Bmw E31 problems
The BMW E31 is the first generation of the BMW 8 Series. It is a grand tourer built by BMW from 1990 to 1999 as a 2-door coupé, powered by either a V8 or V12 engine. Whilst it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series in 1990, it was not a direct successor, but a new model class with a substantially higher price and performance than the 6 Series.
Development
Development of the 8 Series began in July 1981, with the design phase reaching completion in 1986, although the launch was delayed due to still-strong 6 Series sales. The 8 Series debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in early September 1989. The 8 Series was designed to move beyond the market of the original 6 Series. The 8 Series had substantially improved performance, as well as a far higher purchase price.
Over 1.5 billion Deutsche Marks were spent on total development (2019 USD nearly $900 million). BMW used CAD tools, still unusual at the time, to design the car's all-new body. Combined with wind tunnel testing, the resulting car had a drag coefficient of Cd=0.29, a major improvement from the previous BMW M6/635CSi's 0.39.
The 8 Series offered the first V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission on a road car. It was one of the first vehicles to be fitted with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle. The 8 Series was one of BMW's first cars, together with the Z1, to use a multi-link rear axle.
CAD modelling allowed the 8 Series unibody to be 3 kg (6.6 lb) lighter than that of the preceding 6 Series (E24). However the production 8 Series was significantly heavier when completed due to the large engine and added luxury items—a source of criticism from those who wanted BMW to concentrate on the driving experience. Some of the car's weight may have been due to its pillar-less "hardtop" body style which lacked a "B" pillar.
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Bmw E31 model years
Common Bmw E31 problems
The BMW E31, produced from 1989 to 1999, is known for its luxurious design and powerful engine options. However, like any vehicle, it is prone to certain common problems.
- Electrical Issues: The BMW E31 can experience electrical problems, such as issues with the car's power windows, lights, and other systems. These issues may be caused by a malfunctioning battery, faulty wiring, or other electrical components. These problems can be difficult to diagnose and repair, as they often require a thorough understanding of the car's electrical systems.
- Cooling System Problems: The cooling system in the BMW E31 can be prone to issues such as leaks or problems with the water pump or thermostat. These issues can cause the car to overheat, leading to engine damage. Regular maintenance, such as checking the coolant level and replacing worn-out components, can help prevent cooling system problems.
- Suspension Problems: The suspension system in the BMW E31 can be prone to issues such as failure of the struts or shocks. This can cause the car to ride rough or cause noises and can be expensive to repair. Regular inspection and maintenance of the suspension system can help prevent these problems.
- Engine Problems: The BMW E31 can experience engine problems such as oil leaks, problems with the engine mounts, or oil consumption issues. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and oil changes can help prevent engine problems.
- Transmission Problems: The BMW E31 can experience transmission problems such as slipping, difficulty shifting gears, or transmission fluid leaks. This can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn-out clutch plates, or solenoids. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent transmission problems.
- Rust and Corrosion: The BMW E31 can be prone to rust and corrosion, especially around the wheel arches, the underside of the car, and the front wings. Regular inspection and treatment can help prevent rust and corrosion.
It's important to note that not all BMW E31 vehicles will experience these issues, and the severity of the problems can vary. To minimize the risk of encountering these problems, it's important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and perform a test drive before purchasing. Additionally, regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help prevent and address issues as they arise. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic can also be helpful in identifying potential problems.
Is BMW E31 rare?
Even though the original 8 Series Coupe had a lengthy production run of more than nine years, BMW only made 30,621 cars between 1990 and 1999.
How many miles per gallon does a BMW E31 get?
combined: 15 miles per US gallon (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg‑imp)
How many BMW E31 are there?
Nostalgia. Unveiled at the 1989 Frankfurt International Motorshow, and costing upwards of £60,000 (approximately £150,000 in today's money) the E31 was the new flagship BMW model. Built between 1989 and 1999, just over 30,000 E31 models were built.
What is the top speed of the E31?
Stock CSI is capable of about 185mph, without any transmission or diff changers most e31 will max out between 190-205mph if tuned, as it would simply reach redline in the highest gear. If I change my rear diff from my 3.45 to a 3.15 or a 2.93 my ~500hp e31 should reach 200mph.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw E31 years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw E31 cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Bmw E31 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw E31 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw E31 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw E31 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw E31 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw E31 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw E31 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw E31 vehicles.
List of Bmw E31 complaints
Bmw E31 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-25
- VIN: WBAEG2310NC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT BUCKETS ARE POINTING AT A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARDS, CAUSING A PROBLEM TO DRIVER TO SEE THE ROAD. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, AND SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE BUCKETS AT FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS EACH. *AK
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