🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series

Model Code:

E31

Chassis Code:

E31

Covered Years:

1989-2000

Engine Codes Covered:

M60B30, M60B40, M62B44, M62B46, S70B56

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking detailed information for maintenance and repair.

Competitors:

Porsche 928, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Ferrari 456 GT.

Design Philosophy:

Sleek, aerodynamic, and luxurious coupe design with pop-up headlights and a low-slung profile.

Engine Options:

Initially V8 engines, later expanded with more powerful V8 and V12 options, signifying BMW's high-performance aspirations.

Technology Integration:

Pioneering electronic systems for its time, including advanced engine management and electronic damping control (EDC) in later models.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Page Count Accuracy:

Comprehensive, likely exceeding typical manual page counts due to detail.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

V8 engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, intake and exhaust systems.

Engine Electronic:

Engine control units (ECU), sensors (crankshaft, camshaft, O2, MAP, MAF), ignition system, fuel injection system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission Automatic:

ZF 4HP24, ZF 5HP30 (transmission disassembly, assembly, hydraulic control, electronic control, torque converter).

Transmission Manual:

Getrag 6-speed (for M62TU and S70B56 variants) transmission disassembly, assembly, gear shifting mechanisms, clutch system.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, rear axle assembly.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped).

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering wheel.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, calipers, rotors, pads, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction).

Electrical System:

12V battery system, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body And Chassis:

Chassis construction, body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, convertible top (if applicable to later models or derivatives not explicitly stated but implied by manual coverage), exterior trim.

Interior:

Seating systems, dashboard, instrument cluster, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), interior trim, door panels, headliner.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control system, HVAC unit, refrigerant system, diagnostic and repair procedures.

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, electrical routing.

Comfort Features:

Power seats, memory seats, heated seats, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pretensioners, diagnostic and troubleshooting for SRS.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, drive belt inspection and replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter), transmission service and repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, steering system repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting common issues, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, using diagnostic tools (e.g., BMW GT1 or DIS interfaces conceptually), electrical system diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics.

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential rebuilds.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Component testing, circuit continuity checks, wiring harness repair, ECU testing and replacement.

Body Repair:

Panel removal and installation, door mechanism adjustment, window regulator repair, sunroof operation troubleshooting.

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant recharging, blower motor replacement, climate control module troubleshooting.

Depth Of Information:

Factory-level detail, including torque specifications, measurement tolerances, and step-by-step illustrated repair procedures.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics, including signal tracing and component-level testing.

Rebuild Instructions:

Full instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for experienced technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to specific topics.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Families:

M60 (3.0L V8, 4.0L V8), M62 (4.4L V8, 4.6L V8), S70 (5.6L V12 - for 850CSi).

M60B30 Displacement:

2997 cc

M60B30 Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5800 rpm

M60B30 Torque:

290 Nm @ 4500 rpm

M60B40 Displacement:

3982 cc

M60B40 Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

M60B40 Torque:

400 Nm @ 4500 rpm

M62B44 Displacement:

4398 cc

M62B44 Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5400 rpm

M62B44 Torque:

440 Nm @ 3900 rpm

S70B56 Displacement:

5576 cc

S70B56 Horsepower:

375 hp @ 5300 rpm

S70B56 Torque:

550 Nm @ 4000 rpm

Engine Layout:

V8 (and V12 for 850 variants)

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95/98)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

80 Liters (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

ZF 4-speed Automatic (early models, e.g., 850i), ZF 5-speed Automatic (later models, e.g., 840Ci, 850Ci)

Optional Transmission:

Getrag 6-speed Manual (840Ci, 850CSi)

Transmission Control:

Electronic control with Sport/Economy modes.

Manual Gear Ratios 6 Speed:

Specific ratios for 1st through 6th gear and reverse are detailed in the manual.

Automatic Gear Ratios 5Hp30:

Specific ratios for gears 1-5 and reverse are detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4780 mm (approx.)

Width:

1850 mm (approx.)

Height:

1370 mm (approx.)

Wheelbase:

2630 mm (approx.)

Curb Weight:

1700-1900 kg (varies by engine and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

GVWR specifications are detailed for each model variant.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

As a 1990s vehicle, formal crash test ratings (like NHTSA/Euro NCAP) might be limited or non-comparable to modern standards, but the manual covers safety system diagnostics.

Active Safety Systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction).

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger airbags (SRS), reinforced safety cell, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Early models featured a cassette player and basic radio. Later models offered optional CD players and early navigation systems (e.g., BMW Business or Professional).

Speaker System:

Standard hi-fi audio systems with multiple speakers, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon on select models).

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, power-adjustable steering column, parking sensors (late models), ASC+T.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on internal vehicle systems rather than external connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Manual provides specific recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine, generally 60,000-100,000 miles. Specific intervals in the manual.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Recommended every 2 years.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 2-3 years or as per manual instructions.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended. Manual specifies exact viscosity and type based on climate.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 - 7.5 liters (depending on engine variant).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent (ZF approved). Manual specifies exact fluid type and capacity.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity grade to be confirmed in manual).

Coolant Specification:

BMW G48 Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Common Wear Items:

Coolant expansion tanks (prone to cracking), window regulators, ABS sensors, door seal deterioration, VANOS system (on later M62 engines).

Engine Specific Issues:

M60 engines can suffer from timing chain guide wear and oil leaks. M62 VANOS solenoids can fail.

Electrical Quirks:

Age-related electrical component failure, especially due to degraded wiring insulation and corroded connectors.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury automotive manufacturing.

E31 Development:

Developed to compete with other high-end GT cars, featuring advanced technology and a focus on comfort and performance for long-distance driving.

Engine Progression:

Started with the M60 V8s, transitioned to the improved M62 V8s, and featured the exclusive S70 V12 for the top-tier 850CSi.

Trim Levels:

840Ci, 850i, 850Ci, 850CSi.

Production Years:

1989-2000

Production Location:

Dingolfing Plant, Germany

Production Volume:

Approximately 30,600 units produced across all variants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

While specific awards might not be readily quantifiable like modern vehicles, the 8 Series was lauded for its design, engineering, and performance by automotive journalists of its time. It was considered a benchmark luxury GT.

Design Acclaim:

Frequently praised for its timeless styling and aerodynamic efficiency.

Engineering Standards:

Manufactured to BMW's high-quality engineering and production standards.