Positioning:
The BMW 8 Series E31 was a flagship grand tourer, positioned as a luxury, high-performance coupe representing the pinnacle of BMW's engineering and design in the early 1990s. It competed with other premium GTs like the Mercedes-Benz SL and Porsche 928.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz R129 SL, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS.
Distinctive Features:
Striking wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlights, V8 (and later V12) engines, advanced electronics for its time, luxurious interior, sophisticated handling.
Primary Coverage:
Repair and Maintenance for BMW 8 Series (E31) 1993
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific manual edition, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals.
Type:
Factory Repair Manual / Service Manual
Format:
PDF / WinRAR (Digital Download)
Powertrain:
Engine (V8 variants), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Clutch, Gearbox (Automatic & Manual), Drive Chain (if applicable to specific model), Rear Wheel Drive System
Chassis:
Steering, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and Tires, Frame
Electrical:
Engine Electrics, General Electrical Equipment, Instruments, Lights
Bodywork:
Body and Frame, Equipment (Interior/Exterior)
Fuel Preparation And Control:
Detailed procedures for fuel injection system diagnosis, cleaning injectors, fuel pressure checks, and sensor troubleshooting.
Radiator:
Cooling system diagnostics, radiator removal/installation, fan operation, thermostat replacement.
Rear Wheel Drive:
Information on the rear axle, differential, driveshaft, and related components, including maintenance and repair.
Frame:
Structural information, chassis components, suspension mounting points, and frame straightening procedures (if applicable).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component removal and installation, troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures
Diagnostics:
Fault finding, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Comprehensive lists of torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive from general instructions to detailed mechanical and electrical repair procedures. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Code:
M60B40 (for 1993 840i models)
Engine Type:
4.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve
Horsepower:
Approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm (M60B40)
Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (M60B40)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.3)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 or equivalent)
Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol SYNTEC or BMW High Performance Synthetic)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (8.0 US quarts) with filter change
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24 for many 1993 models)
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G was available on later E31 models, but less common for '93 840i).
Automatic Features:
Sport and Economy modes
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon approved fluid)
Length:
Approx. 4,785 mm (188.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,700 - 1,800 kg (3,750 - 3,970 lbs) depending on configuration
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,603 mm (102.5 in)
Crash Test Data:
Limited public crash test data available for this era. However, BMW vehicles of this period were known for robust construction and safety features.
Active Safety:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction control on some models)
Passive Safety:
Driver and passenger airbags, crumple zones, reinforced safety cell.
Audio System:
Optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), cassette player, analog radio tuner.
Navigation:
Early generation BMW navigation systems were optional and primitive by modern standards, often using map discs.
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle systems and basic communication (e.g., optional car phone).
Climate Control:
Automatic dual-zone climate control.
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for specific plug type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW Super DOT 4 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW Approved ATF
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (plastic coolant pipes, water pump), VANOS system (variable valve timing) issues, electrical gremlins, ABS sensor failures, window regulator problems, sagging headliner.
Engine Oil Capacity With Filter:
7.5 Liters (8.0 US Quarts)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 Liters (11.1 US Quarts)
Differential Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5)
Brand Focus:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
E31 Development:
The E31 was a clean-sheet design, representing a significant departure for BMW's coupe offerings. It was developed to compete in the burgeoning luxury GT segment and showcase BMW's technological prowess. The design was led by Boyke Boyer.
Engine Variants:
Initially launched with V8 (840i) and V12 (850i/850CSi) engines. The 1993 model primarily refers to the 840i variants with the M60 V8.
Production Period:
1989-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
