Engine:
Yes (detailed diagnostics, overhaul, component repair)
Transmission:
Yes (manual and automatic, diagnosis, repair, fluid service)
Drivetrain:
Yes (driveshafts, differentials, axles)
Suspension:
Yes (front and rear suspension, struts, bushings, steering)
Brakes:
Yes (hydraulic system, ABS, caliper/rotor replacement, bleeding)
Steering:
Yes (power steering system, pump, rack and pinion)
Electrical System:
Yes (wiring diagrams, component testing, ECU diagnostics, sensors)
HVAC:
Yes (heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair)
Bodywork:
Yes (panels, doors, trim, glass replacement, body repair specs)
Interior:
Yes (seats, trim, dashboard components)
Fuel System:
Yes (injection, pumps, lines, tank)
Cooling System:
Yes (radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses)
Exhaust System:
Yes (catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes)
Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based guides)
Repair:
Yes (component removal, installation, and adjustment procedures)
Overhaul:
Yes (engine and transmission rebuild procedures)
Diagnosis:
Yes (in-depth system diagnosis, error code interpretation)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (comprehensive electrical schematics)
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level (suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers)
Engine Type:
4.0L V8 (32-valve)
Displacement:
3982 cc (243 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 (Electronic Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil packs per cylinder bank.
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (depending on market), O2 sensors.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 280 - less common for 740i, more for 735i)
Electronic Control:
Electronic Transmission Control (ETC) on automatic for improved shift quality.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (BMW P/N 83 22 9 407 858 or similar, consult manual for exact spec)
Wheelbase 740I:
2,900 mm (114.2 in)
Wheelbase 740Il:
3,070 mm (120.9 in)
Length 740I:
4,900 mm (192.9 in)
Length 740Il:
5,050 mm (198.8 in)
Curb Weight 740I:
1,820 kg (4,012 lbs) approx.
Curb Weight 740Il:
1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) approx.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Standard Tire Size:
225/60VR15 (or similar, consult manual for exact fitment)
Wheel Size:
15 x 7.0J (or similar)
Crash Test Data:
Limited public data for this specific year/model. BMW's reputation for safety was strong at this time.
ABS:
Standard (Bosch ABS III)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control on later models, check specific build)
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/late availability.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System:
High-fidelity BMW HiFi or optional Professional system, often with cassette player and CD changer preparation.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (IHKA - Integrated Automatic Climate Control).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) became available late in the E32's run or on later models, check specific vehicle.
Telecommunications:
Optional car phone integration.
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon HID on very late models or specific markets.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission fluid service typically recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Detailed in the manual.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG or higher, BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent). Consult manual for precise specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). BMW Blue coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 3 as a minimum, DOT 4 preferred). Consult manual for exact specification and BMW part numbers.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11S (check for specific system). Consult manual.
Common Issues:
Coolant leaks from 'plastic' expansion tanks and hose connectors, aging wiring harness (especially engine bay), ABS sensor failures, VANOS system (on later M60 derivatives, but M60B40 typically doesn't have it - check specifics), door seal degradation, window regulator failures, potential catalytic converter issues due to age.
Oil Filter:
Mann-Filter HU 821x, Mahle OX 111, or OEM BMW P/N 11 42 1 730 921 (verify with VIN)
Air Filter:
Mann-Filter C 35 160/1, Mahle LX 746, or OEM BMW P/N 13 72 1 730 919 (verify with VIN)
Brand Identity:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer renowned for performance, engineering, and driving pleasure.
Generation:
E32 (1986-1994)
Positioning In Lineup:
Flagship luxury sedan, succeeding the E23 7 Series.
Production Period For Model:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Key Innovations E32:
Introduction of the V8 engine (M60), advanced electronics, more aerodynamic design than predecessors.
