Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Era:
Late 1980s to early 1990s
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on driver comfort, advanced technology for its time, and performance
Manual Advantage:
Provides professional-level repair and maintenance guidance for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive repair, maintenance, rebuild, refurbishment, and restoration
Diagnostic Coverage:
All diagnostic and repair procedures covered in great detail
Estimated Page Count:
Undisclosed (Digital, comprehensive)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine:
Mechanical, lubrication, cooling, control, fuel, exhaust systems
Transmission:
Clutch, manual transaxle, automatic transaxle
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, road wheels & tires
Brakes:
Brake system, parking brake system, brake control system
Steering:
Power steering system, steering system
Restraints:
Seat belts, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Body:
Body, lock & security system, glasses, window system & mirrors, roof, exterior & interior, instrumental panel, seats
HVAC:
Air conditioner system
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starting & charging, lighting, driver information, wiper/washer/horn, body control, LAN, audio/visual/navigation/telephone, auto cruise control, power supply/ground/circuit elements
Maintenance:
General maintenance procedures
Repair:
All repair procedures from A-Z
Rebuilding:
Complete rebuild procedures for various components
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for troubleshooting
Depth:
Professional Technician/Mechanic level
Illustrations:
High-quality photos, illustrations, and diagrams
735I/735Il:
3.5L M30B35 Inline-6
740I/740Il:
4.0L M60B40 V8
735I (Approximate):
208 hp @ 5700 rpm, 250 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm
740I (Approximate):
282 hp @ 5800 rpm, 295 lb-ft torque @ 4500 rpm
750Il (Approximate):
296 hp @ 5200 rpm, 332 lb-ft torque @ 3900 rpm
Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
System:
Proprietary BMW Engine Management Systems (Motronic variants)
735I/735Il:
4-speed automatic (optional 5-speed manual in some markets)
740I/740Il:
5-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP30)
750Il:
4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP24)
Automation Modes:
Sport and Economy modes on automatic transmissions
Wheelbase:
E32: 117.1 inches (2974 mm); E32L (long wheelbase): 120.9 inches (3071 mm)
Length:
E32: ~196 inches (4980 mm); E32L: ~200 inches (5080 mm)
Width:
Approximately 71.8 inches (1824 mm)
Curb Weight:
Varies by model, approximately 3800-4500 lbs (1720-2040 kg)
Crash Test Results:
As per NHTSA/IIHS standards of the era, generally good for its class
Braking:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most models
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with traction control) available on some models
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from 1990/1991 onwards; passenger airbag optional
Restraint System:
Front and rear seat belts, pre-tensioners
Audio System:
High-quality Hi-Fi systems, often with premium speaker options; cassette player standard.
Navigation:
Early BMW GPS navigation systems available on some later models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control available on most models.
Telephone:
Optional integrated car phone systems available on some luxury trims.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats optional.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Inspection:
Annual or 15,000-mile inspections for fluid levels, brakes, suspension, and exhaust
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) and API/ACEA specifications based on engine and climate
Coolant:
BMW blue or green coolant (ethylene glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) like Dexron III or Pentosin for automatic transmissions; gear oil for manuals. Refer to manual.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump seals can fail.
Electrical:
Door module failures, headlight leveling system issues, ABS sensor failures, VANOS (variable camshaft timing) issues on later M60/M62 engines (though less prevalent on early M60s).
Interior:
Headliner sagging, seat leather wear, pixelated instrument cluster displays.
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade, leading to vibration.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on engineering and performance
E32 Introduction:
Introduced in 1986 as a successor to the E23 7-Series, representing a significant technological leap.
E32 Updates:
Mid-cycle refresh included introduction of the V8 engines (M60) for 1993 model year.
Production Period:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Plant:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
