Market Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Positioning Statement:
The E32 7 Series represented BMW's flagship offering, competing with established luxury marques by emphasizing performance, advanced engineering, and driver engagement.
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 400
Design Philosophy:
Evolutionary design from the E23, refined aerodynamics, spacious and luxurious interior, focus on build quality and driver experience.
Innovations:
Introduction of the V12 engine in a production BMW sedan (750iL), advanced electronics, multi-link rear suspension, optional self-leveling suspension.
Vehicle Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Models Covered:
735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750iL
Estimated Page Count:
Substantial (typically 1000+ pages for complete E32 manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), printable
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (DME)
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22, 4HP24, 5HP30) maintenance, repair, and diagnosis
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshafts, differentials, axle shafts, wheel bearings
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers), self-leveling rear suspension (if applicable)
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair
Steering Systems:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, mirrors, seat adjustments, HVAC blower, ECU/DME diagnostics
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, hood, trunk, chassis lubrication, rust prevention
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (compressor, condenser, evaporator, controls, refrigerant handling)
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (if equipped, though less common on early E32), ABS
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, belt replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, electrical troubleshooting charts
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) information for the period, DME fault codes, EML fault codes
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all major systems
Depth Of Coverage:
Complete workshop level, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, detailed diagnostics, and electrical system repair.
Engine 735I 735Il:
M30B35LE 3.453L (3.5L) Inline-6
Engine 40I 40Il:
M60B40 3.982L (4.0L) V8
Engine 750Il:
M70B50 4.988L (5.0L) V12
Horsepower 735I:
Approx. 208-211 hp (SAE net)
Torque 735I:
Approx. 225-228 lb-ft (SAE net)
Horsepower 740I:
Approx. 282 hp (SAE net)
Torque 740I:
Approx. 295 lb-ft (SAE net)
Horsepower 750Il:
Approx. 296-300 hp (SAE net)
Torque 750Il:
Approx. 332-347 lb-ft (SAE net)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic (various versions: M1.3, M1.7, M1.7.2, M7.1)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Engine Management Systems:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics) for M30 and M60, DME M7.1 for M70 V12
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (rarely specified for 750iL, limited availability on others)
Optional Transmission 735I 740I:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic
Optional Transmission 740Il:
ZF 4HP24 4-speed automatic
Optional Transmission 750Il:
ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic
Transmission Features:
Electronic shift control, Sport/Economy modes (depending on transmission)
Transmission Fluid Type 4Hp22:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF, consult manual for exact BMW spec)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 4Hp22:
Approx. 9-10 liters (total capacity)
Length 735I:
Approx. 4964 mm (195.4 in)
Length 735Il:
Approx. 5124 mm (201.7 in)
Length 750Il:
Approx. 5124 mm (201.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2906 mm (114.4 in) for standard wheelbase, 3066 mm (120.7 in) for long wheelbase (iL models)
Width:
Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb Weight 735I:
Approx. 1700 kg (3748 lbs)
Curb Weight 750Il:
Approx. 1940 kg (4277 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult manual
Safety Ratings Era:
No standardized crash test ratings as we know them today (e.g., NCAP) were prevalent during the E32's production. However, BMW vehicles of this era were known for robust construction.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC/ASC+T on later models/V12)
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, driver and passenger airbags (standard on 750iL, optional on others), seat belts with pre-tensioners.
Infotainment Features:
Premium sound systems (e.g., Nakamichi), cassette players, early CD changers (optional), on-board computer (check control), navigation systems (very early and rudimentary, optional).
Driver Assistance Systems:
ABS, Cruise Control, Park Distance Control (PDC) on later models.
Connectivity Features:
Basic, primarily focused on internal systems and communication (e.g., early car phone options).
Comfort Features:
Power-adjustable seats with memory, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, power windows/locks/mirrors, self-leveling suspension (rear).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific engine and oil type).
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years (hygroscopic nature).
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity depends on climate; typically 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40. Always use API SG or higher quality. Consult manual for precise BMW specifications (e.g., BMW High Performance Synthetic).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze. BMW recommends a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific BMW coolant can be used. Avoid silicate-containing coolants for later models.
Fluid Specifications Brake
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common E32 Issues:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, expansion tank), head gasket failures (M60 V8), ABS sensor failures, fuel pump issues, window regulator failures, wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay), self-leveling suspension issues (rear), climate control module failures, idle control valve issues (M30).
Engine Oil Capacity M30B35:
Approx. 6.5 liters (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity M60B40:
Approx. 6.5 liters (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity M70B50:
Approx. 7.5 liters (with filter)
Bmw Philosophy Era:
BMW continued its legacy of building 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', even in its flagship luxury sedan segment, blending comfort with performance.
E32 Introduction:
Introduced in 1986 as a successor to the E23 7 Series, the E32 was a significant step forward in design, technology, and refinement.
E32 Updates:
Key updates included the introduction of the V8 engines (M60) in 1992 and the V12 (M70) in 1987, along with electronic engine management and transmission controls.
E32 Predecessor:
BMW E23 7 Series (1977-1986)
E32 Successor:
BMW E38 7 Series (1994-2001)
Production Years:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany
Automotive Journalism Awards:
While specific 'awards' are not as commonly documented for individual model generations in the manner of modern vehicles, the E32 7 Series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its refinement, performance, and engineering prowess. It was often listed as a benchmark luxury sedan of its era.
Reliability Perception Era:
Generally considered well-engineered but complex. Reliability depended heavily on diligent maintenance; neglected examples could be prone to expensive repairs due to complexity and age.
