🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series

Model Code:

E31

Year:

1998

Market:

Global

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)

Competitors Era:

Jaguar XJS, Mercedes-Benz SEC-Class (W126/C140), Porsche 928, Aston Martin DB7.

Vehicle Design Philosophy:

Elegant coupe styling, powerful V8/V12 engines, sophisticated engineering, driver-focused interior.

Benefit To Owner:

Enables cost-effective DIY repairs and maintenance, accurate diagnosis, and ensures proper servicing, preserving vehicle value and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered Overview:

Comprehensive maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and troubleshooting for all major systems of the 1998 BMW 8 Series (E31).

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000-1500 pages (estimated based on typical factory service manuals for this era and vehicle complexity).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, lubrication system.

Engine Management Driveability:

Engine control unit (ECU) functions, sensors (e.g., MAF, O2, crank position), actuators, diagnostics, emission control systems.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (DME), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, DME control of ignition timing.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, cooling fan operation, temperature control.

Exhaust System Emission Controls:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, oxygen sensors, secondary air injection, EGR system (if applicable).

Manual Transmission Clutch:

Clutch operation, hydraulic system, manual gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear shift mechanism.

Automatic Transmission Clutch:

Automatic transmission (e.g., GM 4L30-E, ZF 5HP series) operation, hydraulic control, electronic control unit (TCU), torque converter, internal components.

Driveshaft Final Drive:

Driveshaft, universal joints, CV joints, differential assembly, axle shafts, wheel bearings.

Brakes System:

Brake pedal, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, ABS system (including sensors and control module), parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (e.g., control arms, ball joints, springs, shock absorbers), power steering system, steering rack/box, wheel alignment.

Body Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, headliner, dashboard, HVAC system (climate control), power windows, locks, mirrors.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuse box diagrams, relay functions, wiring diagrams for all circuits, instrument cluster, infotainment system (if applicable).

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, spark plug replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for all covered systems.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, common problem identification.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, fluid types, clearances, diagnostic values, alignment settings.

Depth Of Coverage:

Full factory level repair and diagnostic coverage, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

PDF (Portable Document Format), allowing for easy viewing, searching, and printing. High resolution for clarity.

Printable:

Yes

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Document)

Operating Systems:

Compatible with WINDOWS and MAC operating systems.

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader (or compatible PDF viewer).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Available Engines:

V8 (4.0L M60B40, 4.4L M62B44) and V12 (5.6L M73B56). Manual covers both major engine families.

V8 Power Output:

Approx. 282-312 hp (depending on specific M60/M62 variant).

V12 Power Output:

Approx. 322 hp.

V8 Torque Output:

Approx. 295-317 lb-ft (depending on specific M60/M62 variant).

V12 Torque Output:

Approx. 361 lb-ft.

Engine Management System:

Digital Motor Electronics (DME) Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Multec or Bosch Motronic).

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum alloy (M60/M62 V8), Aluminum alloy (M73 V12).

Variable Valve Timing:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system on M62 V8 engines.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission Availability:

6-speed manual transmission (Getrag S6S-420G) available on V8 models, less common on V12.

Automatic Transmission Availability:

4-speed automatic (GM 4L30-E) or 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP30) available on V8 and V12 models.

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) often standard or optional, detailed in manual.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron III or equivalent (specific BMW P/N may be listed in manual).

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil (specific viscosity and BMW P/N should be confirmed in manual).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2578 mm (101.5 in)

Length:

4785 mm (188.4 in)

Width:

1855 mm (73.0 in)

Height:

1370 mm (53.9 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1700-1900 kg (3750-4200 lbs) depending on engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2300-2400 kg (specific to model and market).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data Availability:

Limited public data for this specific era, manual focuses on repair and component safety features rather than NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings.

Antilock Braking System:

Standard ABS (e.g., Bosch ABS IV or V).

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction).

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Body Construction:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Hi-Fi systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), cassette player, optional CD changer.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control, often with active carbon filters.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Rear park distance control (PDC) became available in later models.

Navigation System:

Optional GPS navigation system (often with a CRT screen integrated into the dashboard).

Instrument Cluster:

Comprehensive driver information system, onboard computer (Check Control).

Headlights:

Projector beam headlights, with power adjustment and leveling systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and specific engine oil used (refer to manual for exact recommendations).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Varies by plug type: platinum plugs typically 100,000 miles, older copper plugs much sooner (refer to manual for specific engine and plug).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-4 years or specific mileage, depending on coolant type (BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years due to moisture absorption.

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 (e.g., Castrol Syntec or equivalent meeting BMW LL-98 specification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

V8 models: ~6.5-7.0 liters. V12 models: ~7.5-8.0 liters (check manual for precise capacities).

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF Dexron II/III or Pentosin CHF 11S (specific to steering system type, consult manual).

Common E31 Issues:

Nikasil cylinder liner wear (on early M60 V8s), ABS sensor failures, VANOS seal leaks, cooling system leaks (hoses, water pump), door seal degradation, headlight motor failures, fuel pump failures.

Preventative Maintenance Focus:

Regularly inspect cooling system, check for oil leaks, maintain electrical connections, monitor VANOS operation. Manual provides guidance on these.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Gt Legacy:

Followed the BMW 6 Series (E24), setting a new benchmark for BMW's GT offerings with advanced technology and design.

E31 Production Years:

1990-1999.

Mid Cycle Updates:

Introduction of 4.4L M62 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission in later models (around 1995-1996), updated infotainment and interior features.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany.

Production Volume:

Approximately 30,621 units globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Design Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998 model year might not be readily cited, the E31 design by Boyke Boyer was critically acclaimed for its timeless elegance and is considered a design icon.

Consumer Ratings Era:

Generally rated highly for performance and luxury, though often criticized for high maintenance costs compared to some competitors.

Emission Standards:

Meets prevailing emission standards for the 1998 model year (e.g., EPA in the US, Euro standards in Europe) – manual details relevant emission control systems.