🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series

Chassis Code:

E31

Model Year:

1997

Engine Code E31 1997 Primary:

M60B40 (4.0L V8) / M62B44 (4.4L V8)

Engine Code E31 1997 Optional:

M73B54 (5.4L V12)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and repair of the BMW 8 Series (E31).

Competitors Era:

Porsche 911 (993), Mercedes-Benz SL (R129), Jaguar XJS, Ferrari 456 GT.

Manual Value Proposition:

Comprehensive, instant access to factory-level repair data for the E31 8 Series, aiming to reduce repair costs and improve efficiency.

Vehicle Key Features:

BMW's flagship coupe of the 1990s, known for its striking design, powerful V8 and V12 engines, advanced technology for its time, and luxurious grand touring capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF / WINRAR

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full coverage of engine assembly, disassembly, rebuilding, and diagnosis for V8 and V12 variants.

Engine Electrics:

Detailed wiring diagrams, ECU diagnosis, sensor troubleshooting, and component testing.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system components, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank servicing, and emissions control.

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, and coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and emissions related components.

Drivetrain Clutch:

Clutch operation, adjustment, replacement, and hydraulic system.

Drivetrain Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission disassembly, repair, fluid specifications, and troubleshooting.

Drivetrain Drive Axles:

Drive shafts, CV joints, and rear axle assembly.

Steering System:

Power steering system components, steering column, rack and pinion, and alignment specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, and bushings.

Brakes:

Brake system components (front and rear discs), ABS, hydraulic circuits, and brake fluid specifications.

Wheels And Tires:

Tire pressure specifications, wheel torque, and wheel bearing service.

Body Frame:

Chassis and body structural information, panel replacement, and sealing.

Interior Equipment:

Seats, trim panels, door mechanisms, and interior accessory servicing.

Electrical General:

General electrical system diagnosis, battery, alternator, starter, and fuse box information.

Instruments And Controls:

Dashboard instrumentation, gauges, warning lights, and control switches.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and bulb specifications.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug servicing, and belt inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, and solutions for various systems.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step guides for component removal, installation, and repair for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including OBD-II system information (where applicable for 1997 models) and specific fault code interpretation.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners and assembly points.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle circuits.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications and diagnostic strategies.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF / WINRAR

Searchability:

Likely searchable if the PDF is text-based, common for modern digital manuals.

Printability:

Printable, allowing for physical copies for workshop use.

Compatibility:

Windows, Linux, MAC

Download Type:

Instant Download

Visual Clarity:

Dependent on the source scan quality, but generally expected to be clear for diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variant 1:

M60B40

Engine Type 1:

4.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve

Bore Stroke 1:

94.0 mm x 72.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

10.0:1

Horsepower 1:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm (EUD) / 296 hp @ 5800 rpm (US Spec)

Torque 1:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (EUD) / 309 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (US Spec)

Engine Management 1:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 / M3.8

Fuel System 1:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Engine Variant 2:

M62B44

Engine Type 2:

4.4L V8 DOHC 32-valve

Bore Stroke 2:

94.0 mm x 79.5 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

10.0:1

Horsepower 2:

282 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque 2:

310 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Engine Management 2:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 / M3.8

Fuel System 2:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Engine Variant 3:

M73B54

Engine Type 3:

5.4L V12 SOHC 24-valve

Bore Stroke 3:

85.0 mm x 96.0 mm

Compression Ratio 3:

8.8:1

Horsepower 3:

322 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 3:

361 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Engine Management 3:

Bosch Motronic M7.1

Fuel System 3:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Getrag S5D 320Z (for V8 models)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic ZF 4HP24 (for V8 and V12 models)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Automatic Transmission Features:

Sport mode, Lock-up torque converter

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,776 mm (188.0 in)

Width:

1,853 mm (73.0 in)

Height:

1,370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2,644 mm (104.1 in)

Front Track:

1,520 mm (59.8 in)

Rear Track:

1,524 mm (60.0 in)

Curb Weight V8 Manual:

1,750 kg (3,858 lb)

Curb Weight V8 Auto:

1,770 kg (3,902 lb)

Curb Weight V12 Auto:

1,970 kg (4,343 lb)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA in the same manner as modern vehicles; relied on independent testing and European ECE standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or ASC+T on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Professional RDS radio/cassette/CD player (optional CD changer).

Navigation:

Optional BMW Navigation System II (on-board computer with navigation).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors.

Telephone:

Optional factory-installed cellular telephone system.

Climate System:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult the manual for specific conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs, but consult manual for specific plug type and interval.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect and change as needed. Automatic: Typically every 60,000 miles (100,000 km), though 'lifetime' fills were common; manual recommends inspection and replacement.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher; SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on climate. Specific BMW approvals may apply (e.g., BMW Longlife-98 for later M62).

Coolant Type:

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or BMW P/N 81 22 9 400 274

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF Dexron III / Mercon

Common Issue 1:

Cooling system failures: Plastic expansion tanks, hoses, and water pump failures are common due to age and material degradation.

Common Issue 2:

Oil leaks: Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front crankshaft seals are prone to leaking.

Common Issue 3:

ABS/ASC sensor failures: Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering warning lights.

Common Issue 4:

Fuel pump and injector issues: Older fuel systems may require pump replacements or injector cleaning/replacement.

Common Issue 5:

Door seal degradation: Can lead to water leaks into the cabin.

Common Issue 6:

Electronic control unit (ECU) failures: While robust, older ECUs can develop faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, technologically advanced, and high-performance vehicles.

E31 Introduction:

Introduced in 1989 as BMW's flagship coupe, intended to be a luxurious grand tourer with advanced technology and powerful engines.

1997 Model Year Updates:

The 1997 model year represents a mature stage of the E31 lifecycle. Minor updates may have occurred, but the core design and powertrain options remained consistent with earlier E31 models. The M62B44 engine was introduced in later E31 years, replacing the M60B40 in some markets, and the M73 V12 continued as the top-tier option.

Production Period:

1989-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

Total Production Units:

Approximately 30,621 units worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its design, performance, and luxury. Often featured in 'best of' lists for its era.

Collector Status:

Increasingly recognized as a modern classic and a highly desirable collector's item due to its unique styling and V12 engine options.