Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors 1991:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), Lexus LS 400 (XF10), Cadillac Fleetwood, Lincoln Continental
Usp E32:
BMW's characteristic driving dynamics combined with advanced technology and refined luxury, positioned as a sportier alternative to traditional rivals.
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality leather, wood trim, advanced climate control, premium audio systems, sophisticated ride quality.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on driver engagement, responsive steering, and a powerful inline-six engine.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Drivetrain, Transmission, Differential, Driveshafts
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management Electronics (DME), Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Switches, Relays, Fuses, Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Body Control Modules (BCM), ABS System
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC System, Convertible Top (if applicable, though unlikely for this model), Sunroof
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul (Top End & Bottom End), Transmission Repair/Rebuild, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, Steering System Overhaul
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Circuit Diagrams, Component Testing Procedures
Adjustment Calibration:
Valve Clearances, Idle Speed, Ignition Timing (if applicable), ABS Sensor Calibration
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, wiring diagrams, exploded views
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3430 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 208 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 224 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Injection:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for specific climate/usage)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type Recommendation:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 Liters (11.1 Quarts)
Type 735I:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP-22)
Type 735Il:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP-22)
Drive Modes:
Standard Drive, Sport Mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or III (BMW HT-1)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 Quarts) for a complete fill
Length 735I:
Approx. 4960 mm (195.3 inches)
Length 735Il:
Approx. 5124 mm (201.7 inches)
Wheelbase 735I:
Approx. 2830 mm (111.4 inches)
Wheelbase 735Il:
Approx. 2970 mm (116.9 inches)
Curb Weight 735I:
Approx. 1700 kg (3748 lbs)
Curb Weight 735Il:
Approx. 1750 kg (3858 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Standard Wheel Size:
15 inch Alloy (e.g., 7Jx15)
Standard Tire Size:
205/65R15 or 225/60R15
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not rated due to age of testing standards for this era
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or introduced later in the model run.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, pre-tensioners for front occupants
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C Professional RDS or similar premium stereo system, often with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with cabin air filter.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking sensors ('Park Distance Control') were an early optional feature on some E32 models.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights with optional fog lights. 'Daytime Running Lights' integrated.
Phone Integration:
Optional car phone integration available.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for exact guidance).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual, especially for heavy use.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for platinum plugs, higher for iridium (check specification).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (ISO 4925 Class 4)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific model requirement in manual)
Cooling System Leaks:
Common failure points include radiator, hoses, water pump seals, and thermostat housing. The plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle.
E32 Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness degradation, faulty door locks, climate control issues, and instrument cluster problems can occur due to age and material breakdown.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers commonly wear out, affecting ride quality and handling.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Fuel pumps can degrade over time; early replacement may be preventative.
Interior Wear:
Leather can dry out and crack, wood trim can delaminate, and headliners can sag.
Bmw Philosophy:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known for engineering excellence, sporty driving characteristics, and luxurious vehicles.
E32 Introduction:
Introduced in 1986 as the successor to the E23 7 Series.
E32 Lifecyle:
Produced from 1986 to 1994. 1991 model year represents the mid-cycle of the E32 generation.
E32 Variants:
Offered with M30 inline-six engines (730i, 735i) and M60 V8 engines (740i, 740iL, 750i, 750iL) in later years. The 735i/iL features the robust M30 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
E32 Contemporary Acclaim:
While specific awards for the 1991 model year are scarce, the E32 generation was widely praised for its blend of luxury, technology, and performance, solidifying BMW's position in the flagship sedan market.
Consumer Reports Historical:
Generally rated well for performance and handling, with typical concerns related to complex electronics and maintenance costs associated with luxury vehicles of the era.
