Segment:
        
        
            Full-size Luxury Sedan
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Discerning luxury car owners, DIY mechanics, restoration enthusiasts
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ
        
     
    
    
        
            Philosophy:
        
        
            The E32 represented BMW's commitment to advanced engineering, driver engagement, and luxurious comfort in the flagship sedan segment.
        
     
    
        
            Design Era:
        
        
            Marked a significant evolution in BMW design, featuring cleaner lines and a more aerodynamic profile compared to its predecessor.
        
     
    
        
            Innovation Focus:
        
        
            Introduction of advanced features for its time, including electronic engine management, optional traction control, and sophisticated climate control systems.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Systems:
        
        
            Engine overhaul, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, engine management (DME)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Systems:
        
        
            Automatic transmission (Steptronic availability for later models, manual gearbox overhaul for applicable variants), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, power steering system, steering column
        
     
    
        
            Braking System:
        
        
            Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, rotors, lines, master cylinder, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting systems, wipers, horn, instrumentation, body control modules, diagnostic connectors (OBD I)
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, controls
        
     
    
        
            Body Interior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable to specific E32 models, though less common)
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbag systems (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System), seatbelt mechanisms
        
     
    
    
        
            Preventative Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, belt inspections, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, battery maintenance
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD I)
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems
        
     
    
        
            Rebuild Instructions:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and assembly sequences
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid checks to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Codes 1991:
        
        
            M30B35 (3.5L inline-6), M60B40 (4.0L V8 - introduced later in the E32 lifecycle, possibly late 1991/early 1992 model year depending on market)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 35:
        
        
            3430 cc (3.5 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore Stroke 35:
        
        
            92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 35:
        
        
            8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market and fuel quality)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 35:
        
        
            208 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 35:
        
        
            228 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Displacement V8:
        
        
            3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore Stroke V8:
        
        
            84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio V8:
        
        
            10.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower V8:
        
        
            296 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque V8:
        
        
            295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            0 60 Mph 35:
        
        
            7.0 - 8.0 seconds (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            0 60 Mph V8:
        
        
            6.0 - 7.0 seconds (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (DME for M30, DME 3.3/3.3.1 for M60)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded premium gasoline
        
     
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type 35:
        
        
            4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type V8:
        
        
            5-speed manual (Getrag 260/5 - rare option), 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP24)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Features:
        
        
            Sport/Economy modes (depending on variant)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron II or III (check manual for exact specification, e.g., Esso LT 71141 may be specified for later ZF boxes)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 4960 mm (195.3 in)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 2830 mm (111.4 in)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight 35:
        
        
            Approx. 1700 kg (3750 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight V8:
        
        
            Approx. 1850 kg (4080 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Refer to VIN plate or manual for exact specification
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume:
        
        
            Approx. 500 liters (17.7 cu ft)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Rating:
        
        
            Not specifically rated by NHTSA using modern standards; safety was focused on passive restraints and chassis design for its era.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on most models, optional on earlier variants.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional on some later E32 models (ASC - Automatic Stability Control)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver's side airbag standard for 1991 model year.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.
        
     
    
        
            Body Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo system, often with premium sound options (e.g., Hi-Fi system).
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Optional early navigation system available on some models, often rudimentary by modern standards.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard electronic cruise control.
        
     
    
        
            Parking Assist:
        
        
            Optional rear parking sensors on some late E32 models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Diagnostic Port:
        
        
            OBD I (On-Board Diagnostics I) utilizing a 15-pin connector, located under the hood or dashboard.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles for automatic transmissions.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Approx. 30,000 miles for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG or higher; viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific recommendations based on climate).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 35:
        
        
            Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity V8:
        
        
            Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW Blue or Green coolant compatible.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, thermostat housing leaks, heater core issues.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Instrument cluster illumination issues, door lock actuator failures, intermittent ABS warning lights, wiring harness degradation.
        
     
    
        
            Engine M30:
        
        
            Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal. Timing chain guide wear on high mileage examples.
        
     
    
        
            Engine M60:
        
        
            Timing chain tensioner and guide wear (critical failure point if neglected), Nikasil cylinder liner wear (in early M60B40 engines, replaced by Alusil later).
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear subframe bushings. Self-leveling rear suspension issues (if equipped).
        
     
    
        
            Interior:
        
        
            Cracking dashboard, sagging headliner, worn leather upholstery.