🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Model Variant:

740i / 740iL

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

E32

Engine Code:

M60B40

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Brand Image:

Performance luxury, engineering excellence, German craftsmanship.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400 (UCF10), Jaguar XJ (XJ40), Audi V8 quattro.

Powertrain Highlight:

Smooth and powerful V8 engine (M60B40), sophisticated chassis dynamics.

Luxury Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features for its era, spacious cabin (especially iL variant).

Engineering Philosophy:

Driver-focused luxury, emphasis on road holding and engine performance.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

Completeness:

Complete official factory documentation

Distribution Method:

Digital Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery system (EFI), intake system, exhaust system, timing system (chain, guides, tensioner), cylinder head and block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, seals, gaskets.

Engine Management:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnosis, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, MAF, O2, coolant temp, throttle position), actuators (fuel injectors, ignition coils), emissions control systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission Automatic:

GM 4L30-E (likely variant), transmission fluid and filter change, valve body inspection and repair, torque converter, planetary gear sets, clutch packs, seals, bands, electronic controls, shift solenoids, diagnostic procedures.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, rear axle assembly, wheel bearings, hub assemblies, CV joints (if applicable to RWD).

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut, control arms, ball joints, bushings), rear suspension (multi-link independent), springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, steering linkage, wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, hydraulic pump, steering rack, steering column, tie rod ends, power steering fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components (hydraulic unit, wheel speed sensors, control module), brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System Powertrain:

Starter motor, alternator, battery, charging system, ignition system (coil-on-plug or distributorless), fuel pump relay, starter relay, fusible links.

Electrical System Chassis:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows, power locks, central locking system, mirrors, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, common electrical gremlins.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, AC compressor, refrigerant type (R134a likely introduced or R12 still present depending on market and build date), pressure switches, control panel, diagnostic procedures.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim panels, seats, headliner, sound deadening, corrosion prevention.

Body Electrical Comfort:

Power seats, seat memory, sunroof operation, central locking, alarm system, keyless entry (if equipped), OBC (On-Board Computer) functions and troubleshooting.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant service, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid and filter service, differential fluid change, serpentine belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, component testing, reading diagnostic codes.

Repair Rebuilding:

Step-by-step instructions for engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.

Component Replacement:

Detailed procedures for replacing common wear items like water pump, thermostat, fuel pump, starter, alternator, brake pads, rotors, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings.

Torque Specifications:

Essential torque values for critical fasteners in engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and chassis.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, including engine, chassis, lighting, and comfort features.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including oscilloscope use, multimeter testing, and interpretation of sensor data.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission overhauls, suitable for experienced mechanics.

Specifications Data:

Extensive technical specifications including clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and performance metrics.

Troubleshooting Methodology:

Structured approach to diagnosing faults, moving from simple checks to complex electrical and mechanical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes (user printable)

Resolution:

High (suitable for clear reproduction of diagrams and text)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M60B40

Engine Type:

4.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve Naturally Aspirated

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Block Material:

Aluminum

Head Material:

Aluminum

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

21.1 gallons (79.9 liters)

Oil Type:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96 or BMW LL-98 specifications (e.g., Castrol GTX 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40 depending on climate and specific BMW recommendations).

Oil Capacity:

7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent (50/50 mixture with distilled water).

Coolant Capacity:

11.8 quarts (11.2 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (likely GM 4L30-E based)

Shift Modes:

Standard, Sport (S)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent specification as per BMW)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) for a complete refill (pan drop is less)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 740I:

117.4 inches (2982 mm)

Wheelbase 740Il:

120.9 inches (3071 mm)

Length 740I:

197.4 inches (5014 mm)

Length 740Il:

200.9 inches (5103 mm)

Width:

71.7 inches (1821 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Curb Weight 740I:

approx. 3900-4100 lbs (1770-1860 kg)

Curb Weight 740Il:

approx. 4100-4300 lbs (1860-1950 kg)

Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels (optional)

Tire Size Standard:

225/60VR15

Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Not readily available for this era, but generally considered safe for its time.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Hi-Fi sound system (e.g., BMW Bavaria C Business or Professional cassette radios, optional CD changer).

Onboard Computer:

On-Board Computer (OBC) displaying trip information, fuel economy, and system checks. Early versions had LCD pixel degradation issues.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear park distance control (PDC) introduced later in E32 production or in subsequent models.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated car phone or preparation for mobile phones.

Seats:

Power-adjustable front seats with memory, optional heated seats.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.

Windows Mirrors:

Power windows, power mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, with quality synthetic oil.

Transmission Service:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (50,000 - 80,000 km) for fluid and filter change (check manual for specifics).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on plug type and condition (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI (check manual for exact spec).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine M60:

Timing chain guides can degrade, leading to chain slap and potential catastrophic failure if not addressed. Nikasil cylinder coating degradation can occur in some engines, especially with poor fuel quality or maintenance (later M60s used Alusil).

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pumps and thermostats are also common replacement items.

Electrical System:

Age-related issues with wiring harness insulation, sensor failures, and module malfunctions are common. Door handle microswitches, central locking issues, and OBC pixelation.

Suspension Bushings:

Control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and subframe bushings are prone to wear and cracking, affecting ride and handling.

Transmission Issues:

Mechatronic unit issues, solenoid failures, and torque converter problems can occur with age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's long history of building driver-focused luxury vehicles with advanced engineering and performance.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation replaced the E23 7 Series and was introduced in 1986. The 740i and 740iL variants, powered by the new M60 V8 engine, were introduced for the 1993 model year, marking a significant update.

M60 Engine Introduction:

The M60 engine family was a groundbreaking V8 for BMW, featuring an aluminum block and heads, a 32-valve DOHC design, and Nikasil cylinder wall coatings (later modified to Alusil). This engine provided a substantial increase in power and smoothness over previous inline-six engines.

Production Years E32:

1986-1994

Production Years 740I 740Il:

1993-1994 (E32 chassis)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing Plant primarily)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

While specific 1993 740i/iL awards aren't always highlighted, the E32 generation was generally well-regarded by automotive press for its engineering and driving dynamics.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

Not a winner, but a strong contender in the luxury segment.

Iso 9001:

BMW's manufacturing processes adhere to stringent quality certifications.