🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series

Chassis Code:

E31

Model Year:

1992

Engine Codes:

M60B30, M60B40

Transmission Codes:

GETRAG S6D 310Z (Manual), ZF 5HP30 (Automatic)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)

Competitors:

Porsche 911, Ferrari 412, Maserati Shamal, Jaguar XJS.

Design Philosophy:

Long-distance comfort, V8 power, advanced technology for its era, striking coupé styling.

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking a sophisticated, powerful, and comfortable German GT.

📋 Manual Details

Scope:

Comprehensive factory repair and service information for the 1992 BMW 8 Series (E31).

Estimated Pages:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive BMW factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF / WinRAR Archive

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Motor (including M60B30 3.0L V8 and M60B40 4.0L V8), Engine Electrics, Fuel Preparation and Control (EFI), Radiator, Exhaust System.

Drivetrain:

Clutch, Gearbox (Manual & Automatic), Drive Chain (though E31 is RWD, this likely refers to drive shafts/axles), Rear Wheel Drive System.

Chassis And Suspension:

Steering System, Brakes (ABS, DSC if applicable to '92), Wheels and Tyres, Frame (Body Structure).

Electrical And Body:

Equipment (general), General Electrical Equipment, Instruments, Lights (Headlights, Taillights, Interior, Exterior).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, general instructions, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.

Diagnostics And Repair:

Troubleshooting common issues, detailed repair procedures for all major systems, component testing, removal and installation of parts.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, alignment data, electrical schematics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Depth:

Factory-level detail, covering basic to advanced diagnostic and repair procedures, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, electrical system tracing.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF, digitally searchable and viewable, compressed via WinRAR.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

BMW M60B30 V8

Displacement 1:

2997 cc (3.0 L)

Bore X Stroke 1:

84 mm x 75 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

10.0:1

Horsepower 1:

215 hp (160 kW) @ 5800 rpm

Torque 1:

290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm

Engine 2:

BMW M60B40 V8

Displacement 2:

3982 cc (4.0 L)

Bore X Stroke 2:

89 mm x 80 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

10.0:1

Horsepower 2:

282 hp (210 kW) @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2:

400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm

0 60 Mph 4.0L:

Approx. 6.0-6.5 seconds (depending on transmission)

Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 or M3.3/1 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

GETRAG 6-speed Manual (S6D 310Z) - common on M60B40

Optional Transmission:

ZF 4-speed Automatic (5HP30) - common on M60B30 and available on M60B40

Automatic Features:

Sport mode, electronically controlled for smooth shifts.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol SAF-XJ or Dexron III for some earlier ZF models if adaptable)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-71141 or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/VI for compatible transmissions)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,775 mm (188.0 in)

Width:

1,855 mm (73.0 in)

Height:

1,370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2,610 mm (102.8 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1,600-1,700 kg (3,527-3,748 lbs) depending on engine/options

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 370 liters (13.1 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No standardized modern crash test ratings available from agencies like NHTSA or IIHS for this era; relied on internal BMW testing and standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard in later production of this model year or specific markets.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional cassette radio or similar era premium audio system.

Speakers:

Premium speaker system with subwoofer options.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Phone Integration:

Optional early cellular phone integration available in some models/markets.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles (15,000-25,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Spark Plug Replacement:

M60 engines typically use iridium spark plugs with intervals around 60,000-100,000 miles (100,000-160,000 km).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or per manual recommendation.

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40.

Engine Oil Capacity:

M60B30: ~6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts); M60B40: ~7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Vanos System:

While not present on the M60, this era's V8s can experience VANOS issues in later models. The M60 engines are known for reliable Nikasil cylinder liners which were later replaced due to concerns with sulfur in fuel (though this is less of an issue in many markets).

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant pipes and expansion tanks can become brittle and crack over time. Water pump seals can also fail.

Electrical Gremlins:

Common in aging luxury cars; issues with window regulators, central locking, and dashboard lights can occur due to degraded wiring or module failure.

Drive Shaft Flex Discs:

Guibo (flex disc) wear can lead to vibrations and clunking noises.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Fuel pumps can degrade over time, leading to starting issues or performance loss.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence established with models like the E24 6 Series and prior luxury sedans.

Predecessor:

BMW E24 6 Series.

Successor:

BMW E63/E64 6 Series (launched 2003).

Production Period:

1989-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

Units Produced:

8,842 units (total E31 production)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

BMW E31 8 Series received critical acclaim for its design and engineering from automotive publications of its era, often cited as a benchmark luxury GT.

Performance Reviews:

Praised for its powerful V8 engines, refined ride, and handling characteristics for a car of its size and class.