Market Position:
Flagship luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W126/W140 S-Class, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille.
Luxury Features:
Advanced technology for its time, refined ride quality, powerful V8 engines, extensive standard equipment.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on smooth, powerful acceleration and high-speed cruising.
Engine Systems:
M60 V8 engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (DME), emissions control.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP30) diagnostics, repair, fluid specifications, control systems.
Electrical Systems:
Complete wiring diagrams, EML (Engine Management Light), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASC (Automatic Stability Control), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System/Airbag), instrument cluster, lighting, power accessories, body control modules.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension repair, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering rack, power steering system.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brake components, ABS diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seals, chassis components, torque specifications.
HVAC Climate Control:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control module diagnostics and repair.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, fuel injection system troubleshooting.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler replacement and repair.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems, fault code interpretation, troubleshooting common problems.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed repair instructions for components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission service, suspension replacement, brake caliper rebuild.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed electrical schematics for all circuits.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).
Engine Type:
4.0L V8 (32-valve)
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 DME (Digital Engine Electronics) with multi-point fuel injection.
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (typically blue or green ethylene glycol based)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG or higher)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22 EH for early E32, potentially 5HP30 for later models or specific markets).
Manual Transmission:
Not typically offered on 740i/iL models in this year; primarily automatic.
Transmission Control:
Electronic control with sport/economy modes (S/E).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (consult manual for exact BMW specification).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7-9 liters (7.4-9.5 US quarts) for a complete fill (check dipstick/fill plug).
Safety Ratings:
No specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for this era's specific models. Designed to meet early safety standards.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on some models.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard depending on market and build date.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners for front seat belts.
Radio System:
BMW Professional RDS or similar audio system, often with cassette player and CD changer option.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Telecommunications:
Optional car phone or early cellular integration available on some models.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Seat Adjustment:
12-way power adjustable front seats with memory function for driver's seat.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used; consult manual).
Transmission Service Interval:
Fluid and filter change typically every 50,000-100,000 miles (recommendation varies, check manual for specific conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
M60 V8 plugs typically replaced around 60,000-100,000 miles (e.g., NGK BKR6EK or equivalent).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump seals can leak.
Engine Management:
V8 engines can suffer from head gasket leaks, VANOS system issues (though VANOS was introduced later on M60B40), and DME sensor failures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Common for older BMWs; issues with window regulators, central locking, dashboard pixels, and various sensors.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mounts, and rear subframe bushings can lead to a less precise ride.
Brand Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, focused on performance, luxury, and engineering.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation of the 7 Series was introduced in 1986, succeeding the E23. The 740i model, featuring the new M60 V8 engine, was launched for the 1993 model year in the US market, but the European market received earlier V8 models (like the 730i and 740i with M60) earlier. This manual specifically refers to a 1989 model, which would typically be equipped with a V12 (750iL) or a 6-cylinder engine (730i, 735i), not a 740i. *Correction: The product listing might be misrepresenting the 1989 model year for the 740i, as the M60 V8 was introduced later. However, this manual is being presented for that year.*
E32 Production Years:
1986–1994
E32 Generation Significance:
Introduced significant technological advancements, including more advanced engine management and chassis electronics compared to its predecessor.
