Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Positioning:
Flagship luxury vehicle representing BMW's engineering and comfort standards of the era
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126, W140), Audi V8 quattro, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 400
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic, elegant styling with a focus on driver engagement and occupant comfort
Aerodynamics:
Low drag coefficient for its time, contributing to fuel efficiency and stability
Interior Appointments:
High-quality materials, advanced ergonomics, spacious cabin, optional leather and wood trim
Models Covered:
735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750iL
Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Manual Type:
Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for M30 and M60 engines (e.g., overhaul, timing, valve adjustments, lubrication system)
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection (Motronic), starter, alternator, sensor diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 4HP22, 5HP18) repair, fluid changes, electronic controls
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axle shafts, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pad/rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse charts, relay locations, power distribution, ground points, lighting, horns, wipers
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant service, blower motor, climate control module
Comfort Controls:
Power windows, mirrors, seats, sunroof, central locking, cruise control
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant service, brake fluid flush)
Troubleshooting:
System troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation for various ECUs, component testing
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing specific components (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, fuel pump)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex overhauls and diagnostics
Visual Aids:
Step-by-step diagrams and illustrations for most procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Engine Displacement 735I:
3.430 cc (3.4 L)
Engine Cylinders 735I:
Inline-6
Engine Power 735I:
Approx. 208 hp @ 5700 rpm
Engine Torque 735I:
Approx. 224 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Displacement 740I:
3.982 cc (4.0 L)
Engine Cylinders 740I:
V8
Engine Power 740I:
Approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine Torque 740I:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Code 750Il:
M70B50
Engine Displacement 750Il:
4.988 cc (5.0 L)
Engine Cylinders 750Il:
V12
Engine Power 750Il:
Approx. 296 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine Torque 750Il:
Approx. 332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic (engine specific variations)
Fuel Type Recommended:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Standard Transmission 735I
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (4HP22)
Optional Transmission 735I
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 290) - rare in North America
Standard Transmission 740I
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (5HP18)
Standard Transmission 750Il
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (4HP24)
Transmission Control:
Electronic shift control, sport/economy modes on some models
Crash Test Data:
Limited official NHTSA/IIHS data for this era; designed to meet contemporary safety standards
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T on later models
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became standard during the E32 production run (late models)
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
BMW E32 offered premium sound systems with cassette players, optional CD changer, and advanced speaker configurations.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with advanced air filtration on many models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (early systems)
Telecommunications:
Optional integrated car phone on some models (primitive by modern standards).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (check manual for specific recommendations)
Spark Plug Replacement:
M30: Approx. 20,000-30,000 miles; M60/M70: Approx. 60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (recommended)
Engine Oil Type M30:
API SG/SH, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity)
Engine Oil Type M60/M70:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity and BMW LL-98 specification for M60)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron III (or equivalent approved fluid for specific transmission)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
M60 Engine Timing Chain:
Risk of timing chain guides wear/failure, leading to catastrophic engine damage. Early detection is crucial.
M70 Engine Maintenance:
Complex twin-spark ignition system, potential for distributor/coil pack issues, requires specialized knowledge.
Cooling System:
Plastic components in the cooling system (e.g., expansion tank, hoses) can become brittle and leak with age.
ABS Module:
ABS control module can be prone to failure over time.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues with wiring harnesses, connectors, and electronic modules can lead to intermittent problems.
