6-speed manual (Getrag 420G for M73)
Transmission 840I Manual:
6-speed manual (Getrag 420G for M62 variants)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often standard or optional, depending on market and specification
Length:
Approx. 4785 mm (188.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1855 mm (73.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Curb Weight 840I:
Approx. 1750-1850 kg (3858-4079 lbs)
Curb Weight 850I:
Approx. 1950-2050 kg (4300-4519 lbs)
Crash Test Data:
Limited publicly available official ratings for this era, but designed to contemporary European standards. Manual will contain specific structural reinforcement and safety system information.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Structure:
Reinforced chassis, crumple zones.
Audio System:
High-end audio systems from BMW, often with premium sound options (e.g., Harman Kardon). Cassette player and CD changer common. Manual will cover wiring and diagnostics for these.
On Board Computer:
On-Board Computer (OBC) for displaying various vehicle information and trip data.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available on many models.
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-I port typically, transitioning to OBD-II for later production years. Manual will detail diagnostic procedures for both.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval (VSI) based on driving conditions, typically around 7,500-15,000 miles or 12-24 months. Manual will detail specific VSI reset procedures and recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Often considered 'lifetime' fluid by the manufacturer, but professional recommendations suggest changing every 60,000-100,000 miles. Manual will provide factory guidelines and procedures.
Engine Oil 40I:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) specifications (e.g., Castrol Syntec, Mobil 1).
Engine Oil 50I 54I:
SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) specifications.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Common Problems:
Cooling system components (radiator, water pump, hoses), electrical system (window regulators, central locking actuators, OBC), VANOS system on later M62 engines, ignition coil packs and spark plug wells (especially M70/M73 V12s), catalytic converter failure, ABS/ASC sensor issues.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', sport sedans, and luxury vehicles.
E31 Development:
Conceived as BMW's flagship coupé and convertible, intended to compete with top-tier GT cars. Significant engineering effort invested in aerodynamics, chassis dynamics, and powertrain. Based on the E32 7 Series platform.
Production Years E31:
1989-1999
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
