BMW 8 series, E31 (EU)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

BMW 8 series, E31 (EU) automatic transmission fluid capacity ranges from 3 to 13,1 liters. The data covers 8 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
  • 840Ci (1995-1999)
  • With black rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 5,5 liter
  • Capacity 13,1 liter (+ torque converter)
  • Code: ZF 5HP30 (A5S560Z) 5/1
  • 840Ci (1995-1999)
  • With green rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 5,5 liter
  • Capacity 13,1 liter (+ torque converter)
  • Code: ZF 5HP30 (A5S560Z) 5/1
  • 850Ci (1994-1999)
  • With black rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 5,5 liter
  • Capacity 13,1 liter (+ torque converter)
  • Code: ZF 5HP30 (A5S560Z) 5/1
  • 850Ci (1994-1999)
  • With green rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 5,5 liter
  • Capacity 13,1 liter (+ torque converter)
  • Code: ZF 5HP30 (A5S560Z) 5/1
  • 840Ci (1993-1996)
  • With black rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 5,5 liter
  • Capacity 13,1 liter (+ torque converter)
  • Code: ZF 5HP30 (A5S560Z) 5/1
  • 840Ci (1993-1996)
  • With green rating plate
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 5,5 liter
  • Capacity 13,1 liter (+ torque converter)
  • Code: ZF 5HP30 (A5S560Z) 5/1
850Ci (1992-1994)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: ZF 4/1
850i (1990-1992)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: ZF 4/1

Additional Notes

  • Across the BMW 8 Series E31 (EU), two distinct service fill capacities appear in the automatic transmission fluid specifications: 3 liters and 5.5 liters, depending on the variant and model year.
  • The 3-liter figure applies to the 850i (1990-1992) and 850Ci (1992-1994) with automatic transmission, representing a pan-drop service fill rather than a full fluid exchange including the torque converter.
  • The 840Ci (1993-1996) and 840Ci (1995-1999) both carry a 5.5-liter service capacity alongside a 13.1-liter figure that accounts for the torque converter, indicating a significantly larger total system volume when a full overhaul fill is performed.
  • The 13.1-liter overhaul capacity on the 840Ci reflects how much fluid the entire transmission assembly holds when the torque converter is drained and refilled, a procedure typically associated with transmission removal or replacement rather than a routine service.
  • The 850Ci (1994-1999) shares the same 5.5-liter and 13.1-liter dual-capacity specification as the 840Ci variants, distinguishing a later production phase of the 850Ci from the earlier 850Ci (1992-1994) and 850i (1990-1992) entries, which list only the 3-liter figure.
  • Rating plate color, either black or green, is used as a distinguishing identifier across the 840Ci (1993-1996), 840Ci (1995-1999), and 850Ci (1994-1999) entries, though both plate variants within each model share identical capacity values of 5.5 liters and 13.1 liters.
  • All specifications across every row are listed under normal use conditions, meaning none of the capacity or interval data is qualified by severe-duty or first-change-only distinctions.

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