🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7-Series (E32)

Production Years Covered:

1988-1994

Chassis Code:

E32

Variant Models Covered:

735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750iL

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Competitors Era:

Competed against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS400, Jaguar XJ, and Cadillac DeVille during its production run.

Luxury Appointments:

Known for its refined ride, advanced technology for its time, opulent interior, and powerful engines.

Design Philosophy:

Represented BMW's flagship sedan, emphasizing performance and luxury combined with sophisticated engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Page Count:

979

File Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Printability:

Printable without restriction

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder Block Assy, Crankshaft, Connecting Rods, Pistons, Camshaft, Timing Gears/Chains.

Engine Control Systems:

Engine Control System Mechanical, Engine Control System

Emission Control Systems:

Emission Control Systems

Drivetrain:

Drive Shaft, Drive Belt, Differential Case Assy, U-Joint and CV-Joint Service Procedures

Cylinder Head Assembly:

Cylinder Head Assy, Cylinder Head, Valve Clearance

Cooling System:

Cooling System, Radiator Assy, Water Pump Assy, Thermostat

Fuel System:

Fuel Tank, Fuel System, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injector, Throttle Body Assy

Ignition System:

Ignition System

Charging System:

Charging System, Generator Assy

Starting System:

Starting System, Starter Assy

Lubrication System:

Lubrication System, Oil Pump, Oil Filter

Transmission:

Transmission Removal and Installation, Transmission In Car Servicing, Automatic Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle Assy, Manual Transaxle System, Manual Transaxle Assy, Transmission Valve Body, Transmission Revolution Sensor, Transmission Control Cable

Brakes:

Brakes, Brake System, Brake Pedal, Brake Master Cylinder, Brake Fluid, Brake Booster, Brake Actuator, Front Brake, Rear Brake, Parking Brake, Parking Brake Lever, Parking Brake Cable

Suspension:

Suspension, Front Suspension System, Rear Suspension System, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Front Stabilizer Bar, Rear Coil Spring, Front Shock Absorber, Rear Shock Absorber Assy

Steering:

Steering System, Steering Sensor, Steering Column, Power Steering, Power Steering Link Assy

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel And Tire System, Tire & Wheel, Front Wheel Alignment, Rear Wheel Alignment

Body And Chassis:

Body Repair, Sun Roof System, Sun Roof, Roof Headlining, Roof Drip Side Finish Moulding, Back Door, Front Bumper, Rear Bumper, Front Door, Rear Door, Fender Panel Mudguard, Windshield Glass

Electrical And Lighting:

Wiring Diagrams, Wire Harness Repair, Lighting System, Headlamp Assy, Front Marker Lamp Assy, Rear Combination Lamp Assy, Center Stop Lamp Assy, License Plate Lamp Assy, Side Turn Signal Lamp Assy, Interior Lighting

Comfort And Convenience:

Air Conditioning Service And Capacities, Heater & Air Conditioner, Heater Radiator Assy, Heater Or Boost Ventilator Control, Sun Roof, Power Window Control System, Power Door Lock Control System, Power Mirror Control System, Washer Nozzle, Cigarette Lighter Assy

Safety Systems:

Supplemental Restraint System, Seat Belt Warning System, Seat Belt, Seat, Curtain Shield Air Bag Assy, Side Air Bag Sensor Assy, Seat Position Air Bag Sensor, Passenger Air Bag Assy, SRS Component Locations

Infotainment And Audio:

Audio & Visual System, Radio Receiver Assy, Amplifier Antenna Assy, Antenna Cord Sub-Assy, Rear Speaker Assy, Front Speaker Assy

Wipers And Washers:

Wiper And Washer System, Wiper & Washer, Windshield Wiper Switch Assy, Windshield Wiper Motor Assy, Rear Wiper Rubber, Rear Wiper Motor Assy

Exhaust System:

Exhaust Pipe, Mufflers, Catalytic Converters.

Instrumentation:

Combination Meter, Gauges, Warning Lights, Instrument Panel components.

Body Hardware:

Door Handles, Hinges, Hood, Trunk Lid, Exterior Trim Mouldings.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame Structure, Crossmembers, Body Mounts.

Engine Coolant:

Cooling Fan System, Radiator, Hoses, Water Pump.

SFI System:

Sequential Fuel Injection system components and diagnostics.

Maintenance:

Factory Maintenance Schedules And Charts, Basic Maintenance Procedures

Troubleshooting:

Trouble Codes, Troubleshooting and Diagnostics, Computer Diagnostic Trouble Tree Charts, Driving Concerns

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete tear down and rebuild, Engine Overhaul and Rebuilding, Transmission Removal And Installation, Brakes Servicing Procedures, U-Joint And CV-Joint Service Procedures, Repair Procedures

Diagnostics:

Computer Diagnostic Codes, Engine Performance Diagnostics

Timing Belt:

Timing Belt Replacement, Timing Belt Service Procedures

Alignment:

Front End And Alignment Procedures and Specifications, Front Wheel Alignment, Rear Wheel Alignment

Air Conditioning:

Air Conditioning Service And Capacities

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete Wiring Diagrams

Diagnostic Charts:

Computer Diagnostic Trouble Tree Charts for systematic troubleshooting.

Torque Specifications:

Complete Torque Specifications for all major components and fasteners.

Vacuum Diagrams:

Detailed Vacuum Diagrams for engine and emissions systems.

Detail Level:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds and diagnostics.

Documentation Style:

Detailed illustrations, step-by-step instructions, part diagrams, torque specifications.

Special Tools Coverage:

Likely includes diagrams and specifications for specialized BMW tools required for certain repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Image Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for detailed viewing of diagrams and text.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, enhancing ease of use.

Output Format:

Printable to standard paper sizes for workshop use.

Digital Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Digital Medium:

Electronic delivery via download link.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Approx:

M30B35

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3430 cc)

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC

Horsepower Approx:

208 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque Approx:

225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Approx:

M60B40

Displacement:

4.0 Liters (3982 cc)

Configuration:

V8, DOHC

Horsepower Approx:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque Approx:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine Code Approx:

M70B50

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4988 cc)

Configuration:

V12, SOHC

Horsepower Approx:

295 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Approx:

332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Transmission Options:

Primarily automatic, with some manual availability in earlier models for specific markets/engines.

🔧 Transmission

Type 735I/Il:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22)

Type 740I/Il:

5-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP18 / 5HP30)

Type 750Il:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP24)

Shift Modes:

Often featured Sport/Economy modes for altered shift points.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 735I/740I:

Approx. 116.4 inches (2957 mm)

Wheelbase 735Il/740Il/750Il:

Approx. 120.6 inches (3063 mm)

Curb Weight Approx Range:

4000 - 4500 lbs (1814 - 2041 kg) depending on engine and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Era Specific Ratings:

While official NCAP ratings were not prevalent in the same way as today, these vehicles were engineered to high safety standards for their era, featuring crumple zones and safety cages.

Braking Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models.

Traction Control:

ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with traction control) became available or standard on later models, particularly V8 and V12 variants.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard from mid-production; passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.

Seat Belts:

Pre-tensioned front seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Bavaria C or Professional series cassette radios, often with CD changer integration on later models.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

System Type:

Dual-zone automatic climate control was a hallmark of the E32, offering sophisticated temperature regulation.

Memory Seats:

Power adjustable front seats with memory functions for driver and often front passenger.

Sunroof:

Power glass sunroof with tilt and slide functionality.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Typical:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement Typical:

Around 60,000 miles for standard plugs, platinum or iridium plugs can extend this significantly.

Timing Belt Service:

Crucial for M30 engines (735i/iL) - typically around 50,000-60,000 miles or 5 years. M60/M70 engines use timing chains, which are generally more durable but require inspection.

Engine Oil Recommendation Typical:

API SJ/SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Always consult the manual for specific viscosity based on temperature.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Dexron III or equivalent for ZF 4-speed transmissions; Dexron VI or equivalent for some 5-speed transmissions. Specific BMW part numbers are often recommended.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; thermostat housings can also leak.

Engine M60 V8:

Nikasil cylinder liner wear (early models, though many were updated under warranty or recall), timing chain guides/tensioners can wear out leading to noise and potential damage.

Electrical System:

Water ingress into the engine computer (DME) can cause issues; corroded wiring connectors, particularly in the engine bay and under the dash, are common.

Suspension:

Wear in control arm bushings and ball joints leading to steering looseness and alignment issues.

Interior:

Headliner sag, pixelation on the instrument cluster's LCD display, and failing door seal weatherstripping.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was central to the 7-Series, blending performance with luxury.

E32 Introduction:

Introduced in 1986 as the successor to the E23 7-Series, it marked a significant technological and design advancement.

E32 Updates:

Received updates including the introduction of V8 (740i) and V12 (750iL) engines, improved electronics, and cosmetic refinements throughout its lifecycle.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Frequently praised by automotive journalists for its blend of luxury, performance, and advanced engineering, often cited as a benchmark in its class.

Consumer Reports Era:

While specific ratings vary by year and publication, generally regarded as a well-engineered vehicle, though repair costs are typically higher than average luxury cars.