Competitors 1989:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ6
Usp:
Blend of performance, luxury, advanced engineering, and driver-focused experience.
Design Philosophy:
Conservative yet elegant styling, superior build quality, driver-centric ergonomics.
Target Audience:
Discerning professionals, executives, and enthusiasts seeking a refined and capable luxury automobile.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, engine control unit (ECU)
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, climate control system, heating and air conditioning (HVAC)
Comfort Systems:
Detailed coverage of HVAC, power windows, power seats, sunroof, central locking, and related components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacement, inspections
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission service, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable), step-by-step troubleshooting guides
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including electrical and engine management
Body Repair:
Guidelines for body panel alignment, rust repair, and basic interior trim removal/installation.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using specific diagnostic tools or techniques relevant to the vehicle's systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for complete engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly.
Transmission Rebuild:
Comprehensive instructions for automatic transmission overhaul, including torque converter and valve body servicing.
Suspension Geometry:
Specifications for alignment and suspension component replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
In-depth electrical troubleshooting guides utilizing detailed wiring diagrams for pinpointing faults.
PDF Features:
Searchable text, printable pages, high-resolution images and diagrams
Printability:
Designed for high-quality printing of individual pages or the entire manual
Binding Recommendation:
Binder recommended for printable format
Paper Recommendation:
Standard printer paper (8.5" x 11")
Engine Family:
M30 'Big Six'
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
3.430 cc (3.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Horsepower Peak:
208 hp @ 5,700 rpm (approx.)
Torque Peak:
290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic M1.3 (typical)
Idle Speed:
Specifications for engine idle speed under various conditions (warm/cold, AC on/off).
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 265, less common on 735i/iL)
Automatic Features:
Electronic control, Sport/Economy mode selection
Gear Ratios Auto:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios of ZF 4HP22 transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-II (or equivalent)
Safety Features Era:
Standard for its class, including crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag optional (became standard later in E32 production)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Audio System:
Premium Hi-Fi system options, cassette player with optional CD changer interface.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (optional on some models, standard on 735iL).
Connectivity Features:
Basic for the era; primarily focused on internal vehicle systems and driver comfort.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise BMW recommendation).
Major Service:
Around 60,000 km (36,000 miles) for spark plugs, filters, inspection of major components (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., Castrol Formula RS 10W-40, or equivalent API SG/CD, ACEA A2/B2 rated)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 equivalent) - 50/50 mixture with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron-II (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (if equipped with manual transmission)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition components (distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires), fuel injectors, coolant hoses, HVAC blower motor, door seal degradation.
Electrical Issues:
Dashboard warning lights, intermittent electrical faults due to aging wiring and connections, ABS sensor issues.
Engine M30:
Generally robust, but can suffer from oil leaks (e.g., oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket), head gasket issues if overheated.
Bmw Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, performance sedans, and driver engagement.
E32 Introduction:
Introduced in 1986 as the successor to the E23 7 Series, defining a new era of BMW luxury and technology.
E32 Updates 1989:
Model year 1989 typically saw refinements in electronics and comfort features; specific changes detailed in manual.
Production Period:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
