Product Type:
Workshop Service Manual (WSM) / Repair Manual
Primary Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994
Secondary Years Covered:
This manual likely covers the entire production run of the E32 chassis, which spanned from late 1986 to 1994, including the 1987 and 1991 model years not explicitly listed in the product name.
Engine Codes:
M30 (e.g., M30B30, M30B35), M60 (e.g., M60B30, M60B40)
Transmission Codes:
Getrag 260 (manual), ZF 4HP22, ZF 5HP30 (automatic)
Market Position:
The BMW E32 7 Series represented the pinnacle of luxury and technology for BMW in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It competed directly with other flagship sedans from Mercedes-Benz (W126/W140 S-Class) and other European luxury manufacturers.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against the Mercedes-Benz W126 and early W140 S-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ, and Lexus LS 400. The E32 was lauded for its sophisticated chassis, powerful engines, and driver-focused interior.
Key Features:
Iconic 'shark nose' styling, advanced (for its time) electronics, powerful inline-six and V8 engines, comfortable and luxurious interior, sophisticated suspension.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform extensive DIY maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs associated with dealership or independent specialist labor. Provides the knowledge to understand and maintain complex systems.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (M30 and M60 families), fuel injection (Motronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260) repair and service, Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22, 5HP30) operation, diagnostics, and service.
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshaft, differential, rear axle assembly.
Suspension Steering Systems
Suspension Steering Systems:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering column.
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and service, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Complete electrical system diagnostics, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, vehicle wiring diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Bodywork repair, door mechanisms, windows, sunroof, seals, chassis components, corrosion protection.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, diagnostics, refrigerant, blower motor, climate control module.
Interior:
Seat adjustment, interior trim, dashboard components, instrument cluster.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, drive belt inspection/replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild (specific units), suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, ABS warnings, and HVAC problems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain procedures.
Technical Depth:
In-depth, professional level covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and component-level repairs. Includes detailed schematics and torque specifications.
Print Quality:
Full Printable. Designed for clarity and legibility when printed.
Binding Type:
Digital Download (implies no physical binding; pages can be printed and bound by the user).
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download).
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader or compatible PDF viewer.
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac.
Primary Engine Options:
M30B30 (3.0L inline-6), M30B35 (3.5L inline-6), M60B30 (3.0L V8), M60B40 (4.0L V8)
M30B35 Performance:
Approx. 208 hp @ 5700 rpm, 225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
M60B40 Performance:
Approx. 296 hp @ 5800 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Injection System:
Bosch Motronic EFI (various versions depending on engine and year)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management System:
Integrated engine management system (Motronic) controlling fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260) typically on 730i, 735i models. 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22) also common.
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22), 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP30) introduced later for V8 models.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control (EGS) on later models, Sport/Economy modes.
Wheelbase:
2,918 mm (114.9 in) for standard wheelbase; 3,070 mm (120.9 in) for long wheelbase (iL models).
Length:
Approx. 4,970 mm (195.7 in) for standard wheelbase; 5,124 mm (201.7 in) for long wheelbase.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,650 - 1,900 kg (3,638 - 4,189 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.
Safety Ratings:
No specific standardized crash test ratings (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) from that era are readily available. However, BMW was known for robust construction.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, Traction Control (ASC/ASC+T) optional or standard on later models.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (driver and passenger optional on early models, standard later), crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, seat belts with pretensioners.
Infotainment Features:
On-Board Computer (OBC) with diagnostics and trip information, MID (Multi-Information Display), optional premium sound systems (e.g., Nakamichi), cassette player.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, Automatic Climate Control (dual-zone), optional power-adjustable steering column with memory.
Connectivity Features:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity as these were not prevalent technologies at the time of manufacture. Communication systems were typically analog telephones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil. Check Owner's Manual for specific interval.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years, or as per manual recommendations, due to hygroscopic nature of brake fluid.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, viscosity SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on climate. BMW recommends specific grades. Check manual for exact specification.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 for Getrag 260. Check manual for precise spec.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II (later Dexron III for ZF 5HP30). Requires specific ZF fluid for optimal performance. Check manual for exact type and capacity.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issues Electrical:
Sagging headliner, failing pixels on instrument cluster displays (MID/OBC), door lock actuators, ABS sensor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, sunroof motor issues.
Common Issues Mechanical:
Coolant leaks (water pump, hoses, radiator), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), VANOS issues on early M60 engines (though less common than on later M62), worn suspension bushings, driveshaft flex disc wear.
Brand Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, producing driver-oriented vehicles with strong performance and advanced technology.
Model Evolution:
The E32 succeeded the E23 7 Series and introduced a more aerodynamic and contemporary design, along with significant technological advancements. It was a major step forward in BMW's flagship sedan offering.
Production Years:
1986-1994
Production Locations:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany.
