Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Jaguar XJ (XJ40), Lexus LS 400 (UCF10)
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, superior engineering, driver-focused experience
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology
Engine:
M60B40 V8 engine overhaul, diagnostics, and specifications
Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22) repair and maintenance
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, drivetrain, and wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic and anti-lock braking system (ABS) servicing
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, component testing, and troubleshooting
Body:
Bodywork, trim, doors, windows, and glass replacement
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Fuel:
Fuel injection system (Motronic 3.1), fuel pump, and lines
Maintenance:
Routine oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and intermittent faults
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation
Overhaul:
Detailed engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive vehicle wiring schematics
Depth:
Professional-level, suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIYers
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not rated for this year/era (data not readily available)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (standard), Passenger airbag optional/introduced later in E32 lifecycle
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) was optional on later E32 models or introduced with facelift, less common in '88 740i
Head Unit:
BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional Cassette Player with Radio
Display:
Dot-matrix LCD screen for OBC (On-Board Computer)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Seats:
Power adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats often optional
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (dual-zone or single-zone)
Phone Integration:
Optional early car phone system
OBD Interface:
BMW proprietary diagnostic connector (not OBD-II)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (often debated, but recommended for longevity)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 recommended
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
7.5 (with filter)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or Dexron II D)
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, front/rear main seals
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank cracks, radiator leaks, water pump failure
Electrical:
ABS module failure, wiring harness degradation (especially underhood), fuel pump relay issues
Transmission:
Solenoid failures, transmission control unit (TCU) issues, torque converter leaks
Heater Control Valve:
Common failure causing no heat or limited control
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mounts, rear self-leveling suspension (SLS) leaks
Bmw Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, sporty driving dynamics, and premium quality
E32 Introduction:
Introduced in 1986 as the successor to the E23 7 Series
E32 Facelift:
Facelifted in 1992 (LCI), minor styling and technology updates
740I Introduction:
The M60 V8 engine was introduced to the 7 Series lineup with the E32 in 1987 (for the 1988 model year in some markets).
Production Period:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E32 platform in general was highly regarded, though specific 740i awards for '88 are less documented than later models.
Consumer Reports:
Consistently ranked high for luxury, comfort, and performance in its class by publications like Consumer Reports.
Design Awards:
The E32 design language was influential and praised for its understated elegance.
