🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

850Ci

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

E31

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer

Positioning:

BMW's flagship coupe, competing with high-end offerings from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz SEC Coupe (C126), Jaguar XJS

Model Highlights:

V12 engine, sophisticated styling, advanced (for its time) technology, premium interior, excellent Grand Touring capabilities

Benefit To Owner:

Enables owners to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, understand complex systems, and accurately diagnose issues, potentially saving significant costs on dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for the 1993 BMW 850Ci

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Interior

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

V12 Engine (M70B50), Fuel Injection System (DME), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System

Transmission Systems:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4HP24) - Maintenance, Repair, and Diagnostics

Electrical Systems:

Complete Wiring Diagrams, Fuse Box Layouts, Component Testing, Diagnostic Procedures for all ECUs

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Level Checks, Belt Replacements, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine Component Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification

Depth:

In-depth technical details, specifications, torque values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, and complete overhaul instructions

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF, potentially proprietary software with search functionality

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M70B50

Configuration:

60-degree V12

Displacement:

4988 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

296 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Injection System:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 (Dual DME) Sequential Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)

ECUs:

Two Engine Control Units (DMEs) for precise management of each cylinder bank

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

ZF 4HP24

Gear Ratios:

3.18 / 1.77 / 1.21 / 1.00

Rear Axle Ratio:

3.15:1

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW LT-2 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Width:

71.7 inches (1821 mm)

Height:

52.5 inches (1333 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.4 inches (2830 mm)

Curb Weight:

4,100 - 4,300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg) approx.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (typically not prominently displayed on passenger cars)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Data not readily available for this specific year/model from NHTSA archives.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on some models/markets

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard)

Seatbelts:

Three-point Inertia-reel Seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Hi-Fi system (e.g., Harman Kardon or Nakamichi options available), Cassette Player, AM/FM Radio

Navigation:

Optional BMW Navigation System (early generation, likely map-based)

Cruise Control:

Standard Electronic Cruise Control

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were optional on later models but not standard for 1993.

Bluetooth:

N/A (Not available in 1993)

Climate Control:

Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control

Seats:

Power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated front seats (optional)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).

Major Service Interval:

Refer to manual for specific major service points (e.g., spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent)

Engine Oil Capacity:

7.5 Liters (7.9 Quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Problems:

Plastic cooling system components (radiator, expansion tank) degradation, fuel pump failure, throttle position sensor (TPS) issues, ABS sensor failures, window regulators, door seal leaks, VANOS (if applicable in later models, but M70 has none) seals.

Electrical Gremlins:

Due to complex wiring and age, various electrical issues can arise, often related to aging insulation or corroded connections. The manual's detailed wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosis.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury driving dynamics.

E31 Development:

Developed in the late 1980s as BMW's halo car, intended to showcase technological advancements and design prowess.

Production Period:

1989-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

Total Units Produced:

Approximately 30,618 units across all variants (including 840Ci, 850i, 850CSi).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its styling, performance, and luxury, though often noted for its complexity and maintenance costs.

Collector Status:

Increasingly recognized as a modern classic and a desirable collector's car due to its unique V12 engine and timeless design.