Luxury Segment:
The E32 7 Series represented BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing with other high-end executive cars of its era.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Audi V8 Quattro.
Driving Dynamics:
Known for a balance of sophisticated ride comfort and engaging driving dynamics, characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy.
Innovation:
Introduced advanced technologies for its time, including electronic damping control (EDC), traction control (ASC), and the first V8 engine in a BMW sedan.
Diy Support:
Empowers owners with factory-level knowledge for maintenance and repair, potentially reducing dealership costs.
Professional Tool:
Provides essential data for professional technicians, ensuring accurate and efficient service.
Primary Coverage:
Repair and Maintenance
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts with Basic Mechanical/Electrical Knowledge
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific factory manual, but typically extensive (e.g., 1000+ pages for comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip or equivalent
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Powertrain:
Engine (M30, M60), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Ignition System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drive Shaft, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear, ABS)
Electrical:
Engine Management, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, HVAC Electrical, Audio System, Battery, Charging System
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Climate Control (HVAC)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Component Disassembly, Reassembly, Adjustment, Replacement Procedures
Installation:
Accessory Installation, Component Upgrades (where applicable to factory standards)
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics.
Engine Family 1:
M30 (Inline-6)
Engine Displacement 1:
3.0L (M30B30) and 3.5L (M30B35)
Engine Codes 1:
M30B30, M30B35
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 188 hp (M30B30) to 208 hp (M30B35)
Torque 1:
Approx. 265 Nm (M30B30) to 305 Nm (M30B35)
Fuel System 1:
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection (D-Jetronic/L-Jetronic variants)
Engine Family 2:
M60 (V8)
Engine Displacement 2:
3.0L (M60B30) and 4.0L (M60B40)
Engine Codes 2:
M60B30, M60B40
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 215 hp (M60B30) to 282 hp (M60B40)
Torque 2:
Approx. 290 Nm (M60B30) to 400 Nm (M60B40)
Fuel System 2:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 (Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual (available on some models, less common)
Automatic Features:
Sport/Economy modes on some models.
Length:
Approx. 4,960 mm (195.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,700 kg - 1,900 kg (3,750 lbs - 4,190 lbs), depending on engine and equipment.
Crash Test Information:
While formal crash test ratings from agencies like NHTSA or IIHS for this specific era might be limited or unavailable, BMW vehicles of this period were engineered with robust safety structures.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asc:
Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) on some models
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard; passenger airbag optional on some models.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems, often with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Park Assist:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control) were an optional feature on later E32 models.
Early Telematics:
Some models offered early forms of cellular phone integration (requires specific factory options).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specifics.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, or 10W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid.
Coolant Type:
BMW blue coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump seals can fail.
Electrical Systems:
Aging wiring harnesses, corrosion in connectors, and failure of SRS (airbag) modules are common.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, shock absorber failure, and strut mount degradation.
Ignition System:
Coil-on-plug (on M60 V8) or distributor issues (on M30 I6), spark plug wire degradation.
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as on some other BMW engines, head gasket leaks can occur, particularly with overheating.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for engineering luxury performance vehicles.
E32 Predecessor:
Succeeded the E23 7 Series.
E32 Successor:
Succeeded by the E38 7 Series.
Production Years:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing Plant)
