Positioning:
Luxury Grand Tourer, positioned as a premium, high-performance coupe and convertible
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Jaguar XJS
Design:
Iconic Bangle-era design, shark-nose front, hidden headlights, pillarless coupe profile
Performance Engines:
Powerful V8 and V12 engines offering refined performance
Driving Dynamics:
Balanced chassis, sophisticated suspension for comfortable yet engaging driving
Covered Years:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Covered Models:
All 840i, 850i E31 variants
Covered Engines:
4.0L V8 (M60B40), 5.0L V12 (M70B50), 5.4L V12 (M73B54)
Covered Transmissions:
All transmission types (e.g., 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual)
Coverage Scope:
Complete Workshop Service Repair
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Full Workshop Manual)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (DME), ignition system, emissions control (ASC, catalytic converters), sensors, actuators
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox operation, overhaul, maintenance
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission control module (EGS), hydraulic systems, torque converter, overhaul, maintenance
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, rear axle assembly
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake calipers, pads, rotors, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, lighting system, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, climate control module
Infotainment And Electronics:
Radio, navigation system, power windows, central locking, mirrors
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid flush
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code identification, symptom analysis
Repair:
Component disassembly, repair, and reassembly for all covered systems
Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments (if applicable), idle speed settings, parking brake adjustments
Installation:
Component installation and replacement procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (A-Z coverage), suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine 840I 4.0L:
4.0L (3982cc) SOHC V8 (M60B40)
Engine 850I 5.0L:
5.0L (4988cc) SOHC V12 (M70B50)
Engine 850I 5.4L:
5.4L (5379cc) SOHC V12 (M73B54)
Horsepower 840I 4.0L:
Approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 840I 4.0L:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower 850I 5.0L:
Approx. 296 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 850I 5.0L:
Approx. 332 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Horsepower 850I 5.4L:
Approx. 322 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 850I 5.4L:
Approx. 361 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Fuel Delivery 4.0L:
Bosch Motronic DME engine management with multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Delivery 5.0L 5.4L:
Bosch Motronic DME engine management with multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Standard Transmission 840I:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Standard Transmission 850I:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., GM 4L30-E for early models, later with 5-speed Steptronic)
Optional Transmission 840I:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Rare)
Optional Transmission 850I:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Steptronic:
Manual shifting mode for automatic transmissions
Audio System:
Optional premium sound systems, e.g., Harman Kardon
Navigation:
Early BMW navigation systems (e.g., on-board monitor) were available
Stability Control:
ASC and later DSC systems offered traction and stability management
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on in-car entertainment and basic vehicle functions
Power Features:
Power windows, power seats, power mirrors, power sunroof (where equipped)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-18 months, refer to specific manual recommendations
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as specified by BMW
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Spark Plugs:
Varies by engine, e.g., M60 V8: ~60,000 miles; M70/M73 V12: dual spark plugs, ~30,000 miles
Engine Oil 4.0L:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to owner's manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil 5.0L 5.4L:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to owner's manual for exact spec)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (refer to specific transmission type)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 manual transmission fluid (refer to specific gearbox)
V12 Maintenance:
Can be complex and costly to maintain, particularly the dual ignition system and complex electronics
M60 Engine Common Issues:
Nikovasil cylinder liner wear (especially early M60B40), coolant leaks from plastic components
Wiring Harness:
Degradation of engine wiring harnesses, particularly the wire loom in the ECU and sensor connections
E31 Electronics:
Complex electronic systems (e.g., ASC, central locking) can be prone to failure due to age and complexity
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant pipes, expansion tanks, and water pumps can become brittle and leak
