Positioning:
The BMW 8 Series (E31) was BMW's flagship grand tourer, positioned as a luxury, high-performance coupe and convertible aimed at the premium market.
Competitors:
Competed against the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Jaguar XJS, and Porsche 928.
Design:
Striking wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlights, C-pillar Hofmeister kink, luxurious interior, V8 and V12 engine options.
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology for long-distance touring.
Years Covered:
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided in product info)
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Searchable Text:
Likely searchable due to PDF format, enabling quick access to specific information.
Printability:
Printable pages for workshop use.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (including injection), exhaust system.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, rebuilding, fluid changes, diagnostics, clutch system (for manual).
Drivetrain:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake fluid.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, ECUs (Engine Control Units), body electricals (windows, locks, mirrors, seats).
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, convertible top systems (if applicable to specific models within the range), chassis repair.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacement, general inspections.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (pistons, valves, seals), transmission rebuilds, suspension arm replacement, brake caliper rebuilding, electrical component testing and replacement, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Rebuilding:
Comprehensive engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, differential rebuilds.
Restoration:
Detailed guidance for refurbishing and restoring all major vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.
Engine Options:
4.0L V8 (M60B40), 5.0L V12 (M70B50), later 4.4L V8 (M60B44) and 5.6L V12 (M73B56).
Horsepower V8:
Approx. 282-310 hp (depending on specific variant)
Torque V8:
Approx. 295-332 lb-ft (depending on specific variant)
Horsepower V12:
Approx. 300-322 hp (depending on specific variant)
Torque V12:
Approx. 332-361 lb-ft (depending on specific variant)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.3 inches (1303 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.5 inches (2705 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,200 lbs (1680 - 1905 kg) depending on engine and options.
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet global safety standards of the era, including passive restraint systems.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard from 1990/91 onwards).
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium audio systems, often with cassette player and CD changer option. Early Nakamichi or Harman Kardon systems.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone functionality.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control.
Stability Control:
Traction Control System (ASC) available on some models.
Early Telephony:
Optional car phone integration (very basic by modern standards).
Memory Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power mirrors, power steering.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plugs:
Every 60,000 miles (V8) or 100,000 miles (V12), using specific OE-quality plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended for most variants. Consult manual for exact specs.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
BMW LT-4 or equivalent ATF. Specific DEXRON type may vary, consult manual.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity depends on temperature. Consult manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Coolant:
BMW Blue (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; radiator may develop leaks.
Engine M60 V8:
Nikasil cylinder bore wear (in early M60 engines, later replaced with Alusil); VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids can fail.
Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation, especially around engine bays; window regulators, door lock actuators, and mirror motors can fail.
Suspension:
Control arm bushings and ball joints wear over time, affecting steering and ride quality.
Electronics:
Check Control Unit issues, ABS sensor failures.
