Positioning:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SEC, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS
Design:
Iconic 'shark nose' front, pop-up headlights, pillarless hardtop coupe
Performance Focus:
Comfortable long-distance cruising with potent V8 and V12 engines
Diy Advantage:
Empowers owners to perform extensive DIY servicing and repairs, saving significant costs.
Engine Mechanical:
Full coverage (V8 and V12 engines)
Engine Management:
Full coverage (DME, ignition, fuel injection)
Transmission:
Full coverage (Manual and Automatic)
Drivetrain:
Full coverage (Differential, Driveshafts, Axles)
Suspension:
Full coverage (Front and Rear)
Steering:
Full coverage (Hydraulic Power Steering)
Brakes:
Full coverage (Hydraulic, ABS)
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage (Wiring Diagrams, Components)
Body:
Full coverage (Exterior, Interior, Trim)
Climate Control:
Full coverage (HVAC, Automatic Climate Control)
Safety Systems:
Full coverage (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks)
Tune Up:
Yes (Ignition timing, spark plugs, fuel system)
Engine Repair:
Yes (Top-end, bottom-end, full rebuilds)
Transmission Repair:
Yes (Manual and Automatic overhaul)
Brake System Repair:
Yes (Pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, ABS diagnostics)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Yes (Troubleshooting, component testing, wiring repairs)
Removal Installation:
Yes (Major components and systems)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic procedures for common issues)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from routine maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Extensive (step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams)
Engine Code 8Cyl:
M60B40 / M60B30 (V8)
Engine Code 12Cyl:
M70B50 / M73B54 (V12)
Horsepower 8Cyl 4.0L:
Approx. 282-296 hp (varies by year/market)
Torque 8Cyl 4.0L:
Approx. 295-310 lb-ft (varies by year/market)
Horsepower 12Cyl 5.0L:
Approx. 295-322 hp (varies by year/market)
Torque 12Cyl 5.0L:
Approx. 330-361 lb-ft (varies by year/market)
Fuel Delivery System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic
Block Material V8:
Aluminum Alloy
Block Material V12:
Aluminum Alloy
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (limited availability)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP24)
Transmission Features:
Steptronic functionality introduced on later models
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.3 inches (1303 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3800-4300 lbs (1724-1950 kg) depending on engine/options
Crash Safety Era:
Designed for the safety standards of its era; focus on structural integrity.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC/ASC+T)
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags, reinforced chassis, crumple zones
Infotainment System:
Early models featured basic sound systems, later models offered optional upgraded stereos and early navigation systems (e.g., BMW Business/Professional).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, electronic stability control (ASC/ASC+T)
Connectivity:
Limited by era; no Bluetooth or USB as standard. Potential for aftermarket integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to manual for timing belt/chain, coolant, transmission fluid intervals.
Engine Oil V8:
BMW Longlife-98 / API SG or higher, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual)
Engine Oil V12:
BMW Longlife-98 / API SG or higher, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual)
Coolant:
BMW Blue or Green (Ethylene Glycol based) coolant concentrate mixed with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., ZF LifeguardFluid 4 - check manual for exact spec)
Common Problems:
Cooling system (radiator, hoses, water pump), VANOS system (on later V8s), electrical gremlins, door seal leaks, headliner sagging, ABS/ASC module failures, subframe bushings.
Maintenance Priority:
Proactive maintenance of cooling system and regular fluid changes are critical for longevity.
Brand Legacy:
BMW's reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
Key Updates:
Introduction of M70 V12, M60 V8, later M73 V12. Updates to electronics and comfort features.
Production Volume:
Relatively low volume for a BMW, contributing to its exclusive nature (approx. 30,000 units).
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
