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Introduction
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Market Position
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Positioning:
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Flagship Luxury Grand Tourer
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Target Audience:
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Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and distinctive styling
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Competitive Analysis
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Primary Competitors:
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Mercedes-Benz SL, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS
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Competitive Advantage:
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BMW's signature driving dynamics, sophisticated engineering, and technological innovation
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Key Features
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Design:
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Long hood, short deck, raked windscreen, concealed pop-up headlights, frameless windows, sculpted bodywork
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Performance Orientation:
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Powerful V8 and V12 engines, rear-wheel drive, advanced suspension systems
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Luxury Appointments:
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High-quality leather upholstery, wood trim, advanced climate control, premium audio
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Manual Details
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Coverage Areas
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Years Covered:
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1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
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Engine Variants Covered:
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All gasoline engine variants for the E31 platform
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Regions Covered:
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Global (reflecting original BMW service documentation)
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Page Count
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Estimated Page Count:
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Extensive (typical workshop manuals for this era range from 1500-3000+ pages)
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Manual Type
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Manual Type:
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Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
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Language
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Language:
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English (primary language of source material, likely translated from German)
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Format
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Format:
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PDF
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication
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Drivetrain:
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Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
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Chassis:
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Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, DSC on later models)
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Electrical System:
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Wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, lighting, power windows, central locking, climate control, instrument cluster, audio systems
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Body And Frame:
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Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, aerodynamics, structural components
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HVAC:
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Air conditioning, heating, ventilation systems
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Safety Systems:
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Airbags (SRS), seatbelt mechanisms
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Procedures Included
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Routine Maintenance:
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Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement
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Diagnostic Procedures:
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Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I and early OBD-II), circuit testing
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Repair And Replacement:
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Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems
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Component Overhaul:
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Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other complex assemblies
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Electrical System Troubleshooting:
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Diagram interpretation, continuity testing, voltage drop testing, component testing
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Bodywork Repair:
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Panel replacement, dent repair, trim removal and installation
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Technical Depth
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Depth Level:
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Comprehensive Professional Level
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Detail Level:
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Diagnostic procedures, repair specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams, exploded views, system schematics
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Application:
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Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
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Transmission
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Standard
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Standard Transmission Type:
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6-speed manual transmission (Getrag 420G for V8 models, ZF for V12 models)
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Optional
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Optional Transmission Type:
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4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP24 for V8, ZF 4HP22 for V12)
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Later Optional Transmission:
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5-speed automatic transmission (ZF 5HP30 for V8 and V12 models)
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Features
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Drive Type:
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Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
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Traction Control:
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ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard on many models, DSC on later ones
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (consult manual for specifics)
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Varies by plug type, typically 30,000-100,000 miles (e.g., platinum/iridium plugs)
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Coolant Flush:
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Every 2-4 years or as recommended by BMW
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Specification:
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BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40) - consult manual for exact viscosity based on climate and engine
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Transmission Fluid Manual:
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API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity recommended in manual)
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Transmission Fluid Automatic:
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Dexron III or equivalent (ZF TE-ML 11A/11B often specified)
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 4
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Coolant:
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BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
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Known Issues
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Common Wear Item:
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Cooling system components (hoses, water pump, expansion tank) due to age and material degradation.
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Common Wear Item 2:
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ABS/ASC sensors and modules can be prone to failure.
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Common Wear Item 3:
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Door seals and window seals can deteriorate, leading to leaks.
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Common Wear Item 4:
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E31 specific: Self-leveling suspension system (if equipped) can be complex and require specialized service.
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Common Wear Item 5:
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V12 engine specific: Ignition system complexity and maintenance requirements.
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Wiring Harness Issues:
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Degradation of wiring insulation in certain areas, particularly in the engine bay, can occur over time.
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