🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Chassis Code:

E32

Covered Model Years:

1988-1994

Covered Variants:

735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750iL

Internal Codes Engine 735I:

M30B35

Internal Codes Engine 740I:

M60B40

Internal Codes Engine 750Il:

M70B50

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Bmw Positioning:

Flagship model, representing BMW's pinnacle of engineering, luxury, and performance for its era.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Audi V8/A8, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS400.

Design Philosophy:

Focus on driver engagement, advanced engineering, solid build quality, and understated luxury.

Technology Advancement:

Introduction of significant electronic systems, including early traction control (ASC), sophisticated engine management, and comfort features.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All repair procedures for the specified BMW E32 7 Series models.

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body, Body Equipment, Electrical System, Equipment and Accessories, Electrical Wiring Diagrams.

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Exact page count not provided, but described as 'COMPLETE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL').

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

ENGLISH

Digital Format:

PDF/ZIP

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (injection systems), ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (DME - Digital Motor Electronics).

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22, 4HP24, 5HP30), manual transmission (if applicable, though less common for these models), clutch, driveline, driveshafts, differentials.

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, hydraulic brake system (ABS, discs, pads, calipers, lines), parking brake.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, structural components, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seating systems, climate control housing.

Electrical And Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, engine control units (ECUs), body control modules (BCMs), comfort electronics, diagnostic connectors.

Accessories:

Power windows, power seats, sunroof, cruise control, audio systems, mirrors, climate control fan and HVAC components.

General Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Engine Repair:

Cylinder head gasket replacement, timing chain/belt service, piston ring replacement, bearing inspection and replacement, complete engine overhaul.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission fluid and filter changes, valve body service, seal replacement, torque converter replacement, complete transmission overhaul.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Shock absorber/strut replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack service.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, brake line replacement, ABS component diagnosis and replacement, brake bleeding procedures.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of common electrical faults, component testing, wiring harness repair, fuse and relay troubleshooting, starter and alternator testing.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) codes and interpretation (where applicable), live data interpretation (if accessible through manual's scope).

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, as well as in-depth electrical system diagnosis. Equivalent to dealer technician level.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

WIN/MAC/LINUX

Delivery:

Instant Download

Quality:

Digital format (PDF/ZIP) allowing for on-screen viewing and printing of specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M30B35

Engine Type:

3.5L Inline-6 SOHC

Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Displacement:

3430 cc

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 (typical)

Horsepower:

Approx. 208-218 hp @ 5500 rpm (depending on market/emissions)

Torque:

Approx. 214-220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on market/emissions)

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Code:

M60B40

Engine Type:

4.0L V8 DOHC

Displacement:

3982 cc

Horsepower:

Approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Code:

M70B50

Engine Type:

5.0L V12 SOHC

Displacement:

4988 cc

Horsepower:

Approx. 295 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Dual ECUs

0 60 Mph 735I:

Approx. 8.5 - 9.5 seconds

0 60 Mph 740I:

Approx. 6.7 - 7.5 seconds

0 60 Mph 750Il:

Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 seconds

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 265/5)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24 for 740i), 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24 or 5HP30 for later 740i/iL), 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24 for 750iL)

Electronic Control:

Adaptive transmission control for optimized shifting based on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent specification as per manual, e.g., ATF LT71141 for later 5HP30).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 196.1 in (5004 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.5 in (1791 mm)

Height:

Approx. 56.5 in (1435 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 120.1 in (3051 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 116.9 in (2970 mm)

Curb Weight 735I:

Approx. 3,700 - 3,900 lbs (1680 - 1770 kg)

Curb Weight 740Il:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,200 lbs (1815 - 1905 kg)

Curb Weight 750Il:

Approx. 4,400 - 4,600 lbs (1995 - 2085 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data available for this era from NHTSA/IIHS. BMW's own safety structures and extensive testing were paramount.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional or standard on later models (ASC - Automatic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard from around 1990/1991. Passenger airbag optional/standard on later models.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, side-impact protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Cassette-based premium audio systems, often with amplifiers and multiple speakers. CD changer optional.

Navigation:

Optional early navigation systems were available on some models, often bulky and less intuitive than modern systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control) became available on later models.

Telephony:

Optional integrated car phones were available in some markets.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) was a hallmark feature.

Memory Seats:

Power-adjustable front seats with memory functions for driver's seat.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. On-board computer may prompt based on usage.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Check fluid level regularly. Fluid and filter change often recommended between 50,000 - 100,000 miles (80,000 - 160,000 km), though BMW initially claimed 'lifetime' fill.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 5W-30, 10W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil recommended. Consult manual for exact specification.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

M30 Engine Wear:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve stem seal wear leading to oil consumption, potential head gasket issues on high-mileage examples.

M60 V8 Engine Wear:

Nikasil cylinder liner wear (on early models, replaced by Alusil in later M60s and M62), timing chain guide wear, head gasket leaks, VANOS unit issues (on later M62 which shares some design).

M70 V12 Engine Wear:

Complexity leading to higher maintenance costs, dual ECU issues, ignition coil pack failures, oil leaks from multiple seals, hydraulic lifter noise.

Electrical System Failures:

Corrosion of wiring harnesses, failure of body control modules, intermittent issues with door modules, ABS sensors, and climate control units.

Suspension Component Wear:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts leading to degraded ride quality and alignment issues.

Cooling System Issues:

Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, radiator leaks, water pump failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.

E32 Introduction:

Introduced in 1986 (for the 1987 model year in Europe) and in North America for the 1988 model year, succeeding the E23 7 Series.

Facelift And Updates:

Mid-cycle refresh around 1992/1993 introduced the V8 engines (740i/iL) and updated styling cues, along with more advanced electronics and the longer wheelbase option for the 740i.

Production Years:

1986–1994

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing Plant, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and technological advancements, often winning comparisons in the luxury sedan segment.

Reliability Perceptions:

Generally considered a well-built and reliable car when properly maintained, though complex electronics and specific engine issues require knowledgeable servicing.