🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series

Generation:

E31

Model Code:

E31

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT) coupe and convertible.

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, stylish, and comfortable long-distance touring vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS, Aston Martin V8/V8 Vantage.

Design Philosophy:

BMW's focus on driving dynamics, advanced technology for its time, and sophisticated luxury.

Unique Selling Points:

Pop-up headlights, distinctive shark-nose styling, powerful V8 and V12 engines, advanced aerodynamics.

Authenticity:

Factory-level information, identical to what BMW dealerships utilize.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers every facet of the vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring complete repair capability.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years:

1989-1993

Model Variants Covered:

All models and trim levels within the 1989-1993 E31 generation.

Geographic Coverage:

Global, reflecting specifications applicable to major markets.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and scope.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Purpose:

Diagnostic, repair, maintenance, and overhaul procedures for dealership technicians.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) or Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication systems.

Drivetrain:

Automatic and manual transmissions, differential, driveshafts, axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Complete electrical schematics, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, comfort systems.

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, convertible top (if applicable to specific variants), crash repair information.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, error code interpretation (where applicable for the era).

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, component testing, alignment specifications.

Adjustments:

Valve adjustments, brake adjustments, steering wheel alignment.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all circuits.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Tools:

Mentions standard and specialized tools required for diagnosis and repair.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (searchable text, printable pages)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or spiral bound (for physical copies), ensuring durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, high-quality paper stock designed for workshop use (for physical copies).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Examples:

M60B30, M60B40 (V8); M70B50 (V12)

Displacement Examples:

3.0L (M60B30), 4.0L (M60B40), 5.0L (M70B50)

Configuration:

V8 (30 and 40 models), V12 (50 models)

Horsepower Examples:

Approx. 218 hp (3.0L V8), 296 hp (4.0L V8), 300 hp (5.0L V12)

Torque Examples:

Approx. 290 Nm (3.0L V8), 400 Nm (4.0L V8), 470 Nm (5.0L V12)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (specific version varies by engine)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline

Spark Plugs:

Specific OE or equivalent required (e.g., NGK BKR6EK or similar, refer to manual for exact spec).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5-7.5 liters (V8/V12), specific grade BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22 for V8, ZF 4HP24 for V12)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (available on some V8 models, e.g., Getrag S5D 320Z)

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, sport mode, potentially ASC/Traction Control integration.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific ZF fluid type, e.g., LT3 or LT7 specification for later variants).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Specific gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5, refer to manual for exact spec.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4780-4965 mm (coupe), 4835-4895 mm (convertible)

Width:

Approx. 1850-1855 mm

Height:

Approx. 1310-1360 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1650-1900 kg (depending on engine and body style)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard or manual, typically around 2100-2300 kg.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Tire Sizes:

Commonly 235/45R17, 245/40R18, 265/35R18 (front/rear fitments vary), refer to manual for specific fitments.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Era-appropriate safety standards, advanced crumple zones for its time. Specific official ratings from NHTSA/Euro NCAP may be limited for this vintage.

ABS:

Standard on most models; Anti-lock Braking System.

Asc:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (on some models) for traction management.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags became standard during the E31's production run.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioned seatbelts with automatic retractors.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, impact-absorbing structures.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

High-fidelity BMW sound systems, often with premium options like Harman Kardon. Cassette player standard, CD changer optional.

Navigation:

Optional early generation BMW navigation systems (e.g., BMW Professional Navigation).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

No factory parking sensors on early models; rear park assist was an aftermarket or later option.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory installed car phone systems were available.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.

Seats:

Electrically adjustable sport seats with memory functions, heated seats optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for specific CBS (Condition Based Service) indicators if applicable.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual. Automatic transmissions are particularly sensitive to fluid degradation.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Change:

Recommended every 2 years due to moisture absorption.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II/III or specific BMW hydraulic fluid (refer to manual for correct type).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Longlife Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Common Wear Items:

Ignition coils, fuel injectors, fuel pumps, window regulators, door seals, radiator, cooling hoses, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system (on later M60/M62 variants if extended).

Electrical Concerns:

Aging wiring harnesses, EML (Engine Management Light) issues, dashboard illumination, ABS sensor failures.

Engine Specific:

M70 V12 can have issues with cylinder head gaskets, ignition module failures, and complex fuel/air management. M60 V8s can suffer from oil leaks and potential timing chain guide wear over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

BMW's established reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and sporty luxury vehicles.

Development Goal:

To create BMW's flagship coupe, showcasing new technology and design, competing with established luxury GTs.

Design Era:

Represented a departure from previous BMW designs, embracing a more aerodynamic and sleek aesthetic.

Production Years:

1989-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing Plant, Germany

Sales Volume Comment:

Limited production volume, making it a relatively rare and collectible model.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While specific awards for the 1989-1993 period might be scarce in public records, the E31 was widely praised for its design and engineering.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently ranked highly by automotive journalists for its V8 and V12 performance and handling characteristics.

Manual Certification:

Official BMW factory documentation, recognized industry-wide for its accuracy and completeness.