Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Cadillac Fleetwood
Engine Highlight:
Smooth and powerful V12 engine (M70)
Interior Highlight:
Spacious and luxurious cabin, extensive use of premium materials
Engineering:
Advanced suspension and electronic systems for its time
Primary Focus:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Scope:
All aspects of maintenance, diagnosis, repair, and overhaul
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (exact count varies by original publication/digital format)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (M70 V12), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic only for 750iL), Drive Shafts, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS)
Electrical:
Engine Management (DME), Body Electronics, Lighting, Instruments, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Convertible Top (if applicable, though 750iL is sedan)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, OBD I (On-Board Diagnostics) interpretation (if applicable to '92 models)
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific service tools
Depth:
Detailed specifications, torque values, electrical diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts, step-by-step instructions for complex repairs
Engine Type:
V12, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
4988 cc (5.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil packs per cylinder pair
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (750iL exclusively automatic)
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, selectable sport mode
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Dexron II-E)
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA/IIHS ratings from 1992 are not directly comparable to modern standards; however, the E32 was designed with significant structural integrity for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/late addition
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, pretensioners for front occupants
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Premium Hi-Fi system by BMW (e.g., Nakamichi or Blaupunkt options), often with cassette and radio.
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation system (BMW Professional Navigation System)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Phone System:
Optional factory integrated car phone
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Seats:
Power adjustable front seats with memory, heated front seats (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-18 months, consult manual for specific conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles, but can vary based on plug type and driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles, though ZF stated 'lifetime' for some fluids, independent shops recommend regular changes.
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.5 Liters (8 US Quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent
Common Problems Engine:
Coil pack failure, coolant leaks (especially at the thermostat housing and expansion tank), vacuum leaks, oil pan leaks, early DME control issues.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistors, central locking system issues, headlight leveling system problems.
Common Problems Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, strut mount wear.
Value Proposition:
Essential for diagnosing and repairing complex M70 V12 engine and advanced E32 electronics, saving significant costs compared to dealer service.
Heritage:
BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury vehicles.
Generation:
E32 generation, succeeding the E23 7 Series, predecessor to the E38 7 Series.
750Il Introduction:
The 750iL was the flagship model of the E32 series, introduced in late 1987 for the 1988 model year, featuring the new M70 V12 engine.
Production Years:
E32 series: 1986-1994; 750iL specifically: 1987-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Automotive Press:
While specific awards for the '92 model year are scarce by modern metrics, the E32 generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its blend of luxury, performance, and technological innovation.
Benchmark:
Considered a benchmark for luxury sedans of its era, particularly for its V12 powertrain and refined driving dynamics.
