BMW E31 Buyers Guide Part 2 - The Engine Bay

This is the second part of Timm's BMW E31 Buyers Guide series. Today we look at the engine bay and the extraordinary technology that is standard on the 8-Series, even more extraordinary that it was designed in the 1980's.
Part 1: • BMW E31 8-SERIES BUYER...
Part 2: • BMW E31 Buyers Guide ...
Part 3: • BMW E31 Buyers Guide -...
Part 4: • BMW E31 Buyers Guide P...
Part 5: • BMW E31 Buyers Guide P...
For instance, the wipers have an intermittent wipe that is infinitely variable - but has no separate knob or switch to control it. And why is the intensive wash flying out of that breather hole in the main wash tank? What is the EML system and what does it control?
Hopefully this video will answer some of these questions. This episode does not cover the engine in any detail - that will come in later episodes.
Parts and Tools: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/timmsbm...

[@BigSlanko]

Videos like these are what is going to help keep E31's on the road for many years to come - that and your website!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@brady5829]

You really, really know your stuff! Incredibly informative video!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I make it all up!

[@jimbojagv8541]

Thanks for adding information about the V12.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

My pleasure!

[@lindsyebanks7220]

Another excellent video Timm. Myself and a friend viewed your E31 website extensively before buying our 8’s and its been an indispensable knowledge base.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thank you very much!

[@andyfearn6609]

Nice video. ... Thanks for posting👍

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

My pleasure Andy!

[@MrCynical999]

I viewed your website long before I bought my CSI and love the technical information relating not to just your own car but the v12. Love the individual colour of your E31 they look best in these red tones. Mine is Brocade red 259.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks Paul, I agree, the E31 is perfectly suited for red exterior colours!

[@lindsyebanks7220]

Paul, have seen the refurb on your CSi with the B12 5.7 conversion. It looks awesome & the interior is real good especially the updated alcantara dash

[@George-xq2iw]

Nice wheels

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! Rondell 58's 18"

[@cesarbojorquez7418]

@Tim, great vids thanks. Have you own Mercedes? What’s your opinion on them?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! No, I am a BMW bloke, never even been in one!

[@DuxDuxman]

Hi Tim - you mentioned that the M62 with Steptronic is the best 840 engine / transmission to have. I have read in other places that the M60 is more reliable. Are there any tests I can do before purchasing the 840 with the M62 that the Vanos system is working properly?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

No need to worry, the 840ci uses either the M60B40 (non Vanos) or M62B44 (also non-Vanos)!

[@alanh2050]

Hi Timm Can you explain how to check the fluid level & the procedure for filling the power steering/ CHF 11s reservoir pls

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

The fluid should just cover the screen filter (about 10mm from the top of the reservoir) with the engine NOT running and after 20 presses of the brake pedal (which will release the fluid contained in the accumulator). More info here: www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/BMW_E31_840ci_CHF11S_Oil_And_Filter_Change.htm

[@creatyve]

Hey Timm, quick question; in P or N my idle seems fine when in R or D (or on load per se) the idle drops to about 500rpm and the power seems to be halved. Foot to the floor really feels like I'm driving on just 6 cylinders.. Any direction you can point me towards?
Edit: m70, 4spd auto

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I would certainly suspect that you are only running on 6 cylinders. Stick up a post on Bimmerforums on either the E31 or E32 sections and you will get lots of help - good luck!

[@creatyve]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thanks! I did one last inspection before I posted on the forums and found a hole in the MAF casing. Sealed it up and now it's running beautifully!

[@alanh2050]

Hi Timm How do I remove the main radiator plastic cover without damaging it. I released all the plastic indexing studs but the cover seems to be still held at the top and bottom by small invisible hooks at the top and 3 plastic fingers at the bottom one of which has some kind of metal clip on it. I would really appreciate your help. Thanks

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I show how it is done here: ruclips.net/video/8WgCKGEeRc8/видео.html

[@alanh2050]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thank you😎

[@1ngeborg]

Does the engine compartment light have a mercury switch? I can't find any switch and the bulb is fine.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

It only comes on when the parking lights are on

[@hcolin4165]

Amigo Just SUBD!!!!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@antster7]

Any chance you can do a transmission oil change?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Nah, I'm in my 60's and leave the 'rusty' areas to my friendly independent!