🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

740i / 740iL

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

E32

Engine Code:

M60B40

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan.

Target Audience:

Luxury car buyers prioritizing comfort, performance, and advanced engineering.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated ride quality, quiet cabin.

Performance Engineering:

Powerful V8 engine, advanced chassis dynamics, signature BMW handling characteristics.

Technological Advancement:

Early adoption of electronic engine management, ABS, and advanced chassis systems for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restore

Pages:

Likely extensive, often 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory-level manuals of this era.

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English (assuming primary market)

Format:

Digital (PDF assumed for sales) or Printed.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection (DME), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust.

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP30) service, diagnostics, and repair.

Drivetrain Systems:

Driveshafts, differentials, axles.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system (hydraulic power steering).

Brake Systems:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, onboard computer (IKE/CCC).

Climate Control:

HVAC system, climate control module, A/C refrigerant servicing.

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, trim, convertible top (if applicable, though 740i/iL were sedans).

Routine Maintenance:

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

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

System-specific diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (OBD I), wiring diagrams.

Repair Procedures:

Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major systems.

Rebuild Refurbish:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding engine, transmission, and other major components.

Restoration Tips:

Guidance on sourcing parts, common wear items, and restoration best practices.

Depth:

Comprehensive, factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams/illustrations.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text, if printed version.

Binding:

Comb binding or perfect binding for printed versions, allowing lay-flat use.

Paper Quality:

Durable, often coated paper to withstand shop use, if printed.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, naturally aspirated

Engine Displacement:

4.0 Liters (3982 cc)

Engine Code:

M60B40

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M5.2 engine management with Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Transmission Code:

5HP30

Optional Transmission:

Manual transmission was not offered on the 740i/iL in North America for 1992.

Shift Modes:

Sport and Comfort modes, allowing manual selection of gears (Steptronic).

Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific part number).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 740I:

2,911 mm (114.6 in)

Wheelbase 740Il:

3,070 mm (120.9 in)

Length 740I:

4,970 mm (195.7 in)

Length 740Il:

5,109 mm (201.1 in)

Width:

1,862 mm (73.3 in)

Height:

1,414 mm (55.7 in)

Curb Weight 740I:

Approx. 1,810 kg (3,990 lbs)

Curb Weight 740Il:

Approx. 1,870 kg (4,120 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult manual for exact figures.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

While official NHTSA ratings for this specific year and model are scarce, E32 chassis was designed to meet and exceed contemporary safety standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) available as an option or standard on later models.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/standard depending on market and configuration.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning front seatbelts.

Chassis Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones front and rear.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Cassette:

Integrated BMW Bavaria C radio/cassette system, often with CD changer capability.

Navigation:

Early forms of GPS navigation systems may have been available as a rare option, typically a monochrome screen.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control system.

Parking Sensors:

Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) was an available option, a novelty at the time.

Onboard Computer:

Integrated On-Board Computer (OBC) displaying fuel consumption, range, average speed, and system checks via the instrument cluster.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, using synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or as per manual recommendation, especially if driving conditions are severe. Note: Some sources consider this a 'lifetime' fluid, but fluid degradation occurs over time.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW Longlife-98 or API SG/SH specification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue or Green Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11 S.

Cooling System:

Water pump failures, thermostat issues, plastic coolant expansion tank degradation, cracked hoses.

Engine M60:

Eccentric shaft sensor (ESS) failure, timing chain guides wear, oil pan gasket leaks, spark plug well seal failures, VANOS seal degradation (less common on early M60).

Transmission Auto:

Mechatronic unit issues, torque converter seal leaks, solenoid failures, valve body issues.

Electrical:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, ABS/ASC sensor failures, headlight leveling system problems, door lock actuator failures, dashboard illumination issues.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings and ball joints wear, rear self-leveling suspension (SLS) hydraulic leaks or pump failure (if equipped).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on engineering excellence, performance, and driver engagement.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation of the 7 Series debuted in 1986, replacing the E23. The 740i and 740iL were introduced for the 1992 model year, featuring the all-new M60 V8 engine.

M60 Engine Introduction:

The M60 was BMW's first V8 engine since the 1950s, and its introduction in the E32 marked a significant technological leap.

Production Years E32:

1986-1994

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Car and Driver Ten Best Trucks (not applicable, but BMW generally recognized for engineering prowess).

Automotive Journalism:

Often lauded by automotive press for its refined V8 engine, sophisticated chassis, and luxurious interior, setting a benchmark for the segment.