Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Predecessor:
BMW 6 Series (E24)
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS
Design Language:
Aerodynamic, flowing lines, low drag coefficient, iconic Hofmeister kink
Engineering Philosophy:
Performance-oriented luxury, driver-focused cockpit, advanced technological integration
Interior Appointments:
Premium materials, ergonomic design, driver-centric controls
Engine:
All Engine Variants (V8 M60B40, V12 M70B50)
Transmission:
Automatic (4HP24, 4HP22-EH), Manual (Getrag 420G - specific models/regions)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Front (Double Wishbone), Rear (Trailing Arm)
Brakes:
Front (Vented Discs), Rear (Discs), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering, Servotronic (speed-sensitive)
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, component testing
Body:
Body and chassis repair, panel replacement, trim, aerodynamics
HVAC:
Automatic Climate Control, diagnostics and repair
Interior:
Seats, upholstery, dashboard, interior trim
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, spark plug service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, idle speed adjustments, shift linkage adjustments
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures
Troubleshooting Electrical:
Detailed wiring diagrams and troubleshooting trees for electrical faults
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostics, including DME (Digital Motor Electronics) and transmission control unit (TCU) diagnostics
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds, including specifications and torque values
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of BMW special tools required for specific procedures
Searchable Text:
Yes (typically PDF)
Diagram Clarity:
High (original factory quality)
Text Legibility:
Excellent
Original Binding:
Hardcover / Comb-bound (depending on original issuance)
Digital Binding:
N/A (digital format)
Original Paper:
High-quality, durable paper stock
Digital Resolution:
High resolution for clear image reproduction
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (4HP24 for V8, 4HP22-EH for V12)
Optional Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G - E31 850i/Ci, limited availability/regions)
Automatic Modes:
Sport and Comfort modes (on some models)
Transmission Fluid V8 Auto:
Dexron III / Mercon (refer to manual for specific part number/type)
Transmission Fluid V12 Auto:
Dexron III / Mercon (refer to manual for specific part number/type)
Manual Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (refer to manual for specific part number/type)
Length:
191.1 inches (4855 mm)
Width:
71.7 inches (1820 mm)
Height:
51.1 inches (1298 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Front Track:
61.0 inches (1550 mm)
Rear Track:
60.2 inches (1530 mm)
Curb Weight V8:
approx. 3,800 lbs (1724 kg)
Curb Weight V12:
approx. 4,200 lbs (1905 kg)
Gvw:
Refer to vehicle specific plate
Towing Capacity:
Not Specified / Not Recommended
NHTSA Rating 1989:
Not readily available for this era's specific models
ABS:
Standard (Bosch ABS III)
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) - Optional on V8, Standard on V12
Headlights:
Retractable Halogen (later models received HID option)
Airbags:
Driver's Airbag (Standard), Passenger Airbag (Optional, later became standard)
Seatbelts:
Automatic front seat belts, manual rear seat belts
Body Construction:
High-strength steel unibody with crumple zones
Radio:
BMW Professional RDS Cassette Player
Navigation:
Optional BMW Trafficmaster or early Navigation systems (depending on market/year)
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors (optional on later models)
Phone Integration:
Optional BMW car phone preparation
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually (refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
V8: 60,000 miles; V12: 30,000 miles (refer to manual for specific types)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter (refer to manual for specific grade)
Engine Oil Capacity V12:
7.9 US quarts (7.5 Liters) with filter (refer to manual for specific grade)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW CHF 11S or equivalent (refer to manual)
Cooling System E31:
Plastic coolant pipes prone to cracking, radiator leaks, fan clutch failure
Electronics E31:
Central locking issues, headlight leveling system failures, ABS sensor problems
V12 Complexity:
Dual VANOS system (on later models) and complex ignition system require specialized knowledge
Interior Wear:
Creaking trim, headliner sagging, seat bolster wear
Suspension Bushings:
Worn control arm bushings and subframe bushings can lead to poor handling
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, performance, luxury, innovation
E31 Introduction:
Introduced in 1989 as a successor to the E24 6 Series, marking a new era of BMW grand touring
Design Inspiration:
Pioneered advanced aerodynamics and integrated technology
Engine Development:
Featured BMW's first production V8 and the smooth M70 V12 engine
Production Years:
1989 - 1999
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Total Production Units:
approx. 30,600 units