Positioning:
The BMW 8 Series (E31) was BMW's flagship luxury grand tourer, positioning itself as a premium, performance-oriented coupe with advanced technology for its era.
Competitors:
Competed with high-end luxury coupes from brands like Mercedes-Benz (e.g., SEC models), Porsche (928), and Aston Martin.
Design:
Iconic wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlights, pillarless hardtop profile, luxurious interior appointments.
Powertrain:
Exclusive V12 engine (M70B50) offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, emphasizing GT capabilities.
Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking a sophisticated, powerful, and stylish grand touring automobile with a focus on comfort and performance.
Primary Coverage:
Full Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Electrical, Mechanical
Secondary Coverage:
Bodywork, Chassis, HVAC, Suspension, Brakes
Estimated Page Count:
~2000+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
V12 Engine (M70B50), Fuel System (EFI, injectors, pump, lines), Ignition System (Coil-on-plug, DME), Cooling System (Radiator, thermostat, water pump), Lubrication System (Oil pump, filter, passages), Exhaust System (Catalytic converters, mufflers), Air Intake System (Air filter, MAF sensor)
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (A4S 310R), Gearbox Control Unit (GCU), Torque Converter, Driveshafts, Differential
Chassis:
Front and Rear Suspension (Double wishbone, coil springs, dampers), Steering System (Hydraulic power steering, rack and pinion), Wheels and Tires, Wheel Alignment
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Fluid Type, Bleeding Procedures, Master Cylinder, Calipers
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (DME), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting Systems (Headlights, taillights, interior), Power Windows, Power Seats, Central Locking, Alarm System, Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body Panel Removal and Installation, Door Mechanisms, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Dashboard, Sunroof
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Transmission Fluid Change, Belt Replacement, Battery Maintenance
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Troubleshooting and Replacement, HVAC System Repair, Fuel System Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-I), Diagnostic Procedures for all major systems, Electrical Circuit Analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed diagnostic procedures, and electrical schematics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Displacement:
4988 cc (5.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 2 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)
Horsepower:
295 hp (220 kW) @ 5200 rpm (European spec), 295 hp (220 kW) @ 5200 rpm (US spec)
Torque:
317 lb-ft (430 Nm) @ 3900 rpm (European spec), 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) @ 4100 rpm (US spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M-1.2 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with individual throttle bodies for each cylinder bank
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Fuel Pump Type:
Dual electric fuel pumps
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (A4S 310R)
Manual Transmission:
Rarely offered, primarily in European markets, not widely available for US models.
Electronic Control:
Electronically controlled with Sport and Economy modes.
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent like Pentosin ATF-1)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 9-10 liters (dry fill)
NHTSA Rating:
Not directly comparable to modern NHTSA ratings due to age and testing methodologies. Generally considered a safe vehicle for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asc:
Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on later models, optional/unavailable on early 1992 models)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), cassette player, and early CD changers. Basic analog displays.
Navigation:
Optional early navigation system (e.g., BMW Navigation Professional) with CRT screen and CD-ROM based maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated cellular phone system (very basic by modern standards).
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (HVAC).
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats optional.
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually. Refer to the manual for specific conditions.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 50,000-60,000 miles. Consult the manual for exact procedure and fluid type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles for platinum plugs (if applicable), consult manual for exact type.
Engine Oil:
BMW High Performance Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG or SH, ACEA A2/A3). Refer to manual for precise specifications.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent HOAT coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Cooling system components (radiator, hoses), fuel pump failure, starter motor failure, ignition coil issues, window regulators, door seal degradation, EML light (Engine Management Light).
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, ABS sensor failures, BECK (Body Electronics Control Kit) module issues.
Engine Specific:
Oil leaks from the V12 engine, potential throttle body synchronization issues.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW, a German manufacturer renowned for performance and luxury, has a long history of producing desirable coupes and grand tourers.
E31 Development:
The E31 was conceived as a true GT, distinct from the 6 Series. It was designed to be the ultimate BMW coupe, featuring advanced technology and a unique platform.
Engine Introduction:
The M70 V12 engine was first introduced in the E31 850i, representing a significant engineering achievement for BMW.
Engine Updates:
Later models (post-1994) received the M73 V12, a refined version with increased displacement and power, though this manual specifically covers the M70B50.
Production Period:
1989-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Total Units Produced:
~30,621
Automotive Press:
While not a recipient of specific annual 'car of the year' awards, the 850Ci was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its engineering, design, and V12 engine smoothness, often lauded as a modern GT benchmark.
Reliability Perception:
Perceived as complex and potentially costly to maintain, typical of high-performance European luxury vehicles of the era. Reliability is highly dependent on diligent maintenance and component condition.
Emissions Standards:
Meets emissions standards for its respective production years, including California (LEV) specifications for US models where applicable.
