Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Primary Competitors:
Porsche 928, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Jaguar XJS, Ferrari 412/456 GT.
Design Philosophy:
Long, low, and wide stance, shark-nose front end, pop-up headlights, pillarless hardtop coupe design.
Technological Advancements:
Advanced aerodynamics, electronic damping control (EDC), multi-link rear suspension, V12 engine option.
Coverage Scope:
All models and engine variants within the 1989-2000 production years.
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era).
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language:
English (presumed, standard for this market)
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), potentially also available in printed or CD-ROM format for this era.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (DME).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag), Automatic transmission (ZF variants), driveline, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear axle), steering system, braking system (including ABS/ASC).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, power windows, central locking, climate control, diagnostic systems (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on model year).
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable), structural components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair, bodywork repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic connector locations, system testing procedures.
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment specifications, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic trees and repair instructions suitable for professional technicians and experienced enthusiasts.
File Type:
PDF (searchable text and high-resolution images)
Image Resolution:
High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.
Binding:
N/A (for digital format); Professional binding for printed versions.
Paper Quality:
N/A (for digital format); High-quality, durable paper for printed versions.
Engine Codes:
M70B50 (V12), M60B40 (V8), M62B44 (V8)
Displacement V12:
4988 cc (5.0 Liters)
Displacement V8 4.0:
3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Displacement V8 4.4:
4398 cc (4.4 Liters)
Horsepower V12:
300 hp @ 5200 rpm (E31)
Torque V12:
332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (E31)
Horsepower V8 4.0:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (E31)
Torque V8 4.0:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (E31)
Horsepower V8 4.4:
286 hp @ 5400 rpm (E31)
Torque V8 4.4:
310 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (E31)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) on some variants, Coil-on-plug on later V8s.
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP24 on V12, ZF 4HP22 on V8 early models).
Optional Transmission:
6-speed manual (Getrag S6-40/5-36) available on V8 models (e.g., 840Ci).
Transmission Features:
Electronic Transmission Control (ETC), Sport/Economy modes on automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Length:
Approx. 4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,634 mm (103.7 in)
Curb Weight V8:
Approx. 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs)
Curb Weight V12:
Approx. 1,950 kg (4,300 lbs)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not consistently tested by modern standards; designed to high safety standards of its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asc:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from mid-production.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts.
Audio System:
Optional premium audio systems from Nakamichi or Harman Kardon.
Navigation:
Early factory navigation systems (BMW Bavaria C Highline) available on later models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronically controlled cruise control.
Suspension Control:
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) available on some models.
Diagnostics Port:
OBD-I (14-pin round connector) and later OBD-II (16-pin connector) depending on the specific model year and region.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
V12: approx. 60,000 miles; V8: approx. 100,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil V12:
SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 synthetic (check manual for specific BMW approval like BMW Longlife-98).
Engine Oil V8:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic (check manual for specific BMW approval like BMW Longlife-98).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III or equivalent synthetic ATF (e.g., ZF Lifeguardfluid 5).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (refer to specific weight like 75W-90).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Common Problems:
Cylinder head gasket leaks (especially on early V8s), ABS/ASC sensor failures, idle control valve issues, cooling system leaks (plastic components), window regulator failures, VANOS issues (on later models).
Maintenance Challenges:
Labor-intensive due to complexity and packaging, specialized tools may be required for certain procedures (e.g., V12 timing).
Brand Focus:
Engineering excellence, performance, luxury, and driver engagement.
Development Period:
Development began in the mid-1980s as a successor to the E24 6 Series and a more exotic offering.
Model Introduction:
Introduced in 1989.
Facelift Updates:
Minor aesthetic updates and engine upgrades (transition from M70 V12 to M73 V12, introduction of the 4.4L V8 M62).
Production End Year:
2000
Production Volume:
Relatively low production volume (around 30,000 units worldwide) due to its high cost and niche market.
Manufacturing Location:
Gerdshausen, Germany
