Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Segment Description:
The 750iL was BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing with top-tier offerings from Mercedes-Benz (S-Class), Jaguar, and Cadillac.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class (e.g., 560SEL), Jaguar XJ6, Lincoln Continental Mark VII, Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.
Defining Features:
V12 engine, extended wheelbase ('L'), advanced electronics for the era, premium interior appointments, sophisticated suspension.
Body Systems:
Body Panel Repair, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seals, Interior Trim, Upholstery, Sound Deadening, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, Aerodynamics
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting Systems (Headlights, Taillights, Interior), Instrumentation, Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Seats, Sunroof, Climate Control Electronics, Radio/Audio System, Cruise Control, ABS System, SRS (Airbag) System, On-Board Computer (OBC)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine Assembly/Disassembly, Cylinder Head, Valves, Pistons, Connecting Rods, Crankshaft, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel System (Injection), Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Mounts, Timing System (Chain/Belt)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP-24), Gearbox Overhaul, Clutch (if applicable to specific variants), Drive Shafts, CV Joints, Differential, Axles, Wheel Bearings
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (Double Wishbone, Struts), Rear Suspension (Semi-Trailing Arms), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Steering Rack, Power Steering System, Wheel Alignment Specifications
Brakes:
Front/Rear Disc Brakes, Hydraulic System, ABS Components, Brake Lines, Calipers, Master Cylinder, Parking Brake
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC System Components, Blower Motor, Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Refrigerant, Climate Control Unit, Air Distribution
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Systems (early forms)
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but typical for a comprehensive factory manual)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (typical for factory manuals provided in this market)
All Systems:
Comprehensive coverage of all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems of the 1988 BMW 750iL.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for virtually every component and system, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting trees to identify and resolve problems.
Diagnostics:
Specific diagnostic routines and specifications for engine, transmission, ABS, and other electronic control units.
Depth:
Factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed specifications, tolerances, and torque values.
Engine Type:
V12 (SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder)
Displacement:
4988 cc (5.0 Liters)
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 296 hp @ 5200 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 332 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 Engine Management System with Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48/Glycol-based) - Check manual for exact specification
Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 (Consult manual for specific BMW approval numbers and viscosity grades)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Crash Test Ratings:
No standardized ratings like NHTSA/IIHS were available for vehicles of this era in the same way they are today. However, BMW built these vehicles with high safety standards for their time.
ABS:
Yes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard.
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from 1989/1990 model years onwards; check specific 1988 production details. Passenger airbag was generally not available in 1988.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners (front), lap belts (rear, often center).
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium Hi-Fi system (e.g., Bavaria C Professional), Cassette Player, potential for CD Changer (optional).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
On Board Computer:
BMW On-Board Computer (OBC) with features like range, average speed, fuel consumption, and diagnostic codes.
Cellular Phone:
Optional integrated car phone (early form of connectivity).
Climate Control Type:
Automatic Climate Control with dual-zone capability.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system or typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with synthetic oil, but consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (check manual for specific type and interval).
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 7.9 US quarts (7.5 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 13.7 US quarts (13 Liters) - Check manual for exact fill.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (High Performance)
Common Problems:
V12 engine management (complexity), cooling system reliability (hose leaks, water pump), fuel injector issues, vacuum leaks, transmission control unit failures, electrical gremlins (especially with age), catalytic converter longevity, sagging headliner, window regulator failures.
Key Tasks:
Regular inspection of all hoses and lines, monitoring of coolant temperature, keeping electrical connections clean and protected, timely replacement of wear items.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, emphasizing 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation replaced the E23 7 Series and was produced from 1986 to 1994.
750Il Introduction:
The 750iL, featuring the new M70 V12 engine, was introduced in 1987 for the 1988 model year, marking BMW's return to V12 production after decades.
Production Years:
E32: 1986-1994. 750iL: 1987-1994.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
