🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 840Ci Year: 1997 Codes Internal Model Code: E31 Engine Code: M62B44 (4.4L V8) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1997 BMW 840Ci was positioned as a luxurious grand tourer, offering sophisticated styling, powerful V8 performance, and advanced technology for its era. It was a niche vehicle, appealing to enthusiasts who valued performance and exclusivity. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with other high-end coupes like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 928, and Jaguar XJS, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and luxury. Key Features Dvl Engine: The V8 engine provided smooth, potent power delivery, distinguishing it from the V12 850Ci variant. Design Elegance: Renowned for its timeless, aerodynamic design, featuring pop-up headlights and a distinctive shark-nose front end. Driver Focus: Despite its luxury, it maintained BMW's signature driver-centric ergonomics and handling characteristics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive service and repair information for the 1997 BMW 840Ci. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Thousands (Digital Format) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, transmission (automatic). Chassis: Steering, suspension (front and rear), brakes (ABS, DSC components), wheels, tires. Electrical: Engine management, body control modules (BCM), lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), audio system, navigation (if applicable), diagnostics (OBD-II). Bodywork: Exterior body panels, interior trim, HVAC system, convertible top (if applicable), doors, hood, trunk. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical schematic interpretation. Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair. Disassembly Assembly: Step-by-step instructions for component removal and reinstallation. Technical Depth Depth: Extremely detailed, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Digital Software (likely PDF or similar for accessibility and searchability) Print Quality Quality: High resolution, clear diagrams and text for easy readability and printing. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Code: M62B44 Displacement: 4.4 liters (4398 cc) Bore X Stroke: 92 mm x 82.7 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) Performance Horsepower: 282 hp @ 5400 rpm Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M5.2 engine management system, multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission Optional Optional Transmission: None for 840Ci in 1997 (Manual transmission was available on the 840i, a different model designation). Features Transmission Features: Steptronic allows manual selection of gears, offering a more engaging driving experience. Fluid Specs Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III-H specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 191.1 inches (4854 mm) Width: 71.7 inches (1821 mm) Height: 52.8 inches (1341 mm) Wheelbase: 106.0 inches (2692 mm) Front Track: 61.6 inches (1565 mm) Rear Track: 61.3 inches (1557 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,990 lbs (1810 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 5,070 lbs (2300 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: Approximately 14.7 cu ft (416 liters) Wheels Tires Standard Wheel Size: 17 x 7.5 inch alloy wheels Standard Tire Size: 235/45R17 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120 mm Center Bore: 72.5 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Not readily available for this specific model year from public databases, but BMW generally prioritized safety. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags Seatbelts: Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners Body Structure: Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Premium Hi-Fi system, often with cassette and CD player. Optional professional sound systems were available. Navigation: Optional BMW E38/E32/E31 navigation system available, typically monochrome CRT screen. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Connectivity Telematics: Limited by modern standards; basic on-board computer functions. Comfort Features Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control Seats: Electrically adjustable front seats with memory, often heated. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) or every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specific indicators. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically around 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for iridium spark plugs; consult manual for exact interval and type. Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or as indicated by vehicle sensors. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-40. Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change. Coolant Type:...
The 1997 BMW 840Ci was positioned as a luxurious grand tourer, offering sophisticated styling, powerful V8 performance, and advanced technology for its era. It was a niche vehicle, appealing to enthusiasts who valued performance and exclusivity.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with other high-end coupes like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 928, and Jaguar XJS, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and luxury.
Key Features
Dvl Engine:
The V8 engine provided smooth, potent power delivery, distinguishing it from the V12 850Ci variant.
Design Elegance:
Renowned for its timeless, aerodynamic design, featuring pop-up headlights and a distinctive shark-nose front end.
Driver Focus:
Despite its luxury, it maintained BMW's signature driver-centric ergonomics and handling characteristics.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair information for the 1997 BMW 840Ci.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (Digital Format)
Manual Type
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)
None for 840Ci in 1997 (Manual transmission was available on the 840i, a different model designation).
Features
Transmission Features:
Steptronic allows manual selection of gears, offering a more engaging driving experience.
Fluid Specs
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III-H specification)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Width:
71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
52.8 inches (1341 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.0 inches (2692 mm)
Front Track:
61.6 inches (1565 mm)
Rear Track:
61.3 inches (1557 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,990 lbs (1810 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 5,070 lbs (2300 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 14.7 cu ft (416 liters)
Wheels Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 7.5 inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
235/45R17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Center Bore:
72.5 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Not readily available for this specific model year from public databases, but BMW generally prioritized safety.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Premium Hi-Fi system, often with cassette and CD player. Optional professional sound systems were available.
Navigation:
Optional BMW E38/E32/E31 navigation system available, typically monochrome CRT screen.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Telematics:
Limited by modern standards; basic on-board computer functions.
Comfort Features
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory, often heated.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) or every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specific indicators.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for iridium spark plugs; consult manual for exact interval and type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as indicated by vehicle sensors.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze / Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
E31 Common Issues:
Cooling system component failure (radiator, hoses, water pump), VANOS solenoid failure, ABS/ASC sensor issues, window regulator failures, door handle microswitches, general age-related wear and tear on rubber components and electronics.
M62 Engine Issues:
Valley pan gasket leaks, timing chain tensioner wear (especially early M60/M62 variants), oil consumption in some cases.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution
E31 Introduction:
The E31 8 Series was introduced in 1989 as a flagship coupe, aiming to redefine the luxury GT segment with advanced technology and styling. The 840Ci variant, featuring the V8 engine, was introduced later in the E31's lifecycle to offer a more accessible yet potent alternative to the V12 850Ci.
E31 Production Years:
1989-1999
840Ci Introduction Year:
1993
Production
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Total 840Ci Production:
Approximately 10,722 units worldwide (across all years).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Awards:
Frequently appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best list in its early years, recognized for its engineering and performance.
Ratings
Performance Ratings:
Praised for its smooth V8 power, balanced handling, and comfortable ride, earning it a reputation as an excellent grand tourer.
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