🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Model Variant:

740i, 740iL

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

E38

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking advanced technology, performance, and comfort.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated ride quality.

Performance Orientation:

V8 engine power, refined handling, advanced chassis dynamics.

Technological Advancements:

Early adoption of electronic engine management, ABS, and sophisticated luxury features.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Print (digital scan/PDF also common)

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive BMW service manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components including block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Management And Electronics:

Detailed coverage of the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) control unit, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, sensors (MAF, O2, crank, cam, knock, etc.), actuators, troubleshooting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, and component testing.

Transmission Automatic:

Repair and overhaul of the ZF 5HP series automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP30), including valve body, torque converter, clutch packs, electronic control, fluid service, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Service and repair of the hydraulic braking system, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) if applicable to early models, brake calipers, rotors, lines, master cylinder, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), power steering system, steering rack, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, fuse and relay locations, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, HVAC blower motor, starter, alternator, battery, and electronic control modules.

Climate Control HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heating system, climate control unit, blower, actuators, refrigerant handling, and troubleshooting.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, underbody coatings, and chassis component inspection.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injectors, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converters, mufflers, exhaust pipes, and oxygen sensors (O2).

Driver Assistance And Safety Systems:

Operation and basic troubleshooting of systems like cruise control, traction control (ASC+T on some models), and airbag systems (SRS).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, differential fluid changes, transmission fluid and filter changes.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, fault code interpretation, live data analysis, and component testing methods.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.

Rebuilding And Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies.

Electrical Repairs:

Wiring harness repair, connector diagnosis, sensor calibration, and troubleshooting of electronic modules.

Body And Interior Repairs:

Glass replacement, door lock mechanisms, seat adjustments, interior trim panel removal and installation.

Special Tools And Equipment:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures, often including BMW-specific tools.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive and in-depth, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, and exploded views.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

If digital, likely PDF. If print, bound paper pages.

Print Quality:

High-quality reproductions with clear text and diagrams (for quality aftermarket or OEM manuals).

Binding Type:

Likely perfect bound or saddle-stitched for printed versions.

Paper Type:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M60B40

Engine Type:

4.0L V8 (3982cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30)

Type:

None offered in 1993 for 740i/iL (manual transmission was phased out for V8 models)

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled gear shifts with multiple modes (e.g., Sport, Economy).

Fluid Type:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent ETL-7045E)

📐 Dimensions

Length 740I:

198.9 inches (5052 mm)

Length 740Il:

204.9 inches (5205 mm)

Wheelbase 740I:

117.7 inches (2990 mm)

Wheelbase 740Il:

123.7 inches (3142 mm)

Curb Weight 740I:

approx. 4100 lbs (1860 kg)

Curb Weight 740Il:

approx. 4233 lbs (1920 kg)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 7.5 inches

Standard Tire Size:

235/60R16

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

1993 models typically had front impact ratings only. Specific 740i/iL ratings may vary or not be readily available as per modern standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Hi-Fi system options, often with cassette player and CD changer pre-wiring.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system, often a precursor to modern integrated systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Cellular Phone:

Optional integrated car phone systems.

Seats:

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

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually (depending on driving conditions and oil used).

Engine Oil Filter:

Change with every oil change.

Air Filter:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum or standard).

Transmission Fluid Filter:

Recommended every 50,000 - 60,000 miles (fluid is often considered 'lifetime' by some, but fluid service is highly recommended).

Coolant Flush:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change (check manual for exact spec).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

BMW recommends 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil for this engine, depending on climate.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank and hoses can become brittle and crack. Water pump failure is also common.

Ignition System:

Coil-on-plug issues (if applicable, though this model uses traditional coil packs) or spark plug well sealing can cause misfires.

Dme Relay:

Failure of the main DME relay can lead to no-start conditions.

Window Regulators:

Power window regulators are prone to failure due to plastic components wearing out.

ABS Speed Sensors:

ABS warning lights can illuminate due to failing wheel speed sensors.

Vanos System:

While the M60 engine does not have VANOS, subsequent M62 engines did, and it's a common BMW issue to be aware of for context.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E32 Predecessor:

The E38 generation succeeded the E32 7 Series, representing a significant leap in design and technology.

E38 Introduction:

The E38 generation debuted in 1994 for the 1995 model year, but the 1993 model represents the final year of the E32 generation for many markets, or early release of E38 in some markets depending on specific region. *Clarification: The provided manual is for the 1993 740i/iL. This means it covers the E32 generation's final year. The E38 generation launched in late 1994 for the 1995 model year.*

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E32 7 Series (predecessor) and the E38 7 Series (successor) were frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists for their performance and luxury.

Overall Reputation:

Highly regarded for its blend of performance, luxury, and engineering sophistication, often considered a benchmark in its class.