🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

8 Series (E31)

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

E31

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium grand tourer, positioned at the pinnacle of BMW's luxury coupe offerings for its era.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz SEC/CL-Class, Jaguar XJ-S, Aston Martin DB7.

Unique Selling Points:

Sophisticated engineering, powerful V8/V12 engines, advanced (for its time) technology, luxurious interior, distinctive wedge-shaped design, and engaging driving dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1998 BMW 8 Series E31 models

Model Variants Covered:

All E31 body styles and engine configurations available for the 1998 model year.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, as indicated by 'ALL MODELS & ALL REPAIRS A-Z'.

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (maintenance, diagnosis, repair), Control System (engine management), Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting/Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle.

Chassis & Suspension:

Suspension (front and rear), Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake Systems (hydraulic, ABS), Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering.

Electrical & Electronics:

Electrical systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter/Audio/Visual systems, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Body Control Modules.

Body & Interior:

Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior & Interior components, Seats, Instrument Panel, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock systems.

Repair & Maintenance:

Complete step-by-step instructions for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of all vehicle systems. Includes routine maintenance schedules, component replacement, and troubleshooting guides.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, including fault code interpretation and troubleshooting trees, specific to E31 systems.

Wiring Schematics:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams and schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.

Depth:

Factory-level technical detail, equivalent to what dealership technicians use. Covers from basic fluid changes to complex electronic diagnostics and major component overhauls.

Diagnostic Tools:

While not explicitly stated, a factory manual of this caliber would implicitly cover procedures and data relevant to BMW's diagnostic tools of the era (e.g., GT1, DIS).

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text due to PDF format, enhancing ease of use.

Printability:

Fully printable, allowing users to print specific pages or entire sections.

Image Scaling:

Supports blowing up images for enlarged copies and clearer viewing of diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF, user choice for printing)

Operating Systems:

Windows Vista (32/64-bit), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and macOS.

Software Dependencies:

Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip (or similar decompression utility).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1998:

Likely primarily the M62B35 (3.5L V8) and M62B44 (4.4L V8) for North American markets. International markets may also feature the M73B5.4 (5.4L V12).

Horsepower Approximate:

V8 models: ~215-282 hp. V12 models: ~322 hp (figures vary slightly by specific engine variant and market).

Torque Approximate:

V8 models: ~225-317 lb-ft. V12 models: ~361 lb-ft (figures vary).

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) with sequential injection for all models.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based). Consult manual for specific BMW part number (e.g., 81 22 9 407 070).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 7.5-8.5 liters for V8, 9.5-10.5 liters for V12. Specific capacity depends on engine variant. Manual will specify exact amount.

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

Likely 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil, meeting BMW Longlife-98 specification. Manual will list exact BMW approval codes.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Most E31 models, including those from 1998, were equipped with a 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP30 for V12, 5HP24 for V8). A 6-speed Getrag manual transmission was available on select V8 models (e.g., 840Ci).

Optional Transmission:

6-speed manual transmission on certain V8 variants.

Steptronic Functionality:

Allows manual gear selection via the gear lever, providing enhanced driver engagement.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1). Consult manual for specific BMW part number and approved fluid types.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Likely a GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil. Manual will specify BMW approved lubricants and viscosity grade.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4,780 mm (188.2 in) for 840Ci, 4,785 mm (188.4 in) for 850Ci.

Width:

Approximately 1,855 mm (73.0 in).

Height:

Approximately 1,340 mm (52.8 in).

Curb Weight Approximate:

V8 models: ~1,700-1,800 kg (3,750-3,970 lbs). V12 models: ~1,850-1,950 kg (4,080-4,300 lbs).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard or manual for exact GVWR, typically around 2,200-2,350 kg.

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 410 liters (14.5 cu ft).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No official NHTSA or IIHS ratings are readily available for the E31 generation, as testing standards and availability were different in the 1990s. However, BMW vehicles of this era were engineered with robust safety structures.

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) was available or standard on most models, particularly V12s.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on all models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Some later models may have offered side airbags (check specific vehicle configuration).

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners for front occupants. Rear occupants likely had lap and shoulder belts.

Immobilizer:

BMW EWS (Elektronische Wegfahrsperre) immobilizer system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems from manufacturers like Nakamichi or Harman Kardon were optional or standard on higher trims. Features may include cassette player, CD changer preparation, and multi-speaker configurations.

Navigation:

BMW's early generation navigation system (CCC - Car Communication Computer) may have been an option on later models, typically featuring a monochrome or early color screen.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

No factory parking sensors or rearview cameras were available for this generation.

Onboard Computer:

Check Control system providing warnings and status updates for various vehicle functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for BMW's 'Condition Based Service' (CBS) recommendations or specific mileage intervals.

Major Service Points:

Spark plugs (e.g., 60,000 miles), coolant flush (e.g., every 2-4 years), transmission fluid service (e.g., 50,000-100,000 miles, check manual), brake fluid flush (e.g., every 2 years).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 low viscosity (LV) brake fluid. Consult manual for specific BMW part number (e.g., 81 22 9 400 035).

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW PSF/CHF 11 S hydraulic fluid or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S). Manual will specify BMW part number.

Common E31 Problems:

Coolant expansion tank leaks, alternator bracket leaks, ABS/ASC sensor failures, window regulators, fuel pump/pre-pump issues, door seal degradation, aged plastic components (e.g., intake manifold on some M62 engines), V12 ignition coil issues. The manual will offer diagnostic and repair procedures for these.

Oil Filter Example:

BMW 11 42 1 719 857 (or equivalent Mann-Filter, Mahle, etc.). Specific part number to be confirmed in manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW's heritage is built on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement across its luxury vehicle range.

E31 Development:

Conceived as BMW's flagship coupe, the E31 was designed to be a technologically advanced, luxurious, and high-performance grand tourer, replacing the E24 6 Series. It was notable for its V8 and V12 engines and clean, aerodynamic styling.

Production Years:

1989-1999.

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998 model year are not prominently documented, the E31 8 Series was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its engineering, performance, and luxury positioning. It often appeared on 'best of' lists for grand touring cars.

Design Awards:

The E31's design by Klaus Kapitza is widely considered a classic and timeless automotive design, receiving acclaim for its aerodynamic silhouette and cohesive styling.