Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Era Standing:
Flagship model, representing BMW's pinnacle of engineering and luxury for its time
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille
V8 Engine:
Introduction of the M60 V8 engine marked a significant step for BMW's powertrain offerings in this class.
Luxury Appointments:
Advanced comfort features, high-quality materials, and sophisticated design for its time.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics and dedicated DIY enthusiasts looking for in-depth repair information.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the complex systems of the E32 7 Series.
Engine:
V8 M60B40 Engine (4.0L)
Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP30)
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Independent Front and Rear Suspension, Self-Leveling Rear Suspension (SLS) option
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, Rear discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System Schematics, ECU, Sensors, Lighting, Power Accessories
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Pressure Regulator
Cooling System:
Radiator, Thermostat, Water Pump, Coolant Hoses, Fan Clutch
Exhaust System:
Catalytic Converters, Mufflers, Exhaust Manifolds
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Bumpers, Frame Structure, Corrosion Protection
Interior:
Dashboard, Upholstery, Climate Control, Seating, Trim Components
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Automatic Climate Control (ECC)
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Rack
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel Specifications, Tire Sizes, Alignment Procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-offs
Engine Repair:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head repair, piston/ring replacement, timing chain service
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter changes, internal component inspection and repair, transmission removal/installation
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line bleeding, ABS component diagnostics
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber/strut replacement, ball joint service, control arm replacement, power steering pump repair
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting wiring harnesses, sensor testing, ECU diagnostics, starter and alternator service
Climate Control Repair:
Refrigerant servicing, compressor replacement, heater core replacement, blower motor repair
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel alignment, glass replacement, interior trim component removal/installation
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, and complex electrical diagnostics
Configuration:
4.0L V8 SOHC (later M60 engines featured DOHC)
Displacement:
3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
Approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (ME Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Timing Drive:
Timing Chain (Nikasil cylinder liners on early M60s, later replaced with Alusil)
NHTSA Rating:
Data not readily available for this era, but designed to high safety standards of the time.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on later models, though not universally standard.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags were optional or standard depending on the specific year and market.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Head Unit:
BMW Bavaria C Business or Professional cassette/radio units, often with CD changer option.
Display:
LCD display for radio information and climate control. Onboard computer (OBC) often integrated.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Park Distance Control (PDC) was an option on later E32 models.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated cellular telephone systems were available, a cutting-edge feature for the time.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles (BMW recommended 'lifetime' for some fluids, but independent research suggests regular changes are beneficial).
Spark Plugs:
Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SJ or higher, BMW LL-98 specification recommended. (Check manual for exact specification.)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol Coolant mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Transmission Fluid:
Pentosin ATF1 or ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (Dexron III compatible but specific fluid preferred).
Nikasil Liners:
Early M60 engines with Nikasil cylinder liners were susceptible to wear from sulfuric compounds in fuel. Later engines used Alusil.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump failures are also noted.
Vanos Unit:
While the M60 did not have VANOS, the successor M62 did. The M60's complexity still required careful maintenance.
Window Regulators:
Common issue with power window regulators failing.
Door Handles:
Exterior door handle mechanisms can fail.
Headlight Leveling:
Automatic headlight leveling system can be prone to failure.
