🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 8 Series Model Generation: E31 Years Covered: 1989-1993 Codes Chassis Code: E31 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The BMW 8 Series (E31) represented BMW's entry into the ultra-luxury grand tourer segment, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz SL and the Porsche 928. It was positioned as a high-performance, sophisticated, and technologically advanced coupe. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: The E31 8 Series offered a blend of V8 or V12 power, advanced aerodynamics, a driver-focused cockpit, and luxurious appointments, differentiating itself through its unique styling and BMW's renowned driving dynamics. Its technology, such as the self-leveling suspension and electronic damper control, set it apart from many contemporaries. Key Features Key Features: Pop-up headlights, frameless doors, shark-nose front end, powerful V8 and V12 engines, sophisticated chassis dynamics, luxurious interior, advanced electronics for its era. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: All systems and components of the BMW 8 Series (E31) models from 1989-1993 Page Count Page Count: Estimated 3000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain, suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic & ABS), electrical system, body control module (BCM), climate control, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), infotainment, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), interior trim, exterior body panels, lighting, diagnostics, troubleshooting Procedures Included Procedures Included: Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, lubrication, fluid changes, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides, component testing, calibration, specifications, torque values, alignment procedures Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: High-resolution, searchable PDF Print Quality Print Quality: Printable, with clear diagrams and text Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 4.0L M60B40 V8 Engine Variants Engine Variants: 4.0L M60B40 V8, 4.4L M62B44 V8 (later models), 5.0L M70B50 V12, 5.6L M73B56 V12 (later models) Performance V8 Performance V8: Approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (M60B40) Performance V12 Performance V12: Approx. 296 hp @ 5200 rpm, 332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (M70B50) Fuel System Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic) Engine Management Engine Management: Digital Engine Management (DME) Bore Stroke V8 Bore Stroke V8: 92.0 mm x 72.7 mm (M60B40) Compression Ratio V8 Compression Ratio V8: 10.0:1 (M60B40) Bore Stroke V12 Bore Stroke V12: 84.0 mm x 90.0 mm (M70B50) Compression Ratio V12 Compression Ratio V12: 8.8:1 (M70B50) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard: 5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 420G for V8 models) Optional Optional: 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP24 for V8, ZF 5HP30 for V12) Features Auto Features Auto: Electronic control, Sport mode, Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) was considered but not produced for E31. Clutch Type Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (manual) Transmission Fluid Spec Auto Transmission Fluid Spec Auto: Dexron III / Mercon or equivalent (check specific model for precise specification) Transmission Fluid Spec Manual Transmission Fluid Spec Manual: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TWS Motorsport 75W-90) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Exterior Length: Approx. 4,780 mm (188.2 in) Exterior Width Exterior Width: Approx. 1,855 mm (73.0 in) Exterior Height Exterior Height: Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in) Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approx. 2,630 mm (103.5 in) Curb Weight V8 Curb Weight V8: Approx. 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) (manual transmission) Curb Weight V12 Curb Weight V12: Approx. 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) Cargo Volume Cargo Volume: Approx. 330 liters (11.6 cu ft) Fuel Capacity Fuel Capacity: Approx. 90 liters (23.8 US gal) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Ratings: No official crash test ratings are widely available for this era of BMW as standardized testing was less prevalent. However, it was engineered to meet stringent safety standards of its time. Active Features Active Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC+T for later models), Electronic Damper Control (EDC) on some models. Passive Features Passive Features: Driver and passenger front airbags, reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, seatbelt pretensioners. Brake System Front Brake System Front: Ventilated discs, 324 mm diameter (typical for 840i/850i) Brake System Rear Brake System Rear: Solid discs, 308 mm diameter (typical for 840i/850i) Tire Size Standard Tire Size Standard: 235/50 R16 (common for 840i), 235/50 R16 front / 255/45 R16 rear (common for 850i) Wheel Bolt Pattern Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120 mm 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment: Cassette player with optional CD changer, AM/FM radio, premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon optional). Driver Assistance Driver Assistance: Cruise control, Electronic Damper Control (EDC) on some models allowing adjustable suspension firmness. Connectivity Connectivity: Basic telecommunications features for...
The BMW 8 Series (E31) represented BMW's entry into the ultra-luxury grand tourer segment, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz SL and the Porsche 928. It was positioned as a high-performance, sophisticated, and technologically advanced coupe.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
The E31 8 Series offered a blend of V8 or V12 power, advanced aerodynamics, a driver-focused cockpit, and luxurious appointments, differentiating itself through its unique styling and BMW's renowned driving dynamics. Its technology, such as the self-leveling suspension and electronic damper control, set it apart from many contemporaries.
Key Features
Key Features:
Pop-up headlights, frameless doors, shark-nose front end, powerful V8 and V12 engines, sophisticated chassis dynamics, luxurious interior, advanced electronics for its era.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
All systems and components of the BMW 8 Series (E31) models from 1989-1993
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 3000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain, suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic & ABS), electrical system, body control module (BCM), climate control, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), infotainment, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), interior trim, exterior body panels, lighting, diagnostics, troubleshooting
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Dexron III / Mercon or equivalent (check specific model for precise specification)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TWS Motorsport 75W-90)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Length
Exterior Length:
Approx. 4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Exterior Width
Exterior Width:
Approx. 1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Exterior Height
Exterior Height:
Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,630 mm (103.5 in)
Curb Weight V8
Curb Weight V8:
Approx. 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) (manual transmission)
Curb Weight V12
Curb Weight V12:
Approx. 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)
Cargo Volume
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 330 liters (11.6 cu ft)
Fuel Capacity
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 90 liters (23.8 US gal)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Ratings:
No official crash test ratings are widely available for this era of BMW as standardized testing was less prevalent. However, it was engineered to meet stringent safety standards of its time.
Active Features
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC+T for later models), Electronic Damper Control (EDC) on some models.
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Driver and passenger front airbags, reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, seatbelt pretensioners.
Brake System Front
Brake System Front:
Ventilated discs, 324 mm diameter (typical for 840i/850i)
Brake System Rear
Brake System Rear:
Solid discs, 308 mm diameter (typical for 840i/850i)
Tire Size Standard
Tire Size Standard:
235/50 R16 (common for 840i), 235/50 R16 front / 255/45 R16 rear (common for 850i)
Wheel Bolt Pattern
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment:
Cassette player with optional CD changer, AM/FM radio, premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon optional).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
Cruise control, Electronic Damper Control (EDC) on some models allowing adjustable suspension firmness.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
Basic telecommunications features for its era, no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Climate Control
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control, often with advanced features like residual heat usage.
Lighting System
Lighting System:
Pop-up headlights, Xenon headlights were introduced in later E31 revisions (post-1993) but not standard on early models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals Oil Change
Service Intervals Oil Change:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Long-life synthetic oil recommended.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Service Intervals Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Service Intervals Brakes
Service Intervals Brakes:
Inspect brake pads and rotors at every service. Replace as needed based on wear.
Service Intervals Coolant
Service Intervals Coolant:
Replace coolant every 2-3 years or as per manufacturer recommendation, typically using BMW Blue Coolant.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic API SM/SN or ACEA A3/B4. (e.g., BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30)
Fluid Capacities Engine Oil V8
Fluid Capacities Engine Oil V8:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change (M60B40)
Fluid Capacities Engine Oil V12
Fluid Capacities Engine Oil V12:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) with filter change (M70B50)
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Known Issues Cooling System
Known Issues Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; thermostat housing leaks; water pump failure.
Known Issues Engine
Known Issues Engine:
M60 V8: Nikasil cylinder liner wear (early models), VANOS system issues, oil leaks from gaskets and seals. M70 V12: Ignition coil failures, coolant leaks, electrical issues related to complexity.
Known Issues Electrical
Known Issues Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation, ABS/ASC control module failures, window regulator issues, central locking problems, dashboard warning lights.
Filter Part Numbers Oil Filter
Filter Part Numbers Oil Filter:
Mann-Filter W940/24, Mahle OX 23, BMW 11421745032 (verify for specific engine)
Filter Part Numbers Air Filter
Filter Part Numbers Air Filter:
Mann-Filter C35188/2, Mahle LX 849, BMW 13721730014 (verify for specific engine)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German manufacturer renowned for luxury and performance vehicles, with a long history dating back to 1916. The brand is synonymous with 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The E31 8 Series was designed to replace the aging E24 6 Series coupe and to be BMW's flagship coupe. It was a bold step into a new market segment, showcasing BMW's engineering prowess and design language. It was produced from 1989 to 1999, with a significant facelift and engine update in 1994 (ushering in the M60B44 and M73 engines).
Production
Production Years:
1989-1999
Production Locations
Production Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany
Sales Figures
Sales Figures:
Total production of the E31 8 Series was relatively low, with approximately 31,000 units produced globally over its decade-long run. The V12 models (850i/850Ci/850CSi) were more exclusive.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While the E31 8 Series did not win specific mainstream awards in the same way modern cars do, it was critically acclaimed for its design, engineering, and performance. It is widely regarded as a modern classic and an icon of 1990s automotive design.
Ratings
Ratings:
Contemporary reviews praised its performance, handling, and luxurious interior, though some noted its high price and the complexity of the V12 engine.
Certifications
Certifications:
Designed and manufactured to meet German TUV and European safety and emissions standards of the late 1980s and 1990s.