Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Discerning individuals seeking performance, luxury, and cutting-edge engineering
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic, coupe styling with a focus on long-distance comfort and high-speed stability
Iconic Elements:
Pop-up headlights, long hood, distinctive Hofmeister kink
Value Proposition:
Provides official dealership-level technical data and procedures for comprehensive vehicle maintenance and repair, empowering owners and independent workshops.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing, cooling, lubrication
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Motronic), ignition, emissions control, diagnostics (OBD-I)
Transmission:
Automatic (Steptronic) and Manual transmission overhaul, diagnosis, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axles, ABS integration
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, struts, control arms, bushings, steering system
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, fluid bleeding
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, climate control, ECU wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, convertible top mechanism (if applicable)
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant, blower motor, actuators
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks
Scheduled Maintenance:
Interval-based service recommendations, component inspection
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed guides for dismantling and reassembling major vehicle components
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common problems
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fault finding
Specification Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including sensor data interpretation and ECU function
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures
Calibration Adjustment:
Procedures for adjusting critical components like throttle bodies or timing
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification and use of specialized tools for BMW service
Engine Configuration V8:
4.0L V8 (3982cc)
Compression Ratio V8:
10.0:1
Horsepower V8:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque V8:
400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Valvetrain V8:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic M3.3
Engine Configuration V12:
5.0L V12 (4988cc)
Displacement V12:
4988 cc
Compression Ratio V12:
8.8:1
Horsepower V12:
295 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque V12:
470 Nm (347 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm
Valvetrain V12:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
0 To 60 Mph V8:
6.3 seconds
0 To 60 Mph V12:
6.4 seconds
Top Speed Electronically Limited:
250 km/h (155 mph)
Transmission V8:
4-speed automatic (4HP24)
Transmission V12:
4-speed automatic (4HP24)
Transmission V8 Manual:
6-speed manual (Getrag S6-40D)
Steptronic Availability:
Available on some automatic transmissions (manual shifting gate)
Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios for both manual and automatic transmissions available in the manual.
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - consult manual for exact specification (e.g., LT-3 or equivalent)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official NCAP data from this era. Focus on passive safety features typical of BMW of the period.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on later models or specific markets.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard depending on market and build date.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones
Radio System:
BMW Bavaria C Business or Professional RDS radio/cassette systems.
Speakers:
Multi-speaker audio systems, often with premium options.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Not available in 1994.
Phone Integration:
Optional car phone integration (rare).
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone functionality.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (may vary with plug type).
Spark Plug Replacement V12:
12 per cylinder; interval varies, consult manual.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendations.
Engine Oil V8:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic. Consult manual for exact BMW LL-01 or equivalent specification.
Engine Oil V12:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic. Consult manual for exact BMW LL-01 or equivalent specification.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW CHF 11S or equivalent.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump impeller failures.
Electrical:
ABS/ASC sensors, wiring harness degradation, window regulator failures, door lock actuators.
Engine V8 M60:
Timing chain guides (plastic) can wear and break, leading to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed proactively. Vanos unit seals can degrade.
Engine V12 M70:
Two separate Motronic ECUs for each bank of cylinders can lead to complex diagnostics. Ignition coil failures.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, rear subframe bushings can wear out, affecting handling.
Automotive Press Reviews:
Consistently praised for its styling, performance (especially the V12), and luxury appointments by automotive journalists of the era.
Design Awards:
While specific awards are not widely documented for this model year, its design was considered a benchmark for luxury coupes.
Reliability Perception:
Perceived as a reliable vehicle when properly maintained, with specific attention needed for the M60 V8 timing chain guides.
Emissions Standards:
Meets US EPA and CARB emissions standards for 1994 model year.