BMW E31 8 Series Worldwide 30Th Anniversary 1989 – 2019

VOL 6 ISSUE 1 Jan - Mar 2019 2015

BMW E31 8 Series Worldwide 30th Anniversary 1989 – 2019

Internationale 8er Gemeinschaft BMW & ALPINA E31 Club Club E31 Nederland BMWCCA E31 Chapter BMW Club 8 Serie France ClubE31 Italy BC 8’s ClubE31Worldwide Owner’s Group SoCalEights Club E31 Sweden AZ 8’s Australian 8’s 8er.org Club BMW Serie 8 Spain E31Club Russia, 8-Fest.org Southeast 8 Gathering Club E31 Norway 8Coupe.com

VOL 6 ISSUE 1 Editor: Roger Wray Jan – Mar 2019 2015

E31 Chapter Table BMW Car Club of America of Contents ______• From the Driver's Seat Chapter Officers (please call between 7:30-10pm) President [email protected] • 2019 Chapter Elections Steffen Staiger (Texas) 214-417-0606 • SoCalEights Wrenchfest Vice President [email protected] • Alec Cartio (California) 818-395-5765 Hagerty names E31 one of the hottest Secretary [email protected] collector cars of 2019 Henry Christoff (Canada) 604-787-7706 • Netflix Car Review – The 8 Series from

Treasurer [email protected] “Deadwind” Jack Woods (Massachusetts) 978-532-0266 Brands Manager [email protected] • Drive Flashback: 1994 BMW 850 CSi Jeff Ivarson (California) 415-485-0989 • Three Generations of CSi’s in New Zealand National Events Coordinator [email protected] Steffen Staiger (Texas) 241-417-0606 • The E31 Chapter Apparel Store • 30th Anniversary T-shirt Other • Webmaster [email protected] E31 Chapter Financial Report Bob Bennett (Florida) 813-787-8837 • Tech Corner: V8 Crankcase Ventilation Newsletter Editor [email protected] • The Tail Lights Roger Wray (Florida) 352-223-2932 Membership Chairperson [email protected] Henry Christoff (Canada) 604-787-7706 2019 E31 Upcoming Events ______Regional Facilitators BC 8’s & Coffee, April 7 Pacific Northwest Tom “Wuffer” Carter 604-530-6609 Surry, BC (Tim Horton’s) Southeast US Roger Wray 352-223-2932 [email protected]

BC 8’s Drive for Pie and Breakfast, April 27 BMW CCA E31 is a non-profit South Carolina Corporation. It is a chapter Langley, BC of BMW Car Club of America and is not connected in any manner with [email protected] Bayerische Motoren Works AG or the importer. The 'E31 NEWS' is the Sharkfest 2019, April 25 - 28 publication of BMW CCA E31 and is available electronically to all members Spartanburg, SC in good standing. All contents shall remain the property of BMW CCA E31 http://bmwsharkfest.org unless otherwise credited. Information supplied is provided by the members and for the members only. The ideas, suggestions and opinions SoCalEights Brunch, April 28 in articles are those of the Club unless otherwise credited. The Club Long Beach, CA assumes no liability for any of the information contained herein. None of [email protected] the information bears the status of "Factory Approved" unless so BC 8’s Double Day Wrenchfest, May 18-19 indicated. Modifications within any warranty period may void the Surry, BC warranty. The EDITOR of this Newsletter seeks material suitable to pass on to other members. The material may be of a technical nature, bits of [email protected] information about your car, news and events, or just the latest tidbits. Bimmerfest West 2019 with SoCalEights, May 25 - 26 Share your ideas with other members by forwarding them to the EDITOR Fontana, CA at: www.bimmerfest.com/bmw-events/Bimmerfest-2019 [email protected] [email protected]

E31 Tech Advisors Club Address: ______BMW CCA E31 Chapter This is a list of E31 Chapter members who have volunteered to serve as E31 Technical advisors. Please call them for technical assistance, but also P.O. Box 8324 call at reasonable hours. If you would like to be added to the list, please Columbia, SC 29202 let the Editor know. Tom “Wuffer” Carter (reasonable time PST) 604-530-6609 general information Zach McCoy (reasonable time EST) 317-506-7990 trouble shooting for transmission, ignition, top end engine

Spring is here! As we start seeing the there are more than a dozen E31’s stories or events that you wish to 8’s rolling out of their garages and going to be there, and if you want to share with the rest of us, please send into wash bays with the excitement of see a very special E31, this is your those to Roger so that we can include taking them for a well-deserved chance to see Roger Wray’s them in our Newsletter – we always drive, some of us are finishing up with immaculate ALPINA 5.7 in the flesh like hearing from fellow 8’ers. restoration work. It is nice to see the (please don’t drool on the car). This is uptick in interest for the E31. This also a great opportunity to see some Now go out for a drive or two and year marks the 30th anniversary of other great BMW Coupes; E9’s and keep the shiny side up. the initial launch of the car, and many E24’s. groups are planning some sort of celebration. I would like to thank everyone again for renewing your CCA If you looking for a wonderful event, memberships and showing your the Southeast Sharkfest will be the support of the one and only 8-Series. place to be. April 25th – April 28th in I would also like to remind everyone Spartanburg, South Carolina. SO far that if you have any great pictures,

2019 Chapter Elections - Brand Manager and Events Coordinator

2019EventsECCoordinator E31 Chapter Board Election Club of America E31 Chapter news and Brand Manager will work Information – Brand Manager & and press inquiries. Generate press together to ensure all guidelines are Events Coordinator releases and articles as approved by met. Chapter board. Oversee the duties BMWCCA E31 Chapter Board of the Advertising Manager, and act Both offices have three year terms election time is upon us. as the liaison between the according to Chapter By-Laws. Advertising Manager and the Nominees can be from any Nominations Requested from E31 Chapter board. geographical location. Chapter members for two offices: Brand Manager & Events Duties of the Events Coordinator Voting will be conducted via email Coordinator. Please submit (no later by BMW Car Club of America E31 than Tuesday, April 30th ) your Supervise the staging of Chapter Chapter active members. Voting will nominations for these positions to events and activities within the occur over a posted two week Henry Christoff, Secretary BMW CCA guidelines. Keeps records of the period- beginning June 15th and E31 Chapter at e-mail address: events and how well they succeed. concluding June 30th. At the end of [email protected] Responsible for Chapter events for that period, votes financially structuring the entry fees postmarked/received via e-mail by Once all nominations have been for events in such a way that the the posted end date will be tallied by received, nominees will be asked to Chapter costs (including insurance the secretary, and verified the provide a brief summary to the E31 and any plaques or trophies) are President. The President will notify Chapter Secretary, Henry Christoff covered with a small profit. Growth of nominees of the outcome of the [email protected], of why you the Chapter rather than profit is the election, and request a written make the perfect candidate running goal. All costs for a chapter acceptance of the position from the for office and any qualifications may sponsored event activity must be elected member. Election results will that support the nomination. Of included in computing the final entry be posted on the Chapter website course, being an E31 enthusiast is a fees for any event. These include and in the next newsletter. must! These summaries will be insurance, postage, telephone calls, provided to the E31 Chapter publicity, supplies and any rental of Please e-mail your nominations no members prior to voting so that equipment. Approval for any later than April 30th, to Henry members may make informed voting financial commitment must receive Christoff, Secretary BMWCCA E31 decisions. approval by the BMW Car Club of Chapter at: [email protected] America E31 Chapter Board of Duties of the Brand Manager Directors, but the chapter cannot Chapter By-Laws can be found here: claim responsibility for http://www.bmwccae31.com/DOCS/ Create and manage the BMW Car liability/expenses of any chapter BMW-CCA-E31-Chapter-Bylaws-10- Club of America E31 Chapter brand events. Arrange to receive 2015.pdf elements consistent with the BMW merchandise, trophies or awards as Clubs Design Guidelines for donations from merchants for If you have any questions, please feel Appearance Dated July 2012. This Chapter events. Advertising can also free to contact me directly. includes activities including brand be sold during chapter events in the identity, design elements, and form of sponsorships or the placing of Henry Christoff communications. Manage media manufacturer’s decals or posters. For Secretary, BMWCCA E31 Chapter relations regarding the BMW Car advertising, the Events Coordinator

The official website of the BMWCCA E31 Chapter

For those SoCalEights members that came to last Saturday’s WrenchFest, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. In spite of some early morning rain, I counted at least 23 E31’s and over 30 enthusiasts making it one of, Alec Cartio and his Cartiology Films’ if not the largest, turnouts we’ve ever crew were busy videotaping our had! event and also documenting Steve Giles’ beautiful Dakar Yellow Euro

on Saturdays, but twice each year gets there at 6:30am to prepare and open his shop for our Wrenchfests. Not many shops have knowledge and are willing to work on E31’s, so we are very fortunate to have such a good friend in our community. Thank you Fab!

CSi for its upcoming auction on www.bringatrailer.com. We’ll keep you posted and you’re likely to see yourself in the film. Ashleigh Powell with Hagerty set up a booth inside EF1Motorsports and offered advice on classic car insurance. Bruce Papp and his wife Tracy presented the complete line of Adam’s Polishes car products to the group and then much to my amazement and appreciation, Our next events are The Classic Car

demonstrated how to polish and Show at the Orange County A variety of maintenance and repairs apply ceramic coating on my car. were performed including door Fairgrounds March 16-17 with our St. Patrick’s Day Party 4:00pm Sunday handle repairs, A/C controls the 17th, followed by our Santa Inez sunroofs, various electrical and Valley Wine Tour Weekend April 26- mechanical diagnoses, and of course 28. Registrations are open now, so lots of chatting with each and sign up soon or you may be left out. admiring the cars we’re so passionate about. We added several new members including Buck who drove from Arizona, and Darius who flew in with Brian from Las Vegas. SoCalEights now has more than 140 members! Wow, it shines like never before and water just bounces off the paint! Bruce offers discounts to SoCalEights’ members and you may contact him at [email protected] or 818- All the best to my E31 family of 621-1423 for advice and ordering. friends,

Once again, cheering and applause Gary go out to Fabrizio and EF1 Motorsports! Fab is normally closed © 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 5 Hagerty names E31 one of the hottest collector cars of 2019 Courtesy of Hagerty.com

Haggarty recently named the E31 8 6t. 1979-1985 Mazda RX-7 - 91 14t. 1976-1986 Jeep CJ-7 - 88 series as one of the 25 hottest 6t. 1974-1983 Jeep Cherokee - 91 collector vehicles to kick off 2019. 6t. 1973-1991 Chevrolet C/K Blazer - 21t. 1948-1963 Studebaker Pickups - Here is the full list: 91 88 6t. 1971-1973 Buick Riviera - 91 21t. 1992-1993 GMC Typhoon - 86 Vehicle: 11t. 1978-1979 Ford Bronco - 90 23t. 1971-1993 Rolls-Royce Corniche 1. 1966-1977 Ford Bronco - 98 11t. 1963-1983 Jeep Wagoneer - 90 - 86 11t. 1993-1998 Toyota Supra - 89 23t. 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino 2. 1973-1991 Chevrolet Suburban - - 85 93 14t. 1990-1999 BMW 8-Series (E31) - 89 25t. 1967-1972 Ford F-Series - 85 3t. 1993-2002 Mazda RX-7 - 92 14t. 1990-1994 Volkswagen Corrado 25t. 1967-1972 Chevrolet Suburban - 3t. 1993-1995 Ford SVT Lightning - 89 85 Pickups - 92 14t. 1990-1994 Porsche 911 - 89 25t. 1949-1967 Volkswagen Beetle - 3t. 1964-1967 Chevrolet El Camino - 14t. 1978-1983 Porsche 911 - 89 85 92 14t. 1973-1987 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup - 89 6t. 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood - 14t. 1972-1980 International Scout II - 91 89

© 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 6 Model Overview View current vehicle values and see its era would. The one word how they’ve changed over time in a description for #2 vehicles is History of the 1990-1999 BMW 8- 3-year, 5-year and to-date intervals. "excellent." Series (E31) Compare these values to other vehicles and benchmark financial #3 Good $14,400 BMW launched its q-ship 8-Series indices. coupe in 1990 with the bow of the #3 vehicles could possess some, but 850i. Bearing the internal designation Current Values not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, of E31, the stylish 2-door coupe but they will be balanced by other initially sported a V-12 engine and #1 Concours $52,500 factors such as a fresh paint job or a was designed as a state-of-the-art new, correct interior where luxury grand touring car. Later Condition #1 vehicles are the best in applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run iterations included the 840Ci the world. The visual image is of the well, but might have some incorrect (powered by a V-8 engine), the best vehicle, in the right colors, parts. These vehicles are not used for 850Ci, and ultimately the range- driving onto the lawn at the finest daily transportation but are ready for topping 850CSi. For a long while the concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle a long tour without excuses, and the BMW 8-Series suffered from years of has been groomed down to the tire casual passerby will not find any deferred maintenance due to high treads. Painted and chromed visual flaws. "Good" is the one word repair expenses, and values surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and description of a #3 vehicle. languished. Lately, however, the car dirt are banned, and materials used has become appreciated for its are correct and superbly fitted. The #4 Fair $5,100 refined driving characteristics, its one word description for #1 vehicles overbuilt nature, and a resurgence in is "concours." #4 vehicles are daily drivers, with interest in BMWs from the 1980s and flaws visible to the naked eye. The 1990s. #2 Excellent $35,400 chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be Haggarty example valuation: #2 vehicles could win a local or chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and regional show. They can be former perhaps the body has a minor dent. 1993 BMW 850Ci #1 vehicles that have been driven or Split seams or a cracked dash, where Body Styles - 2dr Coupe have aged. Seasoned observers will applicable, might be present. No Engine Types - 12-cyl. 4988cc/296hp have to look closely for flaws, but will major parts are missing, but the FI be able to find some not seen by the wheels could differ from the general public. The paint, chrome, originals, or other non- stock Additional Info: glass and finishes will all appear as additions might be present. A #4 Curb Weight: 4123 lbs. excellent. No excessive smoke will vehicle can also be a deteriorated Vehicle Length: 188.2 in. be seen on startup, no unusual noises restoration. "Fair" is the one word Wheel Base: 105.7 in. will emanate from the engine. The that describes a #4 vehicle. vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of

“Hangin’ Out” in an 850 CSi

© 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 7 Netflix Car Review – The 8 Series from “Deadwind” Original Article: https://www.bvzine.com/article/netflix-car-review-the-8-series-from-deadwind Note from Henry Christoff, BMWCCA E31 Chapter Secretary: We recently started watching Deadwind on Netflix. Finnish crime drama and with sub-titles (I normally don’t like to read as I watch a movie or TV show). However, of the two main characters, one drives an E31. And they use it a lot. The program is 12 episodes and we’re kind of hooked on it. The program is based in Helsinki Finland. Here is a car review from Netflix on the 8 series.

Netflix Car Review: The 8 Series From produced for Netflix and Finnish cost north of $100,000 in the early 90s "Deadwind" national broadcaster Yle. — shuttles lead detective Sofia Karppi around Helsinki, in lieu of a Q: Is a 25-year-old BMW a good For fans of the genre, it ticks a lot of police car or anything else that's choice for a daily driver in the frozen boxes. There's a brooding detective, actually suited to daily driving in a north? struggling with a personal tragedy. frozen city. It's a choice of vehicle that A: Uh, probably not but whatever. What starts as a routine investigation feels a little less realistic than, say, eventually threatens to uncover a those in Trapped, the Icelandic crime conspiracy that spans several drama with a pretty high-octane SUV countries and has its claws in the chase (yeah, really). machinations of government. It's October, so there's snow everywhere a lot of the time. Exactly what you'd expect from Nordic noir, but nothing that really makes it stand out from the crowd. Nordic noir is taking over. Ever since people noticed Stieg Larsson's Nothing, that is, except for a

Millennium trilogy and started wonderful BMW E31 8 Series. “It's nice to see some demanding more of the same, countless hours and millions of acknowledgment that there can be a dollars have been poured into dark side to the E31's pretty face” making books, films and TV shows with the notoriously ill-defined Unlike a lot of shows with great older "Nordic vibe" people expect from cars, though, Deadwind doesn't want everything that's Scandinavian. you thinking classic car ownership is all easy sailing; a key breakthrough

One of the latest in the slew of in the case is immediately followed by an equally key breakdown in the attempts to capitalize on the Owned by rookie cop (and former unquenchable demand for slow- middle of a field. Though Nurmi has drug addict, obviously) Sakari his BMW back on a road a few scenes paced TV crime dramas is Deadwind, Nurmi, the car — which would have © 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 8 later with no mention of the changing everything once in a while look could make for a great catastrophic effect repairing a 25- — or twice in a while, I guess, thanks combination. Everyday driving year-old German high-performance to the two fuel pumps, two mass flow comfort without sacrificing any poser car must have had on his wallet, it's sensors, two throttle bodies etc. etc. points. nice to see some acknowledgment — you should have a car that can that there can be a dark side to the comfortably push into six-figure If you aren't in the mood to totally E31's pretty face. mileage. rearrange your finances to make room for a peevish old 8 Series, Not that the 8 Series is a complete Whether that means you should be Deadwind lets you watch one PITA to own. Regular Car Reviews driving it around all winter, or scurrying around Finland, which is took a look at a 1991 850i and pointed whether it would make a believable the next best thing. I mean, it's in a out that, despite its reputation for police car, is another question. If you very distant second place, but it's still unreliability, as long as you're willing do, though, the smooth cruising second place. So that's something. to put the work into preemptively engine and retro supercar-esque

What with firestorms, earthquakes, but let me amplify. Like its 850i 200 examples over two years (and, mud slides and, as I begin this report, predecessor—and a 1993 F1 car— sorry, you're already too late for the torrential rains, flooding and even a this car is dense with electronically- first year's run). Most 8 Series coupes tornado, Southern California has controlled driver aids. Plus, in its CSi will be in 840i form ($73,140), hardly been a boring place of late. I trim—and like the F1 car—this BMW propelled by Bayerische Motoren know that the rest of the country has coupe exhibits gobs of performance Werke's lovely V8 mated to its state- suffered through an absolutely in just about every dynamic area. of-the-art five-speed automatic. terrible winter as well. You would Driven in decent conditions—as for Between these is the 850Ci ($94,150), think we should all be lusting after our track testing and photography, essentially the car we tested back in AM General HUMMERS and not for instance—its acceleration, June 1991. bucks-up European exotics. braking and handling are superlative. Driven in horrid The arithmetically advantaged will But I've just driven our BMW 850CSi conditions, its powerplant, brakes recognize that healthy pieces of test car to the office through this latest and suspension are equally change separate these cars, so it's not cruel onslaught of Mother Nature superlative—but now you realize the unkind to ask what sets the CSi at the (and hasn't she been a cruel mother). important role played by the car's pinnacle. Not only did I arrive just fine, thanks, electronic gadgetry. but I had a super-neat driving The most important, and costly, experience as well, with one Before we continue, though, let's put difference is the car's V12 recurring thought: This is what it must the BMW 8 Series lineup in powerplant. Its displacement of feel like to drive a Formula 1 car of perspective. At $108,450 (gulp; and 5576cc is 12 percent larger than the the 1993 vintage. to think I was drifting it in the rain), Ci's, but its 372 hp is 26 percent the CSi is the company flagship its greater, a compression ratio bumped You may think I've been out overly V12 powerplant bored and stroked to 9.8:1 being part of this analysis. long in the weather (Southern by BMW M GmbH, the renamed Torque increases to 402 lb-ft from a Californians reserve this word BMW Motorsport. Think of this car as measly 332. "weather" only for the anomalies), the firm's M8, in limited production of © 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 10 Apart from cylinder count, the CSi's And, no, we haven't had sleet in people.) The front is certainly a powerplant is a conservative one, a Newport Beach just yet. comfortable, secure place for driver single overhead camshaft per bank Even with something as simple as and passenger. A multiplicity of actuating a bare minimum of two full-grip acceleration in a straight colors and textures, and gathered valves per cylinder. In fact, several of line, there's electronic wizardry at Nappa leather and yew hardwood, our staff members thought the work. The CSi's redline is variously give the CSi's interior rather more powerplant performed too 6400 rpm (in first and second gear), warmth than is common in lesser conservatively as BMWs. And I well. There's plenty of particularly like power, mind, but it's the stylish satiny-smooth. And, reminder of its except for the heritage: a subtle wonderful Spitfire stitching on the whine of the starter, leather-wrapped the powerplant's steering wheel, mechanical sounds three-toned in M are subtle, or to put it Motorsport red, rather less kindly, blue and mauve. they're without character. No one is The CSi's dynamic looking for a calico- capabilities re- ripping snarl here. mind me of this Nor would anyone be heritage as well. offended by a little Note, for instance, audible reminder of the car's laudably the V12 once it's quick slalom running. 6200 (for third), 6100 (fourth), 6000 speed of 62.0 mph, right up there (fifth) and 5150 (sixth); this last one, with nimble little front-wheel-drivers There's reminder aplenty once you by our own calculation as the car's top that ordinarily excel in this exercise. depress that pedal on the right. Sixty speed is electronically limited to a Indeed, our Road Test Editor Kim mph arrives as quickly as 5.9 seconds Deutsche politischkorrekt 155 mph. Reynolds found the car very (versus 7.3 for the Ci). And, owing to And isn't that kind of PC thinking you controllable in its transitions from the car's Variable Throttle Linkage, it could buy into? gate to gate, hampered only a bit by comes up in a suitably complex gearing that gave him too much manner: There's a console switch There's good logic in these variable throttle sensitivity in third and too marked 'S' for Sport and 'K' for revs: An enthusiast is unlikely to little in fourth. And the CSi circled our Comfort. (And, contrary to Mark bounce off the limiter for long in the skidpad at a steady-state 0.89g, not Twain's view, I believe foreigners lower gears; but one might stay in bad at all for a car with a test weight actually pronounce better than they fourth, say, through some handling of 4355 lbs. spell.) Anyway, Sport invokes a more transition. What's more, like a lot of aggressive actuation of throttle the CSi's electronics, the variable rev Reynolds reported mild understeer, hardware; Comfort, a smoother, limiter is transparent under all but the very good controllability and a high softer control. most extreme conditions. fun factor. (Apparently he found this big coupe as tossable in the dry as I A gimmick? I'd certainly keep it on Other CSi characteristics that are less did in the wet.) Both of Kim's Komfort when weather arrives, all the transparent include its front air dam evaluations, by the way, were done better to feather into that torque. and rear skirt with diffuser, its 17-inch with All Season Traction in its off M-styled forged alloy wheels and position. Or, returning to my F1 fantasy, fore/aft-specific rubber. Front tires occasionally I tried just planting my are 235/45ZRs; rears, 265/40ZRs. The Braking gave no such option and foot to the floor and letting the All suspension is M-modified as well, its none required, what with the CSi's Season Traction electronics do its ride height reduced to the point that ABS performing splendidly: Kim's stuff. (Don't try this at home, kids; care must be taken to avoid damage "panic" stops were utterly misnamed remember, I'm a professional.) In to the air dam's rubber protection in this case, 60-0 mph in 135 feet and fact, ASC+T, as it's also known, strip. (We managed to ruin one.) 80-0 in 220, with the least bit of drama modulates power through spark imaginable. And, despite the car's timing and throttle and, if needed, It's a low car and it's a large one as healthy test weight, the brakes applies one or the other rear brake well; some would say too large for exhibited no fade whatsoever in our until a negligible degree of slip is what's essentially a two-seater. extremely rigorous six-stops-from-60 achieved. It's fun in the wet, and I (Though there are belts back there, routine. In our road experiences, the would guess uncanny on ice or snow. think of the rear area as upholstered brakes were equally superlative, niches for extra things, not extra with or without weather. © 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 11 So what sets the CSi apart from other style. The 850CSi is, first and back in June 1991, we said it was up European supercoupes? The foremost, a BMW. Sporty and to someone to take its canvas and to Mercedes-Benz 600SEC and Porsche capable, like a Porsche. Luxurious paint in dazzling reds and sunburst 928 GTS might be thought of as and capable, like a Mercedes-Benz. yellows. It's a bit more subtle, but competitors. On the other hand, cars Yet unlike either of these. what we have here in the CSi is BMW of this level are acquired and should M's red, blue and mauve. be appreciated for their unique Maybe its most serious competitors spirits, not for their comparable are others in the BMW 8 Series line. features of performance, luxury or When we evaluated the original 850i

© 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 12 Internatinal News New Zealand member Peter Farmiloe attended the Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show in Auckland, New Zealand on March 3. The Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car show is billed as the largest free entry car show in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 1,000 cars on display. (Editor’s note: Many of us know Peter by his Bimmerforums handle: kiwiCSi)

3 generations of Silver CSi’s: Front 850 CSi, middle 635 CSi, and rear 3.0 CSi

RHD 850 CSi owned by New Zealand member Peter Farmiole

BMWCCA E31 Chapter is proud to announce the E31 Chapter Swag Apparel Store. We have teamed up with the team at Queensboro Apparel so members may purchase E31 Apparel. Ordering is easy. Simply choose the item you want in what color you wish and place the order. The great people at Queensboro will fill the order, and ship it to you. It is that easy!

Also check out the special 30th Anniversary T-Shirt page. This shirt has been designed in association with E31 Clubs worldwide to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the E31 8 series. (note: if this page is unavailable when you check, please visit the chapter website shortly, as we anticipate this special page to be available by the end of January)

Be sure to visit our Chapter Apparel

Website:: https://bmwccae31.qbstores.com for chapter apparel.

We are pleased that the new 30th Prices will be plus shipping and E31 Nederland, SoCalEights, BC 8’s, Anniversary shirt is available to handling direct from the Club E31 Sweden, 8er.org, ClubE31 order. This shirt is available in both manufacturer. Italy, Club BMW Serie 8 Spain, 8- long and short sleeve. Fest.org, Club E31 Norway, AZ 8’s, The shirt is available from the E31 SouthEast 8’s, Australian 8’s, E31Club Here is the price: Chapter Apparel Website. This has Russia, ClubE31Worldwide Owner’s been made in conjunction with Group Short Sleeve $17.95(XXL will be an 8er.org, and lists all the following additional $2.00) BMW clubs on the shirt: Check out the BMWCCAE31 Website Internationale 8er Gemeinschaft for ordering information: Long Sleeve $24.95(XXL will be an BMW & ALPINA E31 Club, https://bmwccae31.qbstores.com additional $2.00) 8Coupe.com, BMW Club 8 Serie France, BMWCCA E31 Chapter, Club

E31 Chapter Financial Report 2018 By Jack Woods E31 Chapter Treasurer

M60, M62 & M62TUB Crankcase Ventilation – OSV and PCV By Tim Meek PCVplacement The BMW M60 M62 M62TUB and fouled sparkplugs and would have N62TUB Engine - Crankcase destroyed the catalytic converters Ventilation - OSV and PCV that were destined to be fitted to all cars in the near future. A better If you have any of the problems scheme was required for BMW's new below, read on! V8's. • High oil consumption • Blue smoke on cold starts The BMW V8 crankcase ventilation • Blue smoke under acceleration system • Poor idle • Misfires The system used on the BMW V8's has • Error Codes P0170, P0173, P0300, two major changes to the scheme's P1174, P1175, P1340 discussed above. • Instead of a lump Above is the PCV or Pressure Control • Howling noises from the rear of the of foam to catch the oil vapors, a Valve, it is fitted to the rear of the Inlet engine cyclone-separator is used (OSV) • To Manifold stop oil being drawn from the engine A brief history of crankcase at high manifold vacuum, a pressure- ventilation control valve is used (PCV) Here are the two main parts: The crankcase ventilation system causes a few problems - especially when it comes to the correct names for the two main parts of it! Crankcase ventilation in the 1960's was pretty straightforward, it consisted of an oil-filler cap that was hollow with a lump of foam stuck in it and a vent to the outside. This Above, there are two OSV’s and two allowed the blow-by gasses from the PCV’s on the N62 engine as fitted to crankcase (the gasses that were the E63/E64/E65. Note: The Oil forced past the piston rings) to vent Separator Valve on the N series V8's to the outside rather than pressurize is built into the cover above the crankcase, the oil vapor that is contained in these gasses was caught (to some extent) by the foam inside the oil-filler cap.

Later advances used a similar system, but the gasses were returned to the inlet manifold after the throttle butterfly where any residual oil vapor was burnt during normal Above is the OSV or Oil Separator combustion in the cylinders. One Valve which is housed behind Bank problem with this new scheme was 2's upper timing chain cover The N62 The picture above shows how the that at high revs, with the throttle engines have the OSV built into the system is connected, the oil closed (as when de-accelerating valve covers. separator valve (OSV) is housed in from high speed), the inlet manifold the crankcase. Blow-by gasses mixed vacuum was very deep - and this with oil vapor enter the OSV under pulled oil from the crankcase which vacuum provided by the inlet was burnt in the cylinders once the manifold, the cyclone action of the throttle was opened again. This OSV spins oil from the vapor, the oil produced plumes of blue smoke, drains back to the sump. The clear © 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 16 gasses pass through the vent tube, • Howling noises from the rear of the as shown above - the weight of oil is through the PCV and into the engine very similar to water and you will get manifold. The PCV at the rear of the • Poor pickup under light the same readings without the crankcase contains a pressure acceleration (N62) possibility of getting water in the control valve that is set to provide a The list of problems above are often engine. If there is no vacuum, then slight vacuum at the vent tube of 10- caused by a faulty crankcase the oil will stay level, if the vacuum is 15 millibars (equivalent to 6" of ventilation system, and others. too high the oil may be drawn from water). This regulation of vacuum is the tube. A reading between 4" and important, to deep a vacuum and oil The weak spot is the PCV valve which 8" is acceptable. If the reading is will be drawn from the crankcase, too is fitted to the rear of the inlet outside these readings, or outside 10- little and the cyclone action will not manifold. Below is another failed one: 15 millibars as read on a vacuum function efficiently. gauge, then it is most likely that the PCV has failed. A very low vacuum Below are photographs of the PCV may indicate a vacuum leak, but the and OSV fitted to the M62TUB engine: leak would have to be reasonably large to defeat a correctly working ventilation system.

Replacement of the PCV is covered here

Differences between M60/M62/M62TUB manifold PCV system There are subtle differences The rear cover has been removed on between the inlet manifold's used on this PCV, revealing burnt oil and a the different versions of the modern brittle diaphragm The PCV above is BMW V8. On the M60, the PCV pretty typical, the diaphragm is releases the filtered blow-by gasses

brittle, probably split around the rim, directly into the rear of the inlet The OSV can be seen here below the and the cavity is full of burnt oil. The manifold. This has the effect of cam drives of Bank 2, the metal pipe spring in the middle is what sets the allowing the gasses (which still at the bottom returns the oil to the crankcase pressure, the inlet contain a small amount of oil vapor sump: manifold vacuum pulls the even on a fully working system) into

diaphragm towards the spring, as it the rear two cylinders. This can make moves forward it restricts the central the rear two cylinders run leaner than pipe which leads to the manifold, and the rest of the cylinders - but also that reduces the vacuum at the receive the greater amount of oil. diaphragm. The vacuum on the This doesn't usually cause much of a diaphragm and spring pressure from problem, but does slightly affect the the other direction regulates the tick-over. Once the PCV diaphragm crankcase pressure to 10-15 millibar. fails, the rear two cylinders will get all the oil and usually have the plugs fouled.

The inlet manifold on the M62 and Above is an unusual view, the rear of M62TUB has an additional pipe that the M60 showing the PCV (red runs internally from the PCV to a outline) and vent pipe (blue outline) mixing chamber at the front of the on the rear of the manifold. manifold. This mixes the blow-by gasses with the incoming air from the Problems associated with the throttle body - the intention is to crankcase ventilation system ensure that all cylinders receive their share of the gasses and the Problems associated with the small amount of oil vapor from the crankcase ventilation system PCV.

• High oil consumption A simple manometer made from • Blue smoke on cold starts In addition to changes in the clear tube with a few cc's of engine oil • Blue smoke under acceleration crankcase ventilation system, there and stuck firmly in the dipstick tube • Poor idle • Misfires have also been changes to the With the engine idling, the available • Error Codes P0170, P0173, P0300, runners within the manifold. The vacuum in the crankcase should lift 6" P1174, P1175, P1340 runners sweep from the central of water - that is, a 3" drop and a 3" lift plenum of the manifold in a curve to © 2019 BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter 17 each cylinder. The diameter of the other conditions it reduces the runners have an affect on the performance of the engine. It uses performance of the engine. At the more fuel, the torque is decreased at most basic level, the smaller the low to medium revs, and the tick-over diameter of the runners, the better returns to that of the M60 - lumpy! the engine will perform at tick-over The lack of torque at low to medium and at low revs, the larger the revs reduces the acceleration of the diameter, the more air is available at 740i fitted with the M62TUB44 engine full-throttle creating more power. and the M60B40 inlet manifold, In particular, the diameter of the although it does feel more powerful runners was reduced to increase the above 4000 RPM. velocity of the air in the M62TUB manifold - this was one of the Other problems with the crankcase changes to increase the torque at An internal view of the inlet manifold ventilation system low-revs and to smooth the tick-over. from an E32 740i - not only large The increased velocity allows the air runners but horns as well - a rare find The vent pipe on the M62TUB engines in each runner to compress rather at the scrap yard. can leak on the flexible joint between than remain static when the inlet the pipe and the OSV connection. valves are closed, allowing a A popular modification to the This can lead to the same problems predictable charge of air into the M62TUB44 is to replace the original as a cracked diaphragm. If, after cylinder. Where larger runners are manifold with one from an E32 740i replacement of the PCV, the car fails employed (as on the M60), the air which not only has larger runners, to start correctly and has wild becomes static in the runner after the but also has trumpets (or horns) at changes is revs at tick-over, this is inlet valve is closed, and this reduces the start of each runner within the very often due to the failure to the available charge as the valves plenum. The intention is to increase replace the vent pipe correctly. Often open leading to poor performance at the power from the engine at full the front end of the vent pipe has tick-over and low revs. The reduction throttle - and in that, it succeeds. The failed to fit the OSV union and is just in runner diameter increased problem is that the only benefit is felt dangling on the block. economy, power and smoothness in at full-throttle and at high revs, in all the M62TUB engine. Tim Meeks

Happy 2019! I still am trying to figure Renewed interest in the 8 series has On the cover of this issue is the back out what happened to 2018, but I had an associated jump in prices. of the 30th Celebration T-shirt. If you guess we cannot look back in the rear Recent auctions and sales have have not ordered one yet, please view mirror. 2019 represents a great resulted in record setting sales consider purchasing one and opportunity to get together with numbers for all models of the E31. All displaying the worldwide fellow 8 owners and celebrate our models have benefitted from being in organization celebrating 30 years of 30th Anniversary. On this edition’s the spotlight. This increased interest the E31. cover 8 groups are listed who will be has long been predicted, and if celebrating the anniversary around current trends hold out will validate As we all plan to celebrate 2019 and the world. Here in the US there will within the BMW community what us the E31’s 30th Anniversary, please be special celebrations on both E31 owners have long known – just take pictures of any events you coasts. Out East, BMWCCA is has how special the E31 truly is! Hooray attend. Send them to me so we can plans underway for special events for us! include them in the E31 NEWS. This for the E31 30th Anniversary at the is YOUR newsletter, so please keep BMW CCA Oktoberfest next fall. 2019 marks a special date for me those great pictures and articles Sharkfest in April will be celebrating personally as the 4 year restoration of coming. We all love to see what the E31 30th Anniversary and many 8 our Alpina is finally finished (is everyone else is doing. Also, always owners will be there. Out west anything ever finished?). I have remember that it is the cars that bring SoCalEights has started celebrating taken it out for it’s initial test drive, us together, but it’s the people that the anniversary, and has wonderful and must say it looks much better on make us who we are. events planned. See the 2019 Events the road than sitting up in the air on schedule on the second page of this blocks in my garage. You can also Happy Spring! E31 NEWS edition for a list of events bet that Marcia is glad that it will be and further details. over!

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