Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Competitors Era:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS400, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille
Distinction:
Known for its V12 engine, luxurious interior, advanced technology for its time, and commanding road presence.
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and prestige.
Engine:
Complete V12 engine (M70B50), including cooling, lubrication, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition, emissions control, and engine management
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP24) overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, and shift control
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential, axle components
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including components, adjustments, and troubleshooting
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, hydraulic components
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), caliper service, rotor replacement, fluid specifications and bleeding procedures
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay locations, lighting, starting and charging system, battery management
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C service, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit diagnostics
Comfort And Convenience:
Power seats, power windows, central locking, sunroof operation, cruise control, interior electronics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, component removal and installation, adjustments, and calibration
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls, brake system component overhauls
Diagnosis:
Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, ABS system troubleshooting
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures
Engine Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4988 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 90 mm
Cylinder Head Design:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (2 per cylinder bank)
Horsepower Ps:
300 PS (296 bhp) at 5200 rpm
Torque Lb-Ft:
332 lb-ft (450 Nm) at 3900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M DME (Digital Engine Electronics) with multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
ECU System:
Dual ECUs for each bank of cylinders
Audio System:
High-quality sound system (e.g., premium BMW or Harman Kardon options), cassette player
Climate Control System:
Automatic dual-zone climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC)
Telematics:
Early analog cellular phone integration available on some models
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (check manual for specific conditions)
Spark Plug Interval Miles:
Refer to manual; typically significant intervals for V12 engines (e.g., 60,000+ miles)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, viscosity grade typically 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to owner's manual or manual for exact BMW specification)
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.0 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or Green long-life antifreeze (Glysantin G05 or equivalent), mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Type:
ZF TE-ML 14 (or equivalent Dexron II/III, depending on specific ZF recommendation - verify with manual)
Common Issues:
Cooling system leaks (especially plastic components), ignition coil failures, ABS sensor issues, fuel injector problems, wear on suspension bushings, window regulator failures, potential electrical gremlins due to age.
V12 Specifics:
Requires specialized knowledge for V12 maintenance due to dual ECUs, two fuel pumps, and complexity. Proper diagnosis is critical.
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building premium, driver-focused luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation replaced the E23 and was produced from 1986 to 1994. The 750iL, with the M70 V12, was introduced in 1987 as the flagship model.
Facelift:
A mild facelift occurred around 1992, with minor styling updates and technology enhancements.
Production Period:
1987-1994 (for the E32 750iL)
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany