Vehicle Class:
High-end Luxury Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS, Maserati Ghibli (90s).
Design Philosophy:
BMW's 'ultimate driving machine' ethos applied to a sophisticated grand tourer with a distinctive coupé body style.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information for a complex and high-value vehicle, enabling owners to maintain its performance and longevity.
Engine:
V8 (M60, M62) and V12 (M70, M73) variants, including diagnostics, overhaul, and component specifications.
Transmission Transaxle:
Automatic (e.g., 4HP22, 5HP30) and manual transmissions, including removal, installation, repair, and fluid specifications.
Driveline:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential, axles, and related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including MacPherson struts, control arms, springs, shocks, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, columns, and associated components.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes (including ABS), hydraulic system, parking brake, and brake bleeding procedures.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, and piping, including emissions control systems.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, and fuel pressure regulation, including engine management.
Body Frame Mounting:
Body panels, chassis structure, doors, windows, sunroof, and associated trim and hardware.
Electrical Distribution:
Fuse boxes, relays, power distribution, and battery/charging system components.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and auxiliary lighting systems.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, climate control unit, and related components.
Instrumentation Warnings Systems:
Dashboard instruments, warning lights, diagnostic indicators, and driver information systems.
Audio Systems:
Factory installed audio components and wiring, often including premium sound systems.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt mechanisms, and related safety electronics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, and lubrication.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Adjustment Calibration:
Procedures for aligning components, setting clearances, and calibrating electronic systems.
Technical Data Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, and component tolerances.
Electrical Service:
Focus on diagnosing and repairing electrical faults, including use of wiring diagrams and test procedures.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics).
User Level:
Professional Automotive Technicians & Experienced DIYers
Engine Options:
3.0L I6 (not common in E31, primarily V8 and V12), 4.0L V8 (M60B40), 4.4L V8 (M62B44), 5.0L V12 (M70B50), 5.4L V12 (M73B54)
840Ci (M62) Horsepower:
Approx. 282 hp @ 5400 rpm
840Ci (M62) Torque:
Approx. 310 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
850Csi (S70B56) Horsepower:
Approx. 375 hp @ 5300 rpm
850Csi (S70B56) Torque:
Approx. 406 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MFI)
Required Fuel Octane:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
ECM System:
Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic 5.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2)
Audio System:
Optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), cassette player, CD changer integration.
Navigation:
Early GPS navigation systems available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most models.
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats.
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors.
Sunroof:
Optional electric sunroof.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Major Service Points:
Spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission fluid, differential fluid typically around 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on engine and climate).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol Coolant (G48 specification) mixed with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 5.1
Common E31 Issues:
Coolant expansion tank failure, VANOS system issues (on M62), window regulator failures, ABS/ASC sensor problems, ignition coil failures (V8), EML light (engine management).
V12 Specific Issues:
Dual EML issues, idle control valve problems, spark plug access difficulty, fuel system complexity.
