🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

E31

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 8 Series (E31) was BMW's flagship luxury grand tourer, positioned as a high-performance, sophisticated, and exclusive vehicle, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz SL and Jaguar XJS.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Jaguar XJS, Aston Martin DB7.

Design:

Long, sleek coupe body, pop-up headlights, frameless windows, powerful V8 and V12 engines, advanced technology for its era.

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking a luxurious, high-performance, and stylish personal coupe.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete service and repair for all BMW 8 Series (E31) models produced in the 2000 model year.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive; typically thousands of pages for a comprehensive factory service manual.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), differential, driveshafts.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, steering system, braking system (including ABS and ASC/DSC), wheels, and tires.

Electrical And Electronics:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, mirrors, seats, climate control, infotainment, central locking, security systems, DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EGS (Electronic Gearbox Control).

Body And Interior:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system components.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, inspections.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures for engine and transmission, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical schematic interpretation, pressure testing, scan tool usage.

Technical Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, alignment procedures, diagnostic values, wiring schematics, component locations.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical diagnostics and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documents, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital file)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital file)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Available in 2000 model year: 840Ci (4.4L V8), 850Ci (5.4L V12), 850CSi (5.6L V12).

840Ci Power:

Approx. 282 hp @ 5400 rpm

840Ci Torque:

Approx. 310 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

850Ci Power:

Approx. 322 hp @ 5000 rpm

850Ci Torque:

Approx. 361 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

850Csi Power:

Approx. 375 hp @ 5300 rpm

850Csi Torque:

Approx. 414 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)

V8 Engine Code:

M62B44

V12 Engine Code:

M73B54 (850Ci), S70B56 (850CSi)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 840Ci:

5-speed automatic (GM 5L40-E)

Transmission 850Ci:

5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP30)

Transmission 850Csi:

6-speed manual (Getrag S6S-420G)

Transmission Control:

Electronic control with sport and comfort modes.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent specified by BMW, consult manual for exact part number for E31).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW Manual Transmission Fluid MTF LT-2 (or equivalent specified by BMW, consult manual for exact part number for E31).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.9 inches (4875 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)

Height:

Approx. 51.3 inches (1303 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.5 inches (2705 mm)

Curb Weight 840Ci:

Approx. 3,900 lbs (1769 kg)

Curb Weight 850Ci:

Approx. 4,300 lbs (1950 kg)

Curb Weight 850Csi:

Approx. 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Federal Safety Standards:

Designed to meet all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards for its era.

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on most models, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on later V12 models.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). V12 models often featured larger, vented discs.

Steering:

Servotronic power steering, variable assist based on speed.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (optional on some models).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Professional RDS radio with CD player (optional), premium sound systems often available (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Navigation:

Optional BMW navigation system (Mk II or Mk III generation).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) available on some models.

Cellular Integration:

Optional integrated car phone (analog or early digital).

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control, often with advanced pollen filters.

Seats:

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats, lumbar support, and often orthopedic functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Spark Plug Replacement:

At 60,000 miles for V8 engines, 100,000 miles for V12 engines (platinum or iridium plugs recommended).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-98 specifications (consult manual for exact grade and capacity).

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue or Green antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Vanos system issues (especially on M62 V8), cooling system leaks (plastic components), electrical gremlins (wiring harness degradation), EDC (Electronic Damper Control) failure, window regulator issues, catalytic converter failure.

Oil Filter 840Ci:

Typically Mann-Filter HU 832/1 X or equivalent.

Air Filter 840Ci:

Typically Mann-Filter C 35174 or equivalent.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's heritage is built on performance, luxury, and engineering excellence, often referred to as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.

E31 Development:

The E31 8 Series was developed as a successor to the E24 6 Series coupe but with a significantly higher level of luxury, technology, and performance. It was a bold statement of BMW's capabilities.

Production Years:

1989-1999. The 2000 model year is the final year of production for the E31 chassis, representing the culmination of its development.

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing Plant, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 2000 model year are scarce, the E31 generation was widely praised by automotive press for its design, performance, and luxury, often appearing on 'best grand tourer' lists of its time.