🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

750iL

Year:

1988

Chassis Code:

E32

Engine Code Group:

M70

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Positioning:

Flagship model, showcasing BMW's engineering prowess and luxury.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS

Powertrain:

V12 engine, advanced for its time.

Luxury:

Exceptional interior comfort, advanced features for the era.

Technology:

Early adoption of electronic systems, including ABS and a rudimentary onboard computer.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

File Format Quality:

High-resolution scans, searchable text (if digitally converted)

Print Quality:

Professional quality for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M70 V12), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Vehicle Electrical System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Instrumentation, On-Board Computer (OBC), Check Control System, ABS System

Body:

Body Structure, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, HVAC System (Climate Control), Seats

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, HVAC System Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Component Testing Procedures, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Rebuilding:

Engine Component Rebuilds (e.g., Cylinder Heads, Crankshaft), Transmission Rebuilds

Restoration:

Detailed guidance on component restoration, upholstery repair, trim replacement, and paint correction techniques.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed Electrical Schematics and Wiring Diagrams

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools

Torquespecs:

Precise torque specifications for all critical fasteners and engine components.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V12, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 48 Valves

Engine Code:

M70 B50

Displacement:

4988 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 91.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

300 PS (296 hp; 221 kW) at 5200 rpm

Torque:

470 Nm (347 lb-ft) at 3900 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic DME electronic fuel injection with two injectors per cylinder (total 24 injectors)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

80 Liters (21.1 US gallons)

Coolant Capacity:

13.5 Liters (14.3 US quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Premium Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol based)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

ZF 4HP24

Optional Transmission:

None (5-speed manual was not offered on the 750iL)

Features:

Electronic control, Sport and Economy modes

Fluid Type:

BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III)

Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US quarts) for a complete fluid change

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2990 mm (117.7 inches)

Length:

5024 mm (197.8 inches)

Width:

1800 mm (70.9 inches)

Height:

1430 mm (56.3 inches)

Curb Weight:

1960 kg (4321 lbs)

Gross Weight:

2460 kg (5423 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

500 kg (1102 lbs)

Trunk Capacity:

500 Liters (17.7 cubic feet)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not rated by NHTSA for this era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners.

Chassis Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Bavaria C Reverse RDS radio/cassette player with integrated amplifier, optional CD changer.

Navigation:

Optional early GPS navigation system (BMW Navigator).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking sensors (early implementation).

Obc:

On-Board Computer (OBC) for vehicle status, diagnostics, and trip computer functions.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Seats:

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated front and rear seats (optional).

Headlights:

Halogen headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights (later in production).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (BMW Longlife Service concept).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 km (62,000 miles) for platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years (regardless of mileage).

Engine Oil Type:

BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

7.5 Liters (7.9 US quarts) with oil filter change.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (CHF 11S or equivalent)

Common Problems:

Ignition coil failures, fuel injector issues (especially the secondary injectors), coolant leaks from plastic components, ABS sensor failures, window regulator issues, aging electronic control units (ECUs).

V12 Specific:

The complexity of the V12 engine requires specialized knowledge and tools; premature wear of valve stem seals can lead to oil consumption.

Preventative:

Regular maintenance is crucial; proactive replacement of aging rubber hoses and plastic components can prevent major failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.

Generation:

E32 generation, introduced in 1986, succeeding the E23.

750Il Introduction:

The 750iL, featuring the M70 V12 engine, was introduced in 1987 as the pinnacle of the E32 lineup.

Design Philosophy:

The E32 was designed to be more aerodynamic and spacious than its predecessor, with a focus on driver involvement and comfort.

Production Years E32:

1986-1994

Production Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Received:

While specific awards for the 1988 750iL are not widely documented, the E32 generation was generally praised for its refinement, engineering, and luxury in contemporary automotive press.

Contemporary Reviews:

Often lauded for its smooth V12 power delivery, comfortable ride, and advanced technology for its time, making it a benchmark luxury sedan.