Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers valuing performance, comfort, and advanced engineering
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS400, Audi V8 Quattro
Design Philosophy:
Bavarian Motor Works' focus on driver engagement, engineering excellence, and understated luxury
Model Distinction:
E32 generation represented a significant step forward in BMW's luxury offerings
Engine:
M30B35 Engine (3.5L Inline-6)
Transmission:
4HP22EH Automatic Transmission
Brakes:
Hydraulic Disc Brakes (Front & Rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, ECU, Sensors
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Suspension (Semi-trailing Arms)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic Engine Management, Fuel Injection, Fuel Pump, Tank
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat
Exhaust System:
Catalytic Converter, Mufflers, Exhaust Manifolds
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System
Bodywork:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Chassis Repair
Interior:
Seating, Trim, Dashboard Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (where applicable)
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Brake Pad Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement
Overhaul:
Detailed Engine and Transmission Rebuild Procedures
Adjustment:
Valve Adjustment (if applicable to M30), Idle Speed Adjustment
Replacement:
Component Replacement (e.g., Alternator, Starter, Water Pump, Radiator)
Calibration:
ABS Sensor Calibration (if applicable)
Depth:
Full Mechanical and Electrical Repair Procedures
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on diagnostic procedures and potential tool requirements
Torque Specs:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners
Clearances:
Engine component clearances (e.g., bearing clearances, piston ring gaps)
Electrical Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring schematics
Configuration:
3.5L Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 86 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 Valves per Cylinder
Horsepower:
208 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Induction:
Bosch Motronic ML-1.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 Liters (11.1 Quarts)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts) with filter
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4HP22EH)
Manual Transmission:
Not available for 1993 735i/iL models in most markets.
Electronic Control:
EH signifies electronic control for shift points and hydraulic pressure.
Atf Specification:
BMW LT 71141 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
Atf Capacity:
Approx. 6.8 Liters (7.2 Quarts) for torque converter and cooler
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (Vehicle safety ratings were not standardized in this format in 1993)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Construction:
Integrated safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional RDS stereo systems, optional CD changer
Onboard Computer:
BMW On-Board Computer (OBC) with functions like fuel consumption, range, and diagnostics
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) was available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Early Telematics:
Optional car phone integration
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon (later models/options)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
BMW recommended 'lifetime' fluid, but many specialists recommend service every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 50,000 km (30,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000-40,000 km (20,000-25,000 miles) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for exact BMW approval)
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Cooling System:
Water pump failure, radiator leaks, hose degradation, thermostat housing cracks
Electrical:
ABS sensor failures, dashboard warning lights, OBC (On-Board Computer) pixilation, ignition switch problems
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, rear subframe mounting points, strut top mounts
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failure, clogged injectors, fuel pressure regulator issues
Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), valve stem seals, timing chain guides (less common on M30 than later engines)
HVAC:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, climate control module issues, AC compressor leaks
General Availability:
Good for common wear items, specialized components may require sourcing from BMW specialists.
Brand Legacy:
BMW's reputation for sporty luxury sedans and performance engineering
E32 Generation:
Introduced in 1986 as the successor to the E23, the E32 represented BMW's interpretation of modern luxury
E32 Features:
Introduced advanced features like self-leveling suspension (optional), dual-zone climate control, and early traction control systems
E32 Facelift:
Minor facelift occurred in 1992, but the 1993 models are largely representative of the pre-facelift design cues with some updates.
Production Years:
E32 generation: 1986–1994
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E32 generation was frequently praised by automotive critics for its refinement and driving dynamics, though not always on '10 Best' lists as it competed in a higher luxury tier.
Overall Reputation:
Recognized for its build quality, comfort, and engineering sophistication, establishing BMW as a serious contender in the luxury sedan market.