🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

735i / 735iL

Year:

1988

Chassis Code:

E32

Engine Code:

M30B34

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), Jaguar XJ6, Lexus LS 400 (emerging competitor)

Design Philosophy:

German engineering, driver-focused cockpit, refined ride quality, understated luxury

Technology Highlight:

Introduction of CAN bus (Controller Area Network) in later E32 models, advanced onboard computer, available heated seats, optional ABS

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All mechanical and electrical systems of the 1988 BMW 735i and 735iL

Secondary Coverage:

Bodywork, diagnostics, troubleshooting, specifications

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (exact count not specified but implied to be extensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (implied by typical factory manual distribution)

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22) repair, fluid service, diagnostics

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, rear axle assembly repair and maintenance

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system diagnostics, repair, steering gear, pump, hoses

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications, rotor and pad replacement

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, central locking, climate control electrics

Bodywork:

Panel removal, door mechanisms, glass replacement, trim details

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, troubleshooting, refrigerant handling (R12 for this era), component replacement

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspection/replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems

Overhaul:

Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, complete component disassembly and reassembly

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnostics using wiring diagrams, basic mechanical diagnostics

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Tools:

Implied use of factory diagnostic procedures, though electronic diagnostic tools of the era were limited

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if a properly OCR'd PDF

Print Ability:

High-quality, printable pages

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6

Engine Code:

M30B34

Displacement:

3.4 liters (3430 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/spec)

Horsepower:

208 hp @ 5700 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

224 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection (Sequential, multi-point)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Ignition Type:

Distributor-based electronic ignition

Catalytic Converter:

Standard, with oxygen sensor feedback

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 265/5) - less common on 735i

Automatic Modes:

Standard and Sport modes

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent specification; consult manual for exact BMW approval)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9-10 liters (dry fill, consult manual for exact capacity and fill procedure)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 735I:

2830 mm (111.4 inches)

Wheelbase 735Il:

3030 mm (119.3 inches)

Length 735I:

4950 mm (194.9 inches)

Length 735Il:

5150 mm (202.8 inches)

Width:

1800 mm (70.9 inches)

Height:

1400 mm (55.1 inches)

Curb Weight 735I:

Approx. 1650 kg (3638 lbs)

Curb Weight 735Il:

Approx. 1700 kg (3748 lbs)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

Center Bore:

72.5mm

Standard Tire Size:

205/65VR15 or 225/55VR15 (depending on trim/options)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

NHTSA ratings for this era are not directly comparable to modern standards; focused on passive safety features.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard from mid-production, passenger airbag optional/later

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear

Chassis Reinforcement:

Integrated crumple zones and reinforced safety cage

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

High-fidelity cassette radio system, often with premium sound options (e.g., Nakamichi).

Navigation:

Very early, rudimentary onboard computer systems, no GPS navigation in the modern sense.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking sensors (optional on some models).

Telematics:

No integrated connectivity or Bluetooth.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 40,000-50,000 km (25,000-30,000 miles) (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 API SG/SH or higher (consult manual for specific BMW LL specification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW blue coolant (G48) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1

Common Faults:

Head gasket leaks (especially at rear of cylinder head), coolant leaks from plastic/metal hose connectors, vacuum leaks affecting idle, biodegradable wiring insulation (on later models), SRS module failures, fuel distributor issues, tendency for ABS warning lights.

Belt Maintenance:

Regular inspection and replacement of serpentine and accessory belts.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, blending performance and luxury.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation replaced the E23 7 Series and debuted in 1986.

735I Positioning:

The 735i was the entry-level luxury sedan for the E32 range, offering a potent inline-six engine.

735Il Offering:

The 735iL (Lang) variant offered a longer wheelbase, providing increased rear legroom and enhanced luxury appointments.

Production Years:

E32 generation produced from 1986 to 1994.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

Generally well-received by automotive press for its driving dynamics and luxury, though specific awards are less commonly cited than for later models.

Owner Satisfaction:

Historically strong owner loyalty for its build quality and performance, though maintenance costs are a consideration.