🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series

Chassis Code:

E31

Model Year:

1996

Engine Codes Covered:

M60B40, M60B44, M62B44, M62B35 (note: manual likely focuses on primary engines for 1996 models, typically M60 variants and early M62)

Transmission Codes Covered:

GETRAG 420G (Manual), ZF 5HP30 (Automatic)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and sophisticated design.

Competitors 1996:

Porsche 911 (993), Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129), Jaguar XJS, Aston Martin DB7.

Design Philosophy:

Long, low, and elegant coupe design with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and luxurious comfort.

Engine Offerings:

Initially offered with V8 engines, with V12 variants introduced later. The 1996 model year primarily features the M60 V8.

Technology Advancements:

For its era, featured advanced electronics, multi-link suspension, and sophisticated engine management.

📋 Manual Details

All Systems:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

Printable:

Yes

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS

Software:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full coverage of V8 engines (M60 variants) and potentially early M62 variants, including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and component testing.

Fuel System:

Detailed information on fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, injectors, and emission control systems.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant types, and pressure testing.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) control, troubleshooting ignition faults.

Lubrication Maintenance:

Oil change procedures, oil filter part numbers, oil specifications, lubrication points, and scheduled maintenance intervals.

Manual Transmission Clutch:

Removal, installation, clutch operation, flywheel, and transmission fluid specifications for GETRAG 420G.

Automatic Transmission Clutch:

Operation of the ZF 5HP30 automatic transmission, fluid types, capacity, torque converter, and shift control diagnostics.

Driveshaft Final Drive:

Driveshaft U-joints, differential, axle shafts, and rear axle lubrication.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics, brake pad replacement, rotor specifications, fluid types, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (wishbones, struts, control arms), steering rack, power steering system, alignment specifications.

Body Interior:

Door mechanisms, convertible top (if applicable for later E31 variants, though 1996 is primarily coupe), interior trim, seats, and body panel removal/installation.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component locations, ECU (Engine Control Unit) functions, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, and accessory circuits.

Engine Management Driveability:

Diagnostics for engine performance issues, sensor inputs (MAF, O2, crank, cam), idle control, and drivability troubleshooting.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, general inspection schedules.

Repair Rebuild:

Comprehensive instructions for engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, and electrical component repair.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Systematic approaches to diagnosing faults, common problems, error code interpretation (if applicable to the era's diagnostic systems), and symptom-based troubleshooting.

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step guides for removing and installing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Factory-level, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, tolerances, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, enabling quick location of specific topics.

Print Ready:

Yes, designed for home or shop printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M60B40

Configuration:

4.0L Naturally Aspirated V8 (DOHC, 32 valves)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 90 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic M3.3

Engine Code:

M60B44

Configuration:

4.4L Naturally Aspirated V8 (DOHC, 32 valves)

Horsepower:

288 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque:

317 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Type:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch)

Required:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual (GETRAG 420G)

Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30)

Automatic Modes:

Standard, Sport, and Manual shifting modes (may vary by specific market and option package).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent, e.g., Dexron III/Mercon - consult manual for exact spec)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8-9 liters (check manual for exact dry/wet fill capacity)

Manual:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4780 mm (188.2 in)

Width:

1855 mm (73.0 in)

Height:

1370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2630 mm (103.5 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1700-1800 kg (3748-3968 lbs) - Varies by engine and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

2185 kg (4817 lbs)

Trunk Capacity Approx:

370 liters (13.1 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

While formal ratings from modern agencies like NHTSA/IIHS are not directly comparable for this era, BMW historically prioritized occupant safety with strong chassis design and advanced safety features for its time.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS IV or V)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Pyrotechnic-pretensioned front seatbelts.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Professional RDS or similar cassette/radio unit with CD changer option.

Display:

Central check control display for vehicle status and system messages.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) was an optional feature.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated cellular phone system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, following BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) or fixed intervals (consult manual for precise recommendation based on usage).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Automatic transmission fluid is often considered 'lifetime' by manufacturers, but professional recommendation is to service every 60,000-100,000 miles. Manual transmission fluid typically every 50,000-80,000 miles. Always verify with manual/BMW recommendation.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles for long-life plugs (e.g., platinum/iridium, consult manual for exact type and interval).

Engine Oil Type:

BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3). Consult manual for exact specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5-7.5 liters (V8 engines) - check manual for precise capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Coolant Type:

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

Common Problems:

Cooling system leaks (hose failures, water pump, plastic expansion tank), oil pan gasket leaks, VANOS system issues (on later engines), electrical gremlins common in older vehicles, power window regulators, interior electronics failures, ABS sensor issues.

M60 Specific Issues:

The M60 engines are known for potential Nikasil cylinder wear issues if consistently exposed to poor-quality fuel or inadequate maintenance, though less prevalent than on earlier M50 engines. Regular use of quality fuel and proper maintenance mitigates this.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long history of producing driver-focused, performance-oriented luxury vehicles, known for engineering excellence and sport sedans/coupes.

E31 Introduction:

Introduced in 1989 as BMW's flagship coupe, replacing the E24 6 Series. Designed as a high-performance GT with advanced technology.

E31 Variants:

Primarily 850i/850CSi (V12) and 840Ci (V8). The 840Ci was the primary V8 model for the US market, using the M60 engine, later updated to the M62.

Production Years:

1989-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

Total Production Units:

30,609

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E31 8 Series was frequently recognized by automotive publications for its design and performance, though specific 'awards' for the 1996 model year would be scattered across reviews rather than consolidated accolades.

Design Appreciation:

Widely considered one of BMW's most beautiful designs, often cited in 'most beautiful cars' lists.