E32 Positioning:
The E32 7 Series represented BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing with other high-end marques by offering advanced technology, superior driving dynamics, and a focus on driver engagement.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 400 (later models).
E32 Luxury:
Emphasis on occupant comfort, sophisticated interior design, and a quiet ride, particularly in the long-wheelbase 'iL' variants.
E32 Performance:
Powerful inline-six (735i/iL) and V12 (750iL) engines, refined suspension, and stable handling characteristics that defined BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.
Usefulness:
Essential for diagnosing and repairing the complex electronic systems that were a hallmark of this era of BMW luxury vehicles. Addresses common electronic gremlins and ensures proper system function.
Primary Coverage:
Electronic Systems Troubleshooting
Secondary Coverage:
Engine management, ignition, fuel injection, ABS, climate control, body electronics
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Exact count not provided, typical for troubleshooting manuals covering multiple systems)
Type:
Electronic Troubleshooting Manual / Service Manual Supplement
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, based on product description)
Engine Management:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics) systems for 735i/iL and DME/DWS for 750iL, including sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil operation, control signals, troubleshooting of ignition faults.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), injector operation, fuel pump control, fuel pressure regulation troubleshooting.
ABS System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) control module, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic unit, troubleshooting of ABS warning lights and malfunctions.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (IHKA), HVAC control modules, blower motor control, flap actuator diagnostics, sensor troubleshooting.
Body Electronics:
Central locking, power windows, sunroof, mirrors, instrument cluster warnings, interior lighting, OBC (On-Board Computer) diagnostics.
Lighting Systems:
Headlight control, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals, and associated control modules/relays.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using BMW's diagnostic connectors (e.g., 20-pin under hood) and interpreting diagnostic codes.
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Systematic approach to diagnosing electrical faults, including symptom analysis and diagnostic tree usage.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all covered systems, crucial for tracing circuits and identifying faults.
Component Testing:
Procedures for testing individual electronic components, sensors, and actuators using multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Diagnostic Code Interpretation:
Explanation of BMW diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their associated fault descriptions.
Connector Pinouts:
Detailed pin assignments for various electronic control modules and connectors.
Fuse Relay Locations:
Identification and function of fuses and relays related to the electrical systems.
Depth:
Advanced Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Focus:
Diagnosing faults that may not be apparent through basic visual inspection or simple checks.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, advanced DIY enthusiasts, automotive technicians.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
3.430 cc (3.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 86 mm
Horsepower:
208 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque:
290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic ML-S (Electronic Fuel Injection and Ignition)
Displacement:
4.988 cc (5.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 75 mm
Horsepower:
296 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque:
470 Nm (347 lb-ft) @ 3,900 rpm
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 (Dual ECUs for V12 engine)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 265)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24)
E32 Auto Modes:
Comfort and Sport modes for adaptive shift points.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron II (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1 or equivalent specification)
Length:
4,910 mm (193.3 in)
Length:
5,024 mm (197.8 in)
Length:
5,024 mm (197.8 in)
Wheelbase Short Wheelbase:
2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Wheelbase Long Wheelbase:
2,945 mm (116.0 in)
Curb Weight 735I:
approx. 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)
Curb Weight 750Il:
approx. 1,910 kg (4,211 lbs)
NHTSA Rating:
Not officially rated by NHTSA in the modern sense, but designed to high European safety standards.
ABS:
Standard on all models (ASC - Automatic Stability Control optional on some later 735iL/750iL).
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard from late 1989/early 1990 models onwards. Passenger airbag not typically available for these model years.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners on front belts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones.
Onboard Computer:
BMW On-Board Computer (OBC) providing fuel consumption, range, and diagnostic messages.
Audio System:
Premium Hi-Fi audio systems, often with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on later models, especially 750iL.
Diagnostic Port:
Early OBD-I compliant, with a specific 20-pin diagnostic connector located in the engine bay for accessing fault codes.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000-80,000 km (30,000-50,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature. Consult manual for exact specification.
Coolant:
BMW Blue or Green antifreeze coolant mixture (50/50) with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (e.g., ATE TYP 200 or equivalent).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump failure is also common.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on connectors, failing O-rings in the SRS system, pixelation on the instrument cluster OBC display, and issues with the central locking vacuum system.
Fuel System 750:
Potential issues with the dual airflow meters and lambda sensors on the V12 engine.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings and rear self-leveling suspension issues (on some models) can occur.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long history of producing premium, performance-oriented luxury sedans, building on the success of models like the E23 7 Series.
E32 Introduction:
Introduced in 1986 as a successor to the E23, the E32 represented a significant leap forward in automotive design and technology for BMW.
E32 Variants:
The range expanded to include the 735i (standard and long wheelbase 'iL') and the prestigious V12-powered 750iL, which was the first mass-produced V12 engine in a European passenger car.
Production Years:
1986-1994 (for E32 chassis)
Manufacturing:
Dingolfing, Germany
Automotive Journalism:
The E32 7 Series was generally well-received by automotive press for its engineering, performance, and refinement, often cited as a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment of its era.
Design Awards:
Recipient of various design accolades for its aerodynamic and timeless styling, penned by Claus Luthe.
Technical Standard:
Manufactured to rigorous German engineering and quality standards.
