🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

740i / 740iL

Model Year:

1994

Chassis Code:

E38

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-Size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Luxury car buyers, executives, performance enthusiasts

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Audi A8

Design Philosophy:

German engineering, driver-focused cockpit, understated luxury

Powertrain Highlight:

Smooth and powerful V8 engine, refined automatic transmission

Technological Advancements:

Early adoption of electronic engine management, ABS, and comfort features

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Full Service and Repair

Included Variants:

740i (Standard Wheelbase), 740iL (Long Wheelbase)

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

V8 Engine (M60B40), Cylinder Head, Block, Pistons, Crankshaft, Camshafts, Timing System

Engine Management:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics), Fuel Injection, Ignition System, Sensors, Actuators, ECU Diagnosis

Transmission:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E / Steptronic), Gearbox Overhaul, Control Module, Fluid Service

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Driveshafts, Differential, Axles

Suspension:

Front and Rear Suspension Components, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Control Arms, Bushings, Self-Leveling Rear Suspension (SLS) if applicable

Brakes:

Hydraulic System, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Pads, Rotors, Calipers, Lines, Fluid Specifications

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Column, Rack and Pinion, Hydraulic Fluid

Electrical System:

12V Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System

Comfort Systems:

Climate Control (HVAC), Power Windows, Seats, Sunroof, Door Locks, Central Locking

Bodywork:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Trim, Paint Codes, Structural Repair

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Fault Codes (DTCs), Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Routine Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs

Major Repairs:

Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service

Electrical Repairs:

Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Sensor Replacement, Module Diagnosis

Body Repairs:

Panel Replacement, Dent Repair, Rust Prevention and Repair

Recalibration Procedures:

ABS Sensor Calibration, Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Reset

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostics for common and uncommon issues

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Tools:

Mentions procedures and parameters relevant to OBD-I and early OBD-II diagnostic tools

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners

Special Tools:

Lists required BMW special tools for specific repair procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Image Resolution:

High (suitable for viewing diagrams and photos)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M60B40

Engine Type:

4.0L V8 (32-valve)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)

Optional Transmission:

None for 740i/iL in 1994 (Manual transmission was available on other BMW models)

Transmission Features:

Steptronic manual shift mode

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length 740I:

197.1 inches (5007 mm)

Length 740Il:

204.5 inches (5194 mm)

Wheelbase 740I:

115.4 inches (2931 mm)

Wheelbase 740Il:

122.7 inches (3117 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Curb Weight 740I:

Approx. 4057 lbs (1840 kg)

Curb Weight 740Il:

Approx. 4167 lbs (1890 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not Rated (for 1994 model year, typical for luxury vehicles of the era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) optional or standard depending on market/package

Airbags:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Chassis Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Professional RDS Radio/Cassette, optional CD changer

Navigation:

Optional GPS Navigation System (on-board computer screen)

Cruise Control:

Standard Electronic Cruise Control

Parking Assistance:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors

Onboard Computer:

Standard Multi-Function On-Board Computer

Climate Control:

Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control (HVAC)

Headlights:

Halogen Projector Headlights, optional Xenon headlights

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, using synthetic oil (refer to specific manual recommendations)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 60,000 miles (check fluid condition)

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (refer to owner's manual for exact BMW LL-XX specifications)

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III (or specified BMW fluid)

Common Problems:

Cooling system leaks (hoses, expansion tank), VANOS unit issues (though less prevalent on early M60 than later M62), ABS/ASC sensor failures, Power seat module failures, Climate control blower motor resistor failure, Oil pan gasket leaks, Door seal degradation

Recommendations:

Regular inspection of cooling system, proactive replacement of aging rubber components, diligent maintenance of electrical connectors

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG - 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'

E38 Introduction:

The E38 generation replaced the E32 7 Series in 1994 (for the 1995 model year in North America), representing a significant step in design and technology.

740I Introduction:

The 740i was introduced with the new M60 V8 engine, offering a balance of performance and refinement. The 740iL offered extended rear passenger space.

Production Years:

1994-2001 (E38 Generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

Often praised by automotive critics for its V8 engine, refined ride, and substantial build quality upon release.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Generally high consumer satisfaction for its era, though maintenance costs could be higher than average.