Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan.
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers prioritizing comfort, performance, and advanced engineering.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated ride quality, quiet cabin.
Performance Engineering:
Powerful V8 engine, advanced chassis dynamics, signature BMW handling characteristics.
Technological Advancement:
Early adoption of electronic engine management, ABS, and advanced chassis systems for its time.
Coverage:
Full Service, Repair, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restore
Pages:
Likely extensive, often 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory-level manuals of this era.
Type:
Full Service & Repair Manual
Language:
English (assuming primary market)
Format:
Digital (PDF assumed for sales) or Printed.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (DME), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP30) service, diagnostics, and repair.
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system (hydraulic power steering).
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, onboard computer (IKE/CCC).
Climate Control:
HVAC system, climate control module, A/C refrigerant servicing.
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, trim, convertible top (if applicable, though 740i/iL were sedans).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
System-specific diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (OBD I), wiring diagrams.
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major systems.
Rebuild Refurbish:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engine, transmission, and other major components.
Restoration Tips:
Guidance on sourcing parts, common wear items, and restoration best practices.
Depth:
Comprehensive, factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Digital Format:
Likely PDF with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams/illustrations.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text, if printed version.
Binding:
Comb binding or perfect binding for printed versions, allowing lay-flat use.
Paper Quality:
Durable, often coated paper to withstand shop use, if printed.
Engine Type:
V8, naturally aspirated
Engine Displacement:
4.0 Liters (3982 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M5.2 engine management with Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended).
Transmission Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission:
Manual transmission was not offered on the 740i/iL in North America for 1992.
Shift Modes:
Sport and Comfort modes, allowing manual selection of gears (Steptronic).
Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific part number).
Wheelbase 740I:
2,911 mm (114.6 in)
Wheelbase 740Il:
3,070 mm (120.9 in)
Length 740I:
4,970 mm (195.7 in)
Length 740Il:
5,109 mm (201.1 in)
Width:
1,862 mm (73.3 in)
Height:
1,414 mm (55.7 in)
Curb Weight 740I:
Approx. 1,810 kg (3,990 lbs)
Curb Weight 740Il:
Approx. 1,870 kg (4,120 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult manual for exact figures.
Crash Testing:
While official NHTSA ratings for this specific year and model are scarce, E32 chassis was designed to meet and exceed contemporary safety standards.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) available as an option or standard on later models.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/standard depending on market and configuration.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts.
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones front and rear.
Radio Cassette:
Integrated BMW Bavaria C radio/cassette system, often with CD changer capability.
Navigation:
Early forms of GPS navigation systems may have been available as a rare option, typically a monochrome screen.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system.
Parking Sensors:
Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) was an available option, a novelty at the time.
Onboard Computer:
Integrated On-Board Computer (OBC) displaying fuel consumption, range, average speed, and system checks via the instrument cluster.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, using synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or as per manual recommendation, especially if driving conditions are severe. Note: Some sources consider this a 'lifetime' fluid, but fluid degradation occurs over time.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW Longlife-98 or API SG/SH specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or Green Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11 S.
Cooling System:
Water pump failures, thermostat issues, plastic coolant expansion tank degradation, cracked hoses.
Engine M60:
Eccentric shaft sensor (ESS) failure, timing chain guides wear, oil pan gasket leaks, spark plug well seal failures, VANOS seal degradation (less common on early M60).
Transmission Auto:
Mechatronic unit issues, torque converter seal leaks, solenoid failures, valve body issues.
Electrical:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, ABS/ASC sensor failures, headlight leveling system problems, door lock actuator failures, dashboard illumination issues.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings and ball joints wear, rear self-leveling suspension (SLS) hydraulic leaks or pump failure (if equipped).
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on engineering excellence, performance, and driver engagement.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation of the 7 Series debuted in 1986, replacing the E23. The 740i and 740iL were introduced for the 1992 model year, featuring the all-new M60 V8 engine.
M60 Engine Introduction:
The M60 was BMW's first V8 engine since the 1950s, and its introduction in the E32 marked a significant technological leap.
Production Years E32:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Car And Driver:
Car and Driver Ten Best Trucks (not applicable, but BMW generally recognized for engineering prowess).
Automotive Journalism:
Often lauded by automotive press for its refined V8 engine, sophisticated chassis, and luxurious interior, setting a benchmark for the segment.
