Vehicle Class:
BMW's flagship luxury grand tourer, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design of its era.
Competitors:
Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (C140), Porsche 928, and Aston Martin DB7.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, frameless windows, sophisticated chassis, and powerful V8/V12 engines.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, dealer-level repair information, empowering owners and independent mechanics to perform all maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust systems. Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for V8 and V12 engines.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic and manual transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials. Repair, adjustment, and fluid specifications.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brakes (including ABS and ASC), hydraulic systems, parking brake. Disassembly, inspection, and repair.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system (including Servotronic), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Complete wiring schematics, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, seats, mirrors, central locking, alarm system, diagnostic connectors (OBD I).
Body Chassis:
Body construction, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seals, rust prevention, chassis components.
HVAC Climate Control:
Automatic climate control system, refrigerant handling, component testing and repair.
Fuel Tank Exhaust:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, pumps, catalytic converters, mufflers, tailpipes.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures, reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed rebuild instructions for engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical components.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Pinpoint testing, troubleshooting electrical faults, reading wiring diagrams, testing sensors and actuators.
Depth Of Information:
Factory level, comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams and schematics.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick finding of specific topics.
Print Capability:
All pages are printable.
Image Resolution:
Images can be blown up and printed in enlarged copies.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download).
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download).
Operating Systems:
Compatible with all versions of Windows (7, Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac computers. Also compatible with tablets.
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader.
Engine Options:
M60B30 (3.0L V8), M60B40 (4.0L V8), M62B44 (4.4L V8), M70B50 (5.0L V12), S70B56 (5.6L V12).
Power Output:
Ranges from approximately 215 hp (840i) to 380 hp (850CSi).
Torque Output:
Ranges from approximately 290 lb-ft (840i) to 406 lb-ft (850CSi).
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic engine management systems with sequential multi-point fuel injection (MFI).
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic 1.2, 2.1, 4.1, 5.2 depending on engine and year).
Oil Type Specification:
Typically BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-98 approved synthetic oil, viscosity grades like 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (refer to manual for exact specs).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Type 840I 840Ci:
5-speed automatic (e.g., 5HP30).
Transmission Type 850I 850Csi:
6-speed manual (e.g., Getrag S6-37), 4-speed automatic (e.g., 4HP22 EH).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III (or equivalent) for automatic transmissions, manual gearbox oil meeting GL-4 or GL-5 specification (refer to manual for exact grades).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch for manual transmissions.
Length:
Approx. 4,780 mm (188.2 in).
Width:
Approx. 1,850 mm (72.8 in).
Height:
Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in).
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approx. 1,730 kg (3,814 lbs) for 840i to over 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) for 850i/CSi.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,630 mm (103.5 in).
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120mm.
Wheel Size:
Typically 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch alloy wheels depending on model and options.
Crash Test Data:
Detailed safety feature design and component testing information would be present. Specific crash ratings from modern agencies may not be directly applicable to the era of design.
Traction Control:
Available Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) on many models.
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models. Ventilated disc brakes front and rear.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Later models may have side airbags (check specific vehicle).
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts. Pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio System:
Premium Hi-Fi systems, optional CD changer, often branded Harman Kardon or Bavaria C Professional.
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation systems (e.g., BMW Assist navigation screen).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
No rear parking sensors or cameras from factory; parking maneuvers are guided by driver and mirrors.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone systems or provisions for aftermarket installation.
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, lumbar support, heated seats available.
Mirrors:
Electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror (on some models).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific interval for your model year).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; V8 engines (M60/M62) often around 60,000 miles, V12 engines (M70/S70) can be significantly longer or require specialized plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic transmissions: typically 60,000-100,000 miles (often considered 'lifetime' by some manufacturers, but fluid replacement is recommended for longevity). Manual transmissions: fluid change recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.0-8.5 liters (8.5-8.9 US qts) for V8 engines, 11.5-12.0 liters (12.2-12.7 US qts) for V12 engines (refer to manual for exact capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (check manual for specific recommendation).
Cooling System:
Degradation of plastic components (expansion tanks, radiator end tanks), water pump failure, thermostat issues, and potential head gasket leaks on some V8s under extreme conditions.
Electrical System:
Wire harness degradation (especially engine wiring), ABS/ASC module failures, door seal water ingress affecting electronics, ABS wheel speed sensor issues.
Engine Specific Issues:
M60/M62 V8s: Nikasil cylinder liner wear (early M60), Vanos unit issues, oil pan gasket leaks. M70/S70 V12s: Complex dual ignition systems, complexity of maintenance, dual throttles, VANOS.
Suspension Steering:
Hydraulic fluid leaks in self-leveling suspension (if equipped), worn control arm bushings, power steering hose degradation.
Body:
Window regulator failures, door seal deterioration leading to water leaks, retractable headlight mechanism issues, door handle micro-switches.
Bmw Luxury Gt Tradition:
Built upon BMW's legacy of performance luxury, following models like the E24 6 Series.
E31 Development:
Conceived as a halo car to showcase BMW's technological prowess, featuring advanced aerodynamics and a focus on driver engagement in a grand touring package.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany.
Total Production Numbers:
Approximately 30,618 units produced between 1989 and 1999.
Design Awards:
The E31 8 Series was highly acclaimed for its groundbreaking design and engineering, often cited as a design icon of the 1990s.
Engineering Accolades:
Praised for its advanced aerodynamics, powerful V12 engine in the 850i, and sophisticated chassis dynamics.
Reliability Ratings:
While a technological marvel, reliability can be dependent on proper maintenance and addressing known common issues. The manual is crucial for maintaining these complex systems.
