🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

E32

Year:

1990

Product Name:

BMW E32 1990 Factory Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of the 1990 BMW E32 seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics, as well as professional automotive technicians specializing in BMW vehicles.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-accurate information, which is often more detailed and reliable than aftermarket manuals, covering all aspects of the vehicle's operation and repair.

Documentation Source:

Official BMW factory documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Ease Of Use:

Designed for clarity with sequential steps and detailed illustrations, making complex procedures understandable.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Scope:

Comprehensive repair and service information for the 1990 BMW E32

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific manual edition, typically between 500-1500 pages for a full factory service manual.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a physical printed manual or a digital PDF replica.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, and repair

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, axles, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering, alignment

Brakes:

Brake system components, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, comfort electronics, DME (Digital Motor Electronics)

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, convertible top (if applicable), interior trim

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system

Chassis:

Frame, subframes, mounts

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, disassembly, and reassembly

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures, including DME system diagnostics

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

Depth:

Factory-level, detailed technical information suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

If digital, expect high-resolution scans or professionally formatted PDFs with searchable text and vector diagrams.

Printed Quality:

If printed, expect durable binding, clear text, and well-reproduced diagrams and photographs.

Binding:

Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound for printed manuals to withstand frequent use.

Paper Quality:

Durable, often coated paper to resist grease and wear in a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes 1990:

M30B30 (3.0L inline-6), M30B35 (3.5L inline-6), M60B40 (4.0L V8, introduced later in E32 production)

3.0L Inline 6 Horsepower:

Approx. 188 hp (varies by market and specific tuning)

3.5L Inline 6 Horsepower:

Approx. 208 hp (varies by market and specific tuning)

4.0L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 282 hp

Fuel Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic (specific version dependent on engine and market)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium octane recommended)

ECU:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics) controlling fuel delivery, ignition timing, and other engine functions.

Coolant Type:

BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (typically a silicate-free, ethylene glycol based mixture)

🔧 Transmission

Inline 6 Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/5) or 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22)

V8 Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP24)

Manual Option:

5-speed manual available on some inline-6 models.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Adaptive shift logic, Park/Neutral safety switch.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-II or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type and BMW approval codes)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (refer to manual for specific viscosity and BMW approval codes)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 117.4 inches (2982 mm)

Length:

Approx. 196.3 inches (4986 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and equipment, typically between 3600-4200 lbs (1633-1905 kg).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle's VIN plate or manual for exact GVWR.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

Standard Tire Sizes:

205/65R15, 225/60R15 (depending on model and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1990:

Specific NHTSA ratings for 1990 models are not readily available in standard databases for this era, but BMWs of this period were known for robust construction.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option on most models.

Traction Control:

ASC (Automatic Stability Control) became available later in the E32 production run, potentially on 1990 models depending on market and options.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag became standard or optional on later E32 models, check specific vehicle configuration.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory premium sound systems, often with cassette tape player. Some models may have CD changer integration.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with electronic sensors and actuators for precise temperature management.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Sensors:

Park distance control (PDC) was an optional feature introduced later in the E32's life, check if present on a 1990 model.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory cellular phone integration was available on some models.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights, with some models potentially offering Xenon HID lighting as an early adoption of the technology.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific interval.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Intervals vary significantly based on spark plug type (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium). Typically 30,000 miles for older types, up to 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium. Manual specifies.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual will provide exact recommendation.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Typically around 60,000 miles, though some sources suggest longer intervals. Manual: Refer to manual, often linked to differential fluid change.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) and BMW approval specification (e.g., BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent for the era).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8-10 liters (varies by engine and cooling system configuration). Manual will specify exact capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)

Common E32 Issues:

Cracked dashboards (especially on early models), cooling system leaks (hose failures, water pump), differential seals, ABS sensor failures, window regulator issues, heater control valve failures, distributor cap/rotor wear (M30 engines).

Preventative Maintenance:

Detailed procedures for replacing timing belts/chains, tensioners, idlers, and water pumps.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused luxury sedans with advanced engineering and performance.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation BMW 7 Series was introduced in 1986 and produced until 1994, succeeding the E23 generation. The 1990 model year represents a mid-cycle iteration.

E32 Key Innovations:

The E32 was a significant step forward, introducing features like the V8 engine to the 7 Series, advanced electronic engine management (DME), and improved aerodynamic styling.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

E32 Market Reception:

The E32 was generally well-received for its blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology, cementing BMW's position in the executive sedan market.

Car And Driver Rankings:

Often featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in its early years for its engineering and driving dynamics.