Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced coupe
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SEC (W140), Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS, Chevrolet Corvette C4
Distinctive Features:
V12 engine, pop-up headlights, sophisticated electronics for its era, iconic design language
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (DME), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine management
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 4-speed 4HP24, 5-speed 5HP30), transmission control module (TCM), clutch (if applicable), differential
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC where applicable), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), dashboard instruments, sensors, actuators, electronic control units (ECUs)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable), seats, interior trim, climate control system (HVAC), central locking, security system
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, belt replacement, battery service
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repairs
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic data, component tolerances
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive (suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers), covering everything from basic maintenance to complex repairs and diagnostics
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Engine Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4988 cc)
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 5200 rpm (approximate, depending on market and year)
Torque:
332 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm (approximate, depending on market and year)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic DME)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Engine Electronics)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converters, Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors)
Transmission Type:
Automatic Transmission
Standard Transmission Model:
4-speed ZF 4HP24 (early models) / 5-speed ZF 5HP30 (later models)
Optional Transmission:
No manual transmission was officially offered for the 850Ci in most markets, though aftermarket conversions might exist.
Transmission Features:
Electronic control, sport mode, lockout torque converter
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 858 or similar)
Crash Test Ratings:
No standardized ratings like NHTSA/IIHS were prevalent for this era/vehicle class, but built to robust German safety standards.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models, Traction Control System (ASC+T)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, crumple zones, reinforced safety cell, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Lighting Systems:
Pop-up Halogen Headlights, Fog Lights, Rear Fog Lights, Halogen Taillights
Infotainment System:
Cassette player, optional CD player, early navigation system (e.g., BMW Bavaria C) may be present on later models.
Audio System:
Harman Kardon premium audio system option available
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) were an option on some later models.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system available on some models.
Climate Control:
Automatic dual-zone climate control
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12-18 months, or as indicated by the onboard computer (service interval indicator - SI)
Major Service Interval:
Significant service items (e.g., spark plugs, coolant) at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals, depending on specific component and usage.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SJ or higher (BMW LL-98 specification or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (8 US Quarts) for the M70 V12 engine
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1
Common Faults Engine:
Eccentric shaft sensor issues, oil leaks (especially valve cover gaskets), cooling system complexity (multiple pumps/thermostats), VANOS (if present on later variants or M73), ignition coil failures
Common Faults Electrical:
Module failures (ABS, DME, etc.), window regulator issues, sensor failures, wiring harness degradation over time, tombstone seat adjustment mechanisms
Common Faults Chassis:
Suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), steering box leaks, brake wear (especially due to weight)
Filter Part Numbers:
Oil Filter: Mann-Filter HU 925/4 (or equivalent BMW part number) for M70. Air Filter: Mann-Filter C 34134 (or equivalent BMW part number).
Brand Focus:
BMW's history of engineering excellence, performance, and luxury vehicles
E31 Development:
Developed as BMW's flagship coupe, intended to showcase technological prowess and luxury. It was a clean-sheet design, distinct from the 6 Series.
Production Start Year:
1989 (introduced), 1990 (market launch)
Production End Year:
1999
Production Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany
Total Production Units:
Approximately 30,621 units (across all E31 variants)
