Recalls: BMW E31 8-Series
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: BMW E31 8-Series
- In November 1998, a recall was issued for BMW E31 8-Series vehicles manufactured prior to 30 November 1994. In these vehicles, overloading of the coolant circuit may occur – to prevent this, the affected vehicles were recalled for the fitment of a replacement radiator cap (PRA 1998/3726).
Problems and faults: BMW E31 8-Series
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
840Ci: M60 oil pump screws
- For E31 840Ci models with the M60 engine, the oil pump screws/bolts can become loose over time and fall into the lower oil pan. Symptoms of dislodged screws can include a ticking noise (sometimes mistaken for the lifters) or temporary illumination of the oil pressure light after hard braking (with a warning message in the instrument cluster) – the latter occurs when the oil pump is so loose that oil leaks out when it shifts forward.
Problems and faults: BMW E31 8-Series
- For early models, problems with the hazard warning lights and turn signals have been traced to problems with the flasher relay or the crash-sensor control module.
- For the six-speed manual transmission, the synchronizers are susceptible to damage if anything other than Dexron II automatic transmission fluid is used.
- The M60 engine had a reputation for worn cylinder bores due to high-sulfur fuels damaging the Nikasil linings – this was not, however, a significant problem in Australia.
- The cooling system is susceptible to problems – the expansion bottle, radiator, auxiliary pump and hoses may fail or leak. Furthermore, the viscous-coupled cooling fan may fail and cause overheating when stationary.
- For the V8 engines, the inlet manifold has a pressure control valve (PCV) fitted at the rear which is susceptible to failure. When this occurs, symptoms include smoke at start-up and under hard acceleration and a noisy idle.
- Seals around the inlet manifold may fail and require maintenance – symptoms include a noisy idle.
- Timing-chain tensioners require replacement at around 100,000 km – the tensioner guides are made from plastic and can fail if permitted to flop around due to a worn tensioner.
