Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan representing BMW's engineering prowess and comfort for the late 1980s.
Competitors:
Competed with luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, and Lexus LS.
Features:
Powerful V8 engine, refined ride quality, advanced (for its time) technology, spacious interior, available long wheelbase (iL).
Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance, repair, and restoration.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine overhaul, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication systems.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission repair, maintenance, fluid changes, diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Rear axle, driveshaft, CV joints, differential service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, linkages.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, EML (Engine Management Light) troubleshooting.
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, locks, convertible top (if applicable), interior trim.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, evaporative emissions control.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, belt inspections/replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault code interpretation (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, rebuild procedures (e.g., engine, transmission).
Rebuilding:
Detailed rebuild procedures for major components like the engine and transmission.
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoring worn or damaged components.
Restoration:
Advice and procedures applicable to bringing the vehicle back to original specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Format:
Print (likely comb-bound or perfect-bound)
Searchability:
Index-based for printed format, potentially searchable if digitized.
Quality:
High-quality paper and print for durability in workshop environments (assumed).
Binding:
Durable binding suitable for frequent use (e.g., spiral, perfect bound).
Paper:
Thick, durable paper to withstand workshop conditions.
NHTSA Rating:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA in modern standardized terms, but built to high safety standards of the era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/available.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage construction.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertial-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
High-fidelity BMW audio system with cassette player; optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with digital display.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Aid:
Optional rear park distance control (Park Distance Control - PDC) was introduced later in the E32 lifecycle, may not be standard on '88.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by 1988 standards; primarily focused on vehicle systems. Onboard computer for trip data and diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually (refer to manual for specific guidance).
Major Service:
Major services often around 30,000, 60,000, 90,000 miles involving spark plugs, coolant, transmission service, etc.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 specification (or equivalent for the era).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF (for ZF 4HP24) or specified BMW fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (or ATF Dexron III/Mercon).
M60 Engine Issues:
Nikasil cylinder bore wear (in earlier M60 versions, though B40 is less prone), valve stem seals, coolant leaks (especially water pump and thermostat housing), oil pan gasket leaks.
Electrical Issues:
Wiring harness degradation, EML issues, central locking problems, dashboard warning lights.
Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, front strut mounts, rear subframe bushings.
Transmission Issues:
Solenoid issues, torque converter clutch failure, leaks.
Repairs:
Water pump replacement, thermostat housing gasket, mass air flow sensor (MAF), ignition coils/spark plugs, brake rotor/pad replacement.
Air Filter Part Number:
Typical BMW part number: 13721730915 (verify with manual)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Typical BMW part number: 11421740001 (verify with manual)
