Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Brand Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, applied to a flagship luxury sedan.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, Cadillac DeVille.
Engine Configuration:
V12 naturally aspirated engine, a significant differentiator.
Luxury Appointments:
Extended wheelbase ('L'), premium interior materials, advanced features for its time.
Handling Dynamics:
Despite its size, aimed for BMW's signature driving engagement.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for the V12 engine.
Engine Management:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI), ignition system, emissions control systems (e.g., Lambda control).
Transmission Automatic:
Repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for the automatic transmission, including hydraulic and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, adjustments, and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications, rotor and pad replacement.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning (A/C) system service, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control diagnostics.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, chassis lubrication.
Comfort Features:
Power seats, windows, mirrors, sunroof, central locking system, cruise control.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic approaches to identify and resolve common and uncommon issues, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the era.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps, etc.
Overhaul Rebuild:
Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Alignment Procedures:
Correct wheel alignment specifications and adjustment methods.
Diagnostic Tools:
May reference specific BMW diagnostic tools or general automotive scan tools relevant to the period.
Repair Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and other critical repair data.
Component Identification:
Detailed diagrams and descriptions of all major and minor components.
Crash Test Data:
Limited specific public data for this model/era, but built to luxury standards of the time. Focus on structural integrity and passive safety.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on later models
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional or on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
High-fidelity audio system (e.g., BMW Bavaria C, optional premium sound systems like Nakamichi).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (often CRT screen-based).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear park distance control (early iteration).
Communication:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity (era-appropriate).
Seat Adjustment:
10-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar support, memory function for driver's seat.
Climate Control System:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, based on service indicator.
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid service typically around 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check specific manual for exact recommendation based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.
Engine Specific:
Head gasket leaks (less common on M70 than some other V12s but possible), ignition coil failures, VANOS system issues (if applicable), oil leaks.
Electrical Specific:
Sensor failures (e.g., MAF, ABS sensors), aging wiring harnesses, comfort module issues, instrument cluster problems.
Cooling System:
Water pump seal leaks, radiator issues, expansion tank cracking.
Transmission Specific:
Solenoid issues, transmission cooler leaks causing fluid contamination.
Filter Part Numbers Example:
Oil Filter: Mann-Filter HU 719/3x (or equivalent OEM), Air Filters: Mann-Filter C 35153/2 (or equivalent OEM pair).
Bmw History:
BMW, known for its engineering prowess and sporty sedans, introduced the E32 7 Series as its flagship luxury model.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 chassis replaced the E23 7 Series. The 750iL was the top-tier model, debuting the M70 V12 engine.
V12 Engine Significance:
The M70 V12 was BMW's first production V12 engine, developed in collaboration with Rolls-Royce.
Production Period:
1986-1994 (E32 chassis), with the 750iL produced from 1987 onwards.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
