Segment:
        
        
            Full-size luxury sedan
        
     
    
        
            Positioning Statement:
        
        
            A benchmark for automotive engineering, comfort, and technology in its era, representing the pinnacle of BMW's executive offerings.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Audi V8, Jaguar XJ (XJ40), Lexus LS 400 (from 1989)
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Understated elegance, driver-centric ergonomics, advanced engineering
        
     
    
        
            Technological Highlights:
        
        
            Advanced engine management (Motronic), optional ABS, early electronic climate control, self-leveling suspension
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanics:
        
        
            Complete overhaul, internal components, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery (Bosch Motronic)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            Ignition timing, fuel injection control, sensor diagnostics (MAF, O2, Crankshaft Position)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms, driveshafts
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Torque converter, valve body, hydraulic systems, electronic control unit (ECU) interfaces
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front struts, rear multi-link, self-leveling suspension (optional), control arms, bushings
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, caliper overhaul, pad/rotor replacement
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column adjustments
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Basic:
        
        
            Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting circuits
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Comfort:
        
        
            Power windows, power seats, central locking, climate control (HVAC), sunroof operation
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Diagnostics:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay identification, troubleshooting for electrical faults
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant system, blower motor, control panel
        
     
    
        
            Bodywork:
        
        
            Door panel removal, bumper repair, fender replacement, sealing, interior trim
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
        
     
    
        
            Component Replacement:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all parts
        
     
    
        
            Rebuilding Procedures:
        
        
            Engine and transmission rebuild specifications and guidance
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagram Interpretation:
        
        
            Comprehensive wiring schematics with color coding and component identification
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            All critical fasteners with precise torque values
        
     
    
    
        
            Diagnostic Capabilities:
        
        
            Advanced diagnostics, including electronic control unit (ECU) interrogation and sensor data interpretation
        
     
    
        
            Repair Complexity:
        
        
            Covers basic DIY repairs to full engine and transmission overhauls
        
     
    
        
            Detail Level:
        
        
            Comprehensive, with exploded views, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type 3.5L:
        
        
            Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 3.5L:
        
        
            3430 cc (3.4 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke 3.5L:
        
        
            92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 3.5L:
        
        
            8.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 3.5L:
        
        
            208 hp @ 5700 rpm (DIN)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 3.5L:
        
        
            290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (DIN)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Codes V8:
        
        
            M60B30 (3.0L), M60B40 (4.0L)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type V8:
        
        
            V8, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 3.0L V8:
        
        
            2997 cc (3.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 3.0L V8:
        
        
            218 hp @ 6000 rpm (DIN)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 3.0L V8:
        
        
            290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (DIN)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 4.0L V8:
        
        
            3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 4.0L V8:
        
        
            286 hp @ 5800 rpm (DIN)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 4.0L V8:
        
        
            400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (DIN)
        
     
    
    
        
            0 To 100 Kmh 3.5L:
        
        
            8.5 seconds (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            0 To 100 Kmh 4.0L V8:
        
        
            6.9 seconds (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Injection:
        
        
            Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Standard Transmission:
        
        
            5-speed manual (Getrag 260)
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmission:
        
        
            4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Features:
        
        
            Electronic control, 'Sport' and 'Economy' modes
        
     
    
        
            Manual Gear Ratios 3.5L:
        
        
            1st: 4.215, 2nd: 2.492, 3rd: 1.666, 4th: 1.215, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.517
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Gear Ratios 4Hp22:
        
        
            1st: 2.48, 2nd: 1.48, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.72
        
     
    
        
            Differential:
        
        
            Standard: 3.15:1 (Manual), 3.46:1 (Automatic)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or annually
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            50,000 - 60,000 km (30,000 - 37,000 miles) for standard plugs, 100,000 km for platinum plugs (if fitted)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 2 years or 40,000 km
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 2 years
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Recommendation:
        
        
            API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3 rated; Viscosity: 10W-40, 15W-40 (depending on climate), 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic for colder climates.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
        
        
            6.0 Liters (6.3 US Quarts)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L V8:
        
        
            6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L V8:
        
        
            7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Manual:
        
        
            BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 rated 75W-90
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Automatic:
        
        
            Dexron IIE (or compatible)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            ATF Dexron II or BMW P/N 81 22 9 400 272
        
     
    
    
        
            Cooling System Failures:
        
        
            Cracked plastic radiator end tanks, failing water pump, thermostat housing leaks, heater core leaks.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Gremlins:
        
        
            Corroded wiring connectors (especially under dash and in engine bay), failing door lock actuators, headlight switch issues, ABS sensor failures.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Wear:
        
        
            Worn control arm bushings, failing front strut mounts, rear self-leveling suspension pump/accumulator issues (if equipped).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Leaks:
        
        
            Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, oil filter housing gasket.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC System:
        
        
            Leaking evaporator core, failing blower motor resistor, vacuum leaks in control flaps.
        
     
    
        
            Interior Wear:
        
        
            Cracked dashboard, sagging headliner, worn leather upholstery.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Automotive Journalism Awards:
        
        
            Frequently cited for its handling, comfort, and build quality by automotive publications of its time.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Historical:
        
        
            Generally rated highly for reliability and performance, though some specific electrical issues were noted in later years of the E32 lifecycle.
        
     
    
    
        
            Safety Certifications:
        
        
            Compliant with relevant national and international safety standards for its era.