Market Position:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT), positioned as BMW's flagship coupe and convertible during its production run, emphasizing performance, comfort, and advanced technology.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928, Aston Martin DB7
Key Features Manual:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, extensive diagrams, complete electrical schematics, troubleshooting guides, specific fluid and capacity information, make-model-year specific coverage.
Key Features Vehicle:
Powerful V8 and V12 engines, sophisticated chassis and suspension, luxurious interior, advanced electronics for its era, distinctive coupe and convertible body styles.
Coverage Areas:
All Workshop Repair Procedures, Electrical Diagrams, Service Procedures, Fluid Capacities, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Manual Completeness:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects of repair, maintenance, and diagnostics for the specified model years and variants.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Lubrication, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic), Electrical System (Battery, Charging, Ignition, Starter, Switches), Bodywork, Climate Control
Procedures Included:
Inspection, Adjustment, Engine Removal/Installation, Cylinder Head/Valve Service, Cylinder/Piston Service, Crankcase Service, Crankshaft/Primary Shaft Service, Gearshift Linkage Adjustment, Sub-transmission Service, Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Brake Bleeding, Electrical Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Routine Maintenance, Troubleshooting Faults
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance and fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring schematics.
Technical Specifications Covered:
Detailed torque specifications for engine components, suspension, brakes; electrical system resistance values; diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation; component testing procedures.
Electrical Systems Coverage:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, including engine management, lighting, infotainment, climate control, power windows/seats, ABS/ASC, and central locking.
Primary Engine Offered:
4.0L V8 (M60B40), 5.0L V8 (M60B50), 5.4L V12 (M73B54)
Horsepower Range:
282 hp to 322 hp (depending on engine and model year)
Torque Range:
400 Nm to 490 Nm (depending on engine and model year)
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with VANOS variable valve timing on later M60/M62 engines and standard on M73 V12.
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy (M60/M62), Cast Iron (M73 - early versions, later were aluminum)
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic 3.3, 3.7, 5.2)
Engine Codes V8:
M60B40, M60B50, M62B44 (later 840Ci), M62TUB44 (later 840Ci)
Engine Codes V12:
M70B50 (early 850i), S70B56 (850CSi), M73B54 (later 850i/850Ci)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (rare, primarily on early 840i), 5-speed automatic (e.g., 5HP30)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (on early 840i), 6-speed manual (on later 840ci with M62 engine)
Transmission Features:
ZF automatic transmissions with adaptive shift programs, electronically controlled clutch (on manual versions).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent such as Dexron III/Mercon)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:
Approx. 8-10 liters (check manual for specific model)
Safety Ratings:
Not subject to modern crash rating standards like Euro NCAP or NHTSA in its original production era.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC+T on later models), Self-leveling suspension (optional on some models).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, reinforced A-pillars and B-pillars, crumple zones, seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Infotainment System:
BMW Bavaria C Professional RDS (radio/cassette), optional CD changer, early navigation systems (e.g., BMW Business Navigation).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, parking assist sensors (rear), automatic climate control, electric seat adjustment with memory.
Connectivity Features:
Onboard computer providing trip data and diagnostics, antenna system for radio reception.
Lighting Technology:
Pop-up halogen headlights, standard halogen headlights, front fog lights, rear fog lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km or 12 months (check vehicle specific recommendations and oil type used).
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 km (iridium or platinum plugs), earlier models with standard plugs may have shorter intervals.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-4 years or 40,000-60,000 km, depending on coolant type.
Engine Oil Specification V8:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 rated synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30)
Engine Oil Specification V12:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 rated synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30)
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11S (check manual for specific type).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (specific BMW spec recommended).
Known Issues:
ABS/ASC module failure, fuel pump failure, cooling system leaks (plastic components), wiring harness degradation, window regulator failure, ignition coil failure (especially on V12), door seal leaks, catalytic converter failure.
Common Repairs:
Replacement of ignition coils, fuel pumps, ABS sensors and modules, cooling system hoses and radiator, starter motor, window motors, and door seal replacement.
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 7.5 liters (8 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity V12:
Approx. 7.5 liters (8 US quarts)
Brand Heritage:
BMW, known for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, has a long history of producing sophisticated and performance-oriented vehicles, with the E31 building on the legacy of its luxurious coupes like the E9, E24 6 Series.
Model Evolution:
Introduced in 1989 as a successor to the E24 6 Series, the E31 was BMW's first V8-powered car and first V12 production car. It featured a distinctive wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlights, and a complex electrical system. Initially launched as the 850i (V12), it was later joined by the 840i (V8) and the more powerful 850CSi (V12, upgraded by BMW M). Facelifted models in the mid-90s introduced updated engines (M62 V8, M73 V12) and revised styling.
Production Years:
1989-1999
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Total Production Units:
Approx. 30,621 units across all variants
