🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

840Ci

Model Code:

E31

Generation:

1st Generation (E31)

Chassis Code:

E31

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (W140), Jaguar XJS, Aston Martin DB7

Design Philosophy:

Sleek, aerodynamic coupe design with a focus on performance and luxury

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking a refined, powerful, and stylish personal luxury coupe

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the essential technical data required for owners and independent mechanics to maintain and repair the complex E31 chassis and its V8 powertrain.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Years:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) likely, potentially printable sections

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, emissions control, diagnostic procedures, sensor descriptions

Transmission Mechanical:

Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 5HP30) overhaul, torque converter, valve body, cooler

Transmission Electronic:

Transmission control unit (TCU), gear selection diagnostics, solenoid operation

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, universal joints

Suspension:

Front suspension (double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, power steering pump

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, weatherstripping, chassis lubrication

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, compressor, evaporator, refrigerant, climate control diagnostics

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, trim panels, instrumentation, airbags (if applicable)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams interpretation, OBD-II (if applicable) diagnostics

Major Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component testing and replacement

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step guides for removing and installing virtually all major components

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for fasteners, bearing clearances, engine component tolerances, alignment specifications

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Digital Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clarity of diagrams and text

Physical Manual Binding:

N/A (Digital format assumed), if printed: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability

Physical Manual Paper:

N/A (Digital format assumed), if printed: Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments

Digital Search Functionality:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M60B40

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

3982 cc (4.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder, Dual VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 (or M3.8 for later models) Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91+ Octane)

Block Material:

Aluminum

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

ZF 5HP30

Manual Transmission Availability:

No manual transmission was offered for the 840Ci in North America; very limited availability in other markets.

Transmission Features:

Electronic control, Sport mode, Adaptive shift logic

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Mobil ATF LT 71141, Pentosin ATF 7100)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4780 mm (188.2 in)

Width:

1855 mm (73.0 in)

Height:

1370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2675 mm (105.3 in)

Front Track:

1510 mm (59.4 in)

Rear Track:

1524 mm (60.0 in)

Curb Weight:

1730 kg (3814 lbs) (approx.)

Gross Weight:

2100 kg (4630 lbs) (approx.)

Wheel Size Standard:

17 x 7.5 (front), 17 x 8.0 (rear)

Tire Size Standard:

235/45 R17 (front), 255/40 R17 (rear)

Bolt Pattern:

5x120

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

N/A (No standardized ratings available for this era)

ABS:

Standard (Bosch ABS III)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard; Passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bavarian Sound System (BSS) or optional Harman Kardon audio system with cassette player and CD changer preparation.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Professional Navigation System (early generation, often monochrome CRT display).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) on later models.

Telematics:

Optional BMW Assist system on later models (cellular phone integration).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specific BMW recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Change:

BMW recommended 'lifetime' fluid for the ZF 5HP30, but many specialists recommend replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles due to potential wear.

Coolant Change:

Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles for the original type spark plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 compliant synthetic oil, viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact specification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

7.5 Liters (approx. 8 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) or equivalent propylene glycol based coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Engine Oil Sludge:

M60 engines, particularly if maintenance is neglected, can be prone to oil sludge build-up, affecting VANOS and oil passages. Regular oil changes are critical.

Vanos Issues:

The VANOS system can degrade over time, leading to rough idle, power loss, and increased fuel consumption. Seal kits are available for repair.

Cooling System Failures:

Plastic components in the cooling system (e.g., expansion tank, thermostat housing) can become brittle and crack. Water pump failures are also common.

ABS Module Failure:

The ABS control module is a known weak point, often requiring repair or replacement.

Headliner Sagging:

The fabric adhesive on the headliner commonly fails, causing it to sag.

Window Regulator Failure:

Power window regulators can fail due to wear and tear.

Door Seal Deterioration:

Rubber door seals can degrade, leading to water leaks into the cabin.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Heritage:

BMW has a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles, known for their engineering prowess and driving dynamics.

E31 Development:

The E31 8 Series was developed as BMW's flagship coupe, aiming to compete with established luxury GTs, featuring advanced technology and a distinctive design.

840Ci Introduction:

The 840Ci was introduced in 1990 as the successor to the 6 Series, initially with a 4.0L V8 engine, later updated with a 4.4L V8. This manual covers the 4.0L variant.

Production Years:

1990-1999 (840Ci production: 1990-1996)

Production Numbers 840Ci:

Approximately 30,621 units produced globally for the 4.0L and 4.4L V8 models combined.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Critics:

While specific awards for the 840Ci from this period are less commonly cited than for later models, the E31 platform was lauded for its advanced engineering and luxurious styling by automotive journalists of the time.

Reliability Perception:

Often perceived as a complex vehicle requiring diligent maintenance. Reliability is generally good when properly maintained, but repairs can be costly due to complexity and parts availability.