Luxury Sedan Segment:
The E32 7 Series represented BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing directly with established luxury marques like Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Jaguar XJ.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W126/W140 S-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400, Cadillac DeVille.
Advanced Technology:
Introduced significant technological advancements for its era, including integrated climate control, onboard computer (check control), and optional features like traction control and electronically controlled suspension.
Design Philosophy:
Continuation of BMW's 'ultimate driving machine' ethos, blending luxury, comfort, and dynamic performance. Elegant, understated styling penned by Claus Luthe.
Technical Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, HVAC, Body & Chassis, Interior Components, Diagnostic Procedures
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Management:
Detailed troubleshooting and repair for Motronic engine management systems (M3.1, M3.3).
Transmission Service:
Repair and maintenance for both manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., Getrag 260, ZF 4HP22). Includes overhaul procedures and electronic control unit (TCU) diagnostics.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, bushings, and shock absorbers. Details on self-leveling rear suspension (optional on some models).
Steering System:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and hydraulic components.
Brake System:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and troubleshooting, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, starter, alternator, battery servicing, and troubleshooting for various electrical accessories.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seats, dashboard components, and interior trim.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair, including A/C refrigerant handling (R134a transition considerations), blower motor, climate control unit.
Preventive Maintenance:
Detailed schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation (where applicable), and diagnostic flowcharts.
Component Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper rebuilding, alternator and starter motor replacement.
Calibration And Adjustment:
Procedures for idle speed adjustment, ignition timing (where applicable), and other calibration tasks.
Technical Data And Specs:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, diagnostic data, and repair times.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
Searchable PDF:
Yes, allows for keyword searching of content.
Resolution:
High-resolution images and diagrams, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.
Digital Format Benefit:
Instant access, easily searchable, can be stored on multiple devices.
N/A:
N/A (Digital Format)
735I:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260)
740I:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5) - Rare, 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22) - Common
750Il:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24)
735I:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Electronic Control:
Automatic transmissions feature electronic control for shift quality and fuel economy optimization.
Self Leveling Suspension Integration:
Automatic transmission may integrate with self-leveling rear suspension control unit on some models.
NHTSA Rating:
Not available for this era's specific models, but considered very safe for its time due to robust construction.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with engine power reduction) on later models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard in later production years (late 1993/1994 models). Passenger airbag not commonly available.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners.
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced steel chassis with crumple zones for improved crash energy absorption.
Onboard Computer:
Check Control system for monitoring vehicle status (lights, fluid levels, etc.).
Audio System:
Optional premium Hi-Fi sound systems with cassette player. Radio head units often integrated into dashboard.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors ('Park Distance Control') introduced on some later E32 models.
N/A:
No integrated Bluetooth or modern connectivity features; primarily analog systems of the era.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. (Consult manual for specific intervals based on oil type).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change.
Air Filter:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
M30: 20,000 - 30,000 miles. M60/M70: 50,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic: Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (check manual, some ZF transmissions are considered 'lifetime' but fluid changes are recommended). Manual: Inspect at 60,000 miles, replace as needed.
Engine Oil 735I M30:
SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50, API SG or higher. Capacity: 6.5 Liters (6.9 US quarts).
Engine Oil 740I M60:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic, API SJ/SL. Capacity: 7.5 Liters (7.9 US quarts).
Engine Oil 750Il M70:
SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 synthetic blend, API SG or higher. Capacity: 7.5 Liters (7.9 US quarts).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ZF TE-ML 11B or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III compatible fluids on later revisions). Capacity varies by transmission type (e.g., 4HP22 approx. 7-8 Liters for a full fill).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW approved hydraulic fluid or Dexron III. Capacity approx. 1.5 Liters.
M60 Engine Timing Chain Guides:
Plastic timing chain guides on the M60 V8 are prone to degradation and failure, leading to serious engine damage if not addressed proactively.
Coolant Leaks:
Plastic coolant hoses and expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Thermostat housing leaks are also common.
E32 Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connections, and failing vacuum lines can lead to a wide range of intermittent electrical and vacuum-related issues, particularly in the climate control and engine management systems.
Headliner Sagging:
The adhesive holding the fabric to the headliner often fails over time, causing it to sag.
Automatic Transmission Harshness:
ZF transmissions can develop harsh shifting or fail to shift due to worn valve bodies, solenoids, or low/degraded fluid.
ABS Sensor Failures:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering the ABS warning light and disabling the system.
Bmw Luxury Segment:
BMW had established a reputation for building performance-oriented luxury cars with the preceding E23 7 Series and the highly successful 5 Series.
E32 Introduction:
Launched in 1986 (for the 1987 model year in Europe, 1988 in North America), replacing the E23. It was a significant redesign with a focus on aerodynamics, comfort, and technology.
Powertrain Updates:
Introduction of the V8 (M60) and V12 (M70) engines marked a new era for BMW's top-tier sedans. The M60 V8 replaced the aging M30 inline-six in the 735i for some markets and became the 740i.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
Total E32 Production:
Approximately 311,000 units across all variants.
