Positioning:
Luxury Grand Tourer, positioned as a high-performance and sophisticated personal coupe
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928
Design Philosophy:
Timeless styling, V8 power, advanced engineering, driver-focused cockpit
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking performance, luxury, and exclusivity
Engine:
Complete diagnosis, repair, overhaul, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP30) diagnosis, repair, fluid service, torque converter
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, brake pads, parking brake
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, ECU functions, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power accessories, onboard diagnostics (OBD-I)
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable, though 840Ci is coupe), interior trim
Climate Control:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and component replacement
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), component testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures with torque specifications and clearances
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Complete professional-level service and repair information, suitable for certified technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 90 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (32 total)
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
390 Nm (288 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Safety Equipment:
Standard airbags (driver and passenger), ABS
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC+T is optional)
Passive Safety:
Frontal airbags, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, side-impact protection
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C Reverse II cassette/radio system, optional CD changer
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation system available on later models, likely rare for 1995.
Traction Control:
Optional Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system (early cellular technology)
Lighting:
Projector-beam headlights, power-adjustable mirrors, front fog lights
Comfort Features:
Dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, power-adjustable seats with memory, heated seats (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Approximately 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or standard recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for original equipment
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000-60,000 miles (80,000-96,000 km), though often considered 'lifetime' by some sources, fluid change is highly recommended.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or LL-01 compliant synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 typically recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Engine Reliability:
The M60 V8 is generally robust, but can suffer from Nikasil cylinder liner issues (in earlier versions, less common in 1995 MY if updated), coolant leaks from plastic components, and VANOS unit wear.
Transmission Reliability:
ZF automatic transmissions are typically durable, but leaks and electronic control module issues can occur with age.
Electrical System:
Older E31s can experience issues with wiring harness degradation, window regulators, door lock actuators, and the complex climate control systems.
Suspension Components:
Front control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear subframe bushings are common wear items.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant pipes, expansion tank, and water pump can become brittle and leak over time.
Brand Focus:
Known for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury automotive vehicles
Predecessors:
Not directly, but represents BMW's entry into the ultra-luxury GT segment
Design Era:
Part of BMW's E31 generation, produced from 1989 to 1999
Production Period:
1990-1999 (840Ci variant introduced later)
Production Numbers:
Total E31 production was 30,621 units; 840Ci variants represented a significant portion of later production.
