🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

850CSi

Model Code:

E31

Generation Name:

First Generation

Production Years:

1990-1999

Manual Product Name:

BMW 850CSi 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Repair Service Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)

Positioning:

Flagship model, representing BMW's pinnacle of engineering, performance, and luxury in its era.

Competitors:

Porsche 911, Ferrari 456 GT, Aston Martin Virage, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129).

Design:

Striking, aerodynamic design with pop-up headlights and a long hood, showcasing BMW's iconic styling cues.

Performance:

Powerful V12 engine, sophisticated chassis, and RWD layout providing exhilarating driving dynamics.

Luxury:

Lavish interior appointments, high-quality materials, advanced features for its time.

Target Audience:

Professional mechanics, experienced DIY enthusiasts, restoration specialists.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era, exact count varies by edition/compiler)

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing system (belts/chains), oil pump, cooling system.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (DME), sensors, actuators, starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 4HP24/5HP30 depending on specific model year/VIN), torque converter, valve body, hydraulic system, electronic controls, clutch packs, seals.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axles, CV joints, U-joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, anti-roll bars, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Brake system components (ABS, EBD), master cylinder, brake boosters, calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering wheel.

Electrical System:

Complete vehicle electrical system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, seats, mirrors, central locking, fuse box diagrams, relay locations, battery charging system.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention, repair procedures.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning, heater core, blower motor, climate control module, refrigerant handling.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers.

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II (if applicable for later models within the range), BMW proprietary diagnostics, fault codes, troubleshooting guides, testing procedures for various components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, coolant flushes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, power steering fluid replacement.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic trees, common fault symptom analysis, electrical circuit tracing.

Component Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components.

Electrical Repairs:

Wiring harness repair, connector replacement, sensor calibration, module testing.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and bolts.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for certain procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics and repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if created from scanned original or digital source, facilitating quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital format allows for high-resolution viewing and printing. Quality depends on the source scan/digitization.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M70B50 (for earlier E31 models, but 850CSi received the M73 variant or enhanced M70)

Engine Type:

SOHC V12 (Single Overhead Camshaft V12)

Displacement:

5.6 Liters (5573 cc)

Horsepower:

380 hp @ 5200 rpm (for the 850CSi variant, a significant increase over the 850i)

Torque:

410 lb-ft (550 Nm) @ 4000 rpm

Injection System:

Bosch Motronic (likely DME 3.3 or later for the CSi)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95/98)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved or equivalent)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (8 US Quarts)

Spark Plugs:

Typically 12 spark plugs (2 per cylinder). Specific part number: e.g., NGK BKR6EK or Champion RC7YC. Consult manual for exact fitment.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed manual (Getrag 420G) was standard on the 850CSi, differentiating it from the 850i which primarily had an automatic.

Type:

5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP30) was an option on some markets/later models, though the manual was the defining feature of the CSi.

Clutch:

Dual-mass flywheel and single dry plate clutch for manual transmission.

Manual Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)

Automatic Fluid:

Dexron III / Mercon (for 5HP30)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.5 inches (4864 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)

Height:

Approx. 51.8 inches (1316 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4200-4400 lbs (1900-2000 kg) depending on options and transmission.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5200 lbs (2359 kg)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 13.3 cu ft (376 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA under modern standards, but designed with robust safety features for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS IV)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on later models within the range, check specific year).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Bavaria C Business RDS or Professional RDS (e.g., CD player, cassette player, radio).

Display:

Central digital display for climate control, radio, and OBC (On-Board Computer).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assist:

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

Phone Integration:

Optional factory-fitted car phone system in some configurations.

Seats:

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats.

Windows Mirrors:

Power windows, power mirrors, heated mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

BMW Service Indicator System (SI) or approx. every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) with synthetic oil.

Coolant Change:

Every 2-3 years or as indicated by the service indicator.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles (100,000 km), depending on plug type. Check manual for specific interval.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW PSF-4 / Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (check manual for precise specification).

Common Problems:

EML light (Engine Management Light) due to throttle body issues, VANOS system (Variable Valve Timing) leaks or malfunctions, aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), SRS warning light, cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), potential ECU issues, early EML issues on M70 engines. Transmission selector seal leaks.

Maintenance Considerations:

Due to its complexity and age, meticulous maintenance is crucial. Many parts are unique and can be expensive.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, engineering excellence, and luxury.

Predecessor:

No direct predecessor, but built upon BMW's luxury car heritage.

Successor:

BMW 8 Series (E63/E64), and later the G15/G14 8 Series.

Production Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

Production Volume Csi:

Relatively low production volume compared to other BMW models, estimated around 1,500 units worldwide, making it a collector's item.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

Often cited for its timeless design and aerodynamic efficiency, winning praise in automotive publications.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently praised for its powerful V12 engine and grand touring capabilities by automotive critics of the era.

Manual Quality Standard:

Adheres to industry standards for technical documentation, providing detailed diagrams and step-by-step procedures.