🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Model Variant:

735i, 740i, 750iL

Production Years Covered:

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Chassis Codes:

E32

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking sophisticated engineering, comfort, and performance

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ

Design Philosophy:

Elegant styling, refined driving dynamics, advanced technology for its era, focus on driver engagement and passenger comfort

Innovations:

Early adoption of V8 engines in a sedan, advanced electronic engine management, optional long wheelbase (iL), sophisticated interior appointments

📋 Manual Details

Regions:

Global (primarily North American and European specifications)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2000+ pages (comprehensive, often split into multiple volumes)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF), often derived from original factory manuals

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M30 (3.5L inline-6), M60 (4.0L V8), M60 (4.4L V8) - including disassembly, assembly, inspection, overhaul, tuning, and diagnostics

Fuel System:

Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition, coil packs, spark plugs, diagnostic procedures

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan clutch, heater core, climate control integration

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converters, mufflers, oxygen sensors, emissions control

Transmission Manual:

Getrag 5-speed manual transmission (where applicable): disassembly, assembly, clutch service

Transmission Automatic:

ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24 automatic transmissions: overhaul, fluid changes, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics, torque converter

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential (rear axle), axle shafts, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front strut suspension, rear multi-link independent suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension (optional on some models)

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column, tilt/telescopic adjustment

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) II, brake calipers, rotors, master cylinder, brake booster, hydraulic lines, parking brake

Electrical System:

12V battery system, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses, relays, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof operation, bumpers, trim components, corrosion protection

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control, A/C system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant), heater controls, blower motor, cabin filter

Interior:

Seat adjustment mechanisms (manual and electric), dashboard, instrument cluster, interior trim, headliner

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (driver and passenger), ABS diagnostics

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I) procedures and trouble codes for engine management, ABS, and automatic transmission control

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, battery checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues, electrical system diagnosis

Component Repair:

Detailed instructions for removing, disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reinstalling major components (e.g., cylinder head, transmission rebuild, brake caliper overhaul)

Electrical Repairs:

Wiring harness repair, component replacement (sensors, actuators), troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams

Body Work:

Panel alignment, door and window repair, trim replacement

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and bolts

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (OCR processed)

Navigation:

Hyperlinked table of contents and cross-references

Image Resolution:

High resolution scans, clear diagrams and illustrations

Original Binding:

Stapled, perfect bound, or spiral bound (depending on original format)

Original Paper:

High-quality, durable paper stock for workshop use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 735:

M30B35

Displacement 735:

3.5 Liters (3430 cc)

Configuration 735:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC

Bore X Stroke 735:

92.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio 735:

8.0:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on market/year)

Engine Code 740:

M60B40

Displacement 740:

4.0 Liters (3982 cc)

Configuration 740:

V8, DOHC (4 valves per cylinder)

Bore X Stroke 740:

84.0 mm x 89.0 mm

Compression Ratio 740:

10.0:1

Engine Code 750:

M60B44 (later models sometimes designated M62)

Displacement 750:

4.4 Liters (4398 cc)

Configuration 750:

V8, DOHC (4 valves per cylinder)

Bore X Stroke 750:

84.0 mm x 98.0 mm

Compression Ratio 750:

10.0:1

Horsepower 735:

Approx. 208-211 hp @ 5700-5800 rpm

Torque 735:

Approx. 228-232 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 740:

Approx. 282-296 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm

Torque 740:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Horsepower 750:

Approx. 296-312 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm

Torque 750:

Approx. 315-330 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 735:

5-speed manual (Getrag 265) on some early models, 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Transmission 740/750:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22 for 740i, ZF 4HP24 for 750iL)

Optional Gearbox:

5-speed manual (available on 735i, less common)

Sport Mode:

Automatic transmissions often featured a 'Sport' mode for altered shift points

Self Leveling Suspension Integration:

Automatic transmission control integrated with hydraulic self-leveling suspension system (on equipped models)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std:

Approx. 116.5 inches (2960 mm)

Wheelbase Long Il:

Approx. 120.9 inches (3070 mm)

Length Std:

Approx. 198.7 inches (5045 mm)

Length Long Il:

Approx. 203.1 inches (5160 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches (1820 mm)

Height:

Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm)

Curb Weight 735:

Approx. 3700-3900 lbs (1678-1769 kg)

Curb Weight 740:

Approx. 3900-4100 lbs (1769-1860 kg)

Curb Weight 750Il:

Approx. 4300-4500 lbs (1950-2041 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not directly comparable to modern NHTSA frontal/side impact ratings; focused on passive safety features of the era.

ABS:

Standard BMW ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on most models by end of E32 production)

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners

Body Construction:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, side-impact protection beams

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Integrated radio cassette player with optional CD changer. Often featured advanced (for its time) EON-RDS tuning.

Display:

Central LCD display for climate control, radio presets, and check control messages.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional park distance control (PDC) sensors on front and/or rear bumpers.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system with early CRT or LCD screen displays.

Telematics:

Some models offered integrated cellular phones.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check oil level frequently.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) for standard plugs; longer for platinum/iridium plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 50,000 - 70,000 miles (80,000 - 112,000 km). Manual: Less frequent, check for leaks.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended. Refer to manual for exact viscosity based on climate.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based) or equivalent. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ZF Lifeguardfluid5 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon rated fluid for earlier transmissions, but specific ZF fluid is preferred for longevity). Check manual for precise specification.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III/Mercon or BMW specific fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (DOT 4 preferred for higher boiling point).

Cooling System Leaks:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks, hoses, and water pumps are prone to cracking and leaking with age. Thermostat housing can also leak.

Head Gasket M60 V8:

The Nikasil cylinder coating in early M60 V8 engines (especially pre-1994) could be susceptible to wear from sulfuric compounds in low-quality fuel. Later M60s and M62s used Alusil (aluminum-silicon alloy) which is more robust.

ABS Controller:

ABS control modules can fail, leading to ABS and speedometer issues. The ABS wheel speed sensors can also degrade.

Window Regulators And Motors:

Electric window regulators and motors can become weak or fail, especially the tracks and cables. Door panel removal is often required for service.

E Box Cooling Fan:

The fan in the 'E-box' (engine electronics compartment) can fail, leading to overheating of the engine control module and potential performance issues.

Fuel Pump And Filter:

Fuel pumps can lose pressure over time; fuel filters should be replaced periodically to prevent clogging.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber suspension bushings (control arms, subframes) degrade over time, leading to poor handling and ride quality.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, luxurious, and technologically advanced vehicles. The 7 Series represents the pinnacle of their sedan offerings.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation replaced the E23 7 Series in 1986 (for the 1987 model year in some markets) and was produced until 1994. It marked a significant step forward in design, technology, and engineering.

Engine Updates:

The introduction of the M60 V8 engines (4.0L and later 4.4L) in 1992 was a major update, offering smoother power delivery and increased performance over the inline-six.

Long Wheelbase Variant:

The 'iL' designation signified the long-wheelbase version, offering significantly increased rear legroom and often more opulent rear-seat amenities.

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

Production Volume:

Over 350,000 units produced worldwide across all variants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

While specific model year awards for the E32 aren't as readily documented as newer generations, the 7 Series consistently received positive reviews and was considered a benchmark luxury sedan.

Car Reviews:

Praised for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated interior. Criticisms often cited its complexity and higher maintenance costs compared to some rivals.