Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS 400, Cadillac DeVille.
Unique Selling Points:
Advanced engineering, superior ride comfort, powerful engines, and a focus on driver engagement characteristic of BMW's M division heritage, even in standard luxury models.
Vehicle Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Vehicle Models:
735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750iL
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for M30 and M60 engines.
Transmission:
Repair and maintenance for automatic transmissions (e.g., ZF 4HP22, 4HP24).
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Comprehensive coverage of front and rear suspension, steering systems (including power steering), and braking systems (including ABS).
Electrical System:
Detailed troubleshooting and repair for all electrical components, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and auxiliary systems.
Body Equipment:
Procedures for body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and interior trim.
Equipment Accessories:
Information on climate control, power seats, windows, mirrors, sunroof, and audio systems.
Electrical Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures and common fault finding for various systems.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid types, and capacities.
Depth:
Complete factory-level detail, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Primary Engine 735I 735Il
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3.430 cc (3.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on market/model year)
Horsepower Net Psi:
208 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque Net Lb-Ft:
225 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
Engine Type:
V8, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3.982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Net Psi:
282 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque Net Lb-Ft:
295 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 Fuel Injection
Engine Notes:
The M60 V8 was BMW's first mainstream V8 engine, notable for its compact design and Nikasil cylinder liners (later replaced by Alusil in some markets due to potential sulfur sensitivity).
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Optional Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 265/5) - Rare in North American market
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30)
Transmission Control:
Electronic transmission control with sport/economy modes.
Zf 4Hp22 Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Zf 5Hp30 Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-4 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Length:
4,960 mm (195.3 in)
Width:
1,847 mm (72.7 in)
Height:
1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Length:
5,124 mm (201.7 in)
Width:
1,847 mm (72.7 in)
Height:
1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Length:
4,960 mm (195.3 in)
Width:
1,847 mm (72.7 in)
Height:
1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Length:
5,124 mm (201.7 in)
Width:
1,847 mm (72.7 in)
Height:
1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb Weight 735I:
Approx. 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Curb Weight 740I:
Approx. 1,790 kg (3,946 lbs)
Curb Weight 740Il:
Approx. 1,890 kg (4,167 lbs)
Standard Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch Alloy
Standard Tire Size:
205/65R15, 215/65R15, 225/60R15, 225/55R16 (vary by model and year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control) on later models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 onwards; passenger airbag optional/standard later in production.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Construction:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium sound systems (e.g., Nakamichi) were available, often with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
System Type:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings.
Seating:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats, and lumbar support.
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows, power mirrors with defroster, power sunroof.
Service Intervals General
Oil Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-18 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., standard copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil M30:
SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40 or 10W-50 synthetic or semi-synthetic (refer to manual for specific BMW approval).
Engine Oil M60:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic (refer to manual for specific BMW approval).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Long-Life Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (low viscosity). Flush every 2 years.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump seals can fail.
Engine M60:
Nikasil cylinder liner wear due to poor fuel quality or extended oil change intervals (especially in early production models). Vanos unit can exhibit rattle.
Electrical:
Headlight switch failure, LCM (Light Control Module) issues, door lock actuators, ABS sensors, and instrument cluster dead pixels/failures.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, rear subframe bushings, and shock absorber mounts are common wear items.
Interior:
Headliner sagging, seat leather cracking, pixelated displays (instrument cluster, climate control).
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation of the 7 Series was introduced in 1986 as a successor to the E23, aiming to elevate luxury, technology, and performance.
Key Updates:
Introduction of the V8 engine (M60) in 1992 for the 740i/740iL models marked a significant shift. Extended wheelbase 'iL' models provided enhanced rear passenger comfort.
Production Years E32:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
