🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Chassis Code:

E32

Model Year:

1990

Vin Decoder Model Code Prefix:

G1

Body Styles Covered:

4-door Sedan (LWB and SWB)

👋 Introduction

E32 Market Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan, positioned at the pinnacle of BMW's offerings for its era, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Jaguar XJ.

E32 Key Competitors 1990:

Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class (introduced shortly after), Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 400, Cadillac DeVille.

E32 Design Philosophy:

Elegant, understated design; focus on driver engagement; advanced technology for the time; superior build quality and refinement.

E32 Innovations:

Introduction of the V12 engine (M70) to a BMW production car, sophisticated multilink rear suspension, electronic damping control (EDC) optional.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Title:

BMW 7 Series E32 1990 Full Service Repair Manual

Engine Variants Covered:

735i, 735iL, 750i, 750iL

Transmission Types Covered:

4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual (where applicable)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Manual Content Focus:

Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, often provided as a downloadable file)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, component testing, repair procedures for M30 and M70 engines.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, lines, pressure regulation.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, distributor, DME control.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, hoses, coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust manifold, pipe routing.

Transmission Mechanical:

Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22) and manual gearbox overhauls, clutch, driveshafts.

Transmission Electronic:

Transmission control unit (if applicable), sensors.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, steering knuckle.

Suspension Rear:

Multi-link independent suspension, trailing arms, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.

Brakes Front:

Ventilated discs, calipers, brake pads, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components.

Brakes Rear:

Solid or ventilated discs, calipers, brake pads, ABS components.

Electrical System Overview:

Wiring diagrams, fuse boxes, relays, power distribution.

Starting Charging System:

Starter motor, alternator, battery specifications, voltage regulation.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb types, wiring.

Instrumentation Gauges:

Dashboard layout, gauge cluster repair, warning lights.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant, climate control panel.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement.

Body Interior:

Seat removal, dashboard trim, headliner, door panels, carpeting.

Chassis Body Structure:

Frame/unibody construction, jacking points, towing points.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, SRS airbag system (if equipped), ABS diagnostics.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid level checks and top-offs.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-to-cause analysis, fault code lookup (if applicable).

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step guides for component removal, installation, and adjustment.

Rebuilding Overhauls:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.

Body Panel Alignment:

Guidance on adjusting doors, hood, and trunk for proper fit and seal.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications for camber, caster, and toe angles.

Refrigerant Handling:

Procedures for A/C system evacuation and recharging (with safety precautions).

Electrical Component Testing:

Using multimeters for voltage, resistance, and continuity tests.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including specialized systems like ABS and climate control.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Extensive use of diagrams, schematics, and exploded views for clarity.

Torque Specifications:

All critical fasteners and component assembly torques included.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific or recommended special tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

Typically PDF, allowing for digital searchability and printing of specific sections.

Scan Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring readability of text and clarity of diagrams.

Binding For Physical Copy:

If a printed version, likely spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.

Paper Quality For Physical Copy:

Durable, matte-finish paper to reduce glare and withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 735I:

M30B35

Engine Displacement 735I:

3.430 cc (3.4 L)

Engine Cylinders 735I:

Inline-6

Engine Valvetrain 735I:

SOHC, 12 valves (2 valves per cylinder)

Engine Code 750I:

M70B50

Engine Displacement 750I:

4.988 cc (5.0 L)

Engine Cylinders 750I:

V12

Engine Valvetrain 750I:

SOHC, 24 valves (2 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower 735I Est:

208 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Torque 735I Est:

290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm

Horsepower 750I Est:

296 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Torque 750I Est:

470 Nm (347 lb-ft) @ 3,900 rpm

Fuel Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (MFI)

Recommended Fuel Octane:

Premium Unleaded (91 RON or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission 735I:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Standard Transmission 750I:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP24)

Optional Transmission 735I:

5-speed manual (Getrag 265, less common)

Transmission Features:

Sport mode selection (often), electronically controlled gear shifts.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Swb:

2,830 mm (111.4 in)

Wheelbase Lwb:

3,070 mm (120.9 in)

Length Swb:

4,910 mm (193.3 in)

Length Lwb:

5,160 mm (203.2 in)

Curb Weight 735I Est:

1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)

Curb Weight 750I Est:

1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

E32 Crash Test Era:

As 1990 vehicle, comprehensive NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings are not directly comparable to modern standards but was built to high safety standards for its time.

ABS:

Standard on all models (Bosch ABS II or III).

Traction Control Asc:

Optional on some models.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or later standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Type:

Basic radio/cassette system, often with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Hi-Fi).

Navigation:

Optional early GPS navigation systems were available on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Electronic Damping Control Edc:

Optional feature allowing driver to adjust suspension damping.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on audio input (cassette).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 50,000 km (30,000 miles).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Often considered 'lifetime' by manufacturers, but recommended for replacement every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) for longevity, especially for automatics.

Engine Oil Type 735I:

API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate (e.g., Castrol GTX 20W-50 was common).

Engine Oil Type 750I:

API SG/SH, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact BMW spec, often required synthetic).

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue coolant or compatible G-48 ethylene glycol coolant. (e.g., BMW Part # 82141467704)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III, or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific model/year).

Transmission Fluid Auto 735I:

ZF approved ATF (e.g., Dexron II, Mobil ATF 220).

Transmission Fluid Auto 750I:

ZF approved ATF (e.g., Dexron III, Mobil ATF 3309).

Common E32 Issues Electrical:

Vibration damper on crank pulley failure, wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay), EML (Engine Load Management) issues, central locking pump failure, instrument cluster pixelation.

Common E32 Issues Mechanical:

Head gasket leaks (M30), oil pan leaks, cooling system leaks (plastic components), suspension bushings wear, driveshaft center bearing failure.

Common E32 Issues Comfort:

HVAC blower motor resistor failure, door seal leaks, window regulator issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known for engineering excellence, performance ("The Ultimate Driving Machine"), and luxury.

E32 Introduction Year:

1986

E32 Design Team:

Chief designer: Claus Luthe.

E32 Facelift:

Minor updates throughout its life, with significant changes often related to engine management and optional features.

E32 Production Years:

1986-1994

E32 Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

E32 Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the 1990 model year might be less documented than modern vehicles, the E32 series was highly regarded for its engineering, comfort, and performance, often praised in contemporary automotive journalism.

E32 Editorial Reviews:

Consistently reviewed as one of the finest luxury sedans, especially the V12 750i, for its blend of performance and refinement.