🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

750iL

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

E38

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Audi A8.

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking ultimate luxury, comfort, performance, and advanced technology.

Strengths:

Smooth and powerful V12 engine, sophisticated ride and handling, high-quality interior materials, advanced features for its era.

Weaknesses:

High maintenance costs, potential for complex electronic issues, relatively thirsty for fuel compared to competitors.

Chassis Design:

E38 platform, known for its rigid structure and excellent driving dynamics.

Engine Configuration:

V12, a hallmark of BMW's top-tier luxury offering.

Interior Appointments:

Extensive use of Nappa leather, wood trim, and advanced comfort features for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software/Digital

Licensing:

Officially Licensed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine systems, including M73 V12 engine, tuning, diagnostics, and component overhaul.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP30) repair, fluid services, electronic controls, and torque converter.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Brake system overhaul, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid, pads, rotors, calipers, and hydraulic lines.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column adjustments.

Electrical:

Comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, and diagnostic procedures for onboard computers (ECU).

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (IHKA) system, including HVAC components, refrigerant, diagnostics, and repair.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof, interior trim, and structural components.

Comfort Features:

Power seats, seat memory, heated seats, power mirrors, central locking, and interior electronics.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, and related diagnostics.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, and inspections.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, from minor adjustments to major component replacements.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, and diagnostic strategies for identifying and resolving issues.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with detailed instructions and specifications.

Installation:

Procedures for installing replacement parts and accessories.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete mechanical and electrical system rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Proprietary software package, likely executable or requiring specific reader software.

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Interactivity:

Likely includes interactive diagrams and hyperlinked sections.

Print Capability:

Printable pages for offline use or specific procedures.

Binding:

Not applicable (Software format).

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (Software format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M73 B54

Engine Type:

5.4L naturally aspirated V12 SOHC

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 96.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Horsepower:

326 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

361 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M5.2).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) with filter change.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (consult manual for exact specification).

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition system with dual ignition coils per bank.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic

Transmission Model:

ZF 5HP30

Manual Transmission:

Not available.

Gear Selection:

Standard P-R-N-D-4-3-2 with sport and manual modes (e.g., Steptronic on later models).

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) for a complete drain and fill (consult manual).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5257 mm (207.0 in)

Width:

1862 mm (73.3 in)

Height:

1424 mm (56.1 in)

Wheelbase:

3071 mm (120.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1980 kg (4365 lbs)

Gross Weight Rating:

Not readily available, consult specific vehicle documentation.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Data for 1996 models may be limited; consult official NHTSA archives.

IIHS Ratings:

Data for 1996 models may be limited; consult official IIHS archives.

Stability Control:

Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available on some models.

Traction Control:

Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T).

Braking Assistance:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

Not typically equipped with LATCH system; relies on seat belt installation.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory integrated radio/cassette or CD player with options for navigation system (e.g., MK I Navigation).

Speakers:

Premium sound system with multiple speakers, often including a subwoofer.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear park distance control (PDC) on later models of this generation.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated car phone system.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights with optional Xenon headlights on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable Service Indicator (VSI) system; typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months. Always consult the VSI or owner's manual.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

BMW recommended fluid changes at 60,000 miles, though many specialists recommend more frequent intervals (e.g., 30,000-40,000 miles) for longevity.

Spark Plug Interval:

Long-life spark plugs, typically replaced around 100,000 miles. Consult manual for specific type and interval.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4+.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.

Ignition Coils:

V12 engines can be sensitive to ignition system health; coil packs and spark plug wires require regular inspection.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack over time; regular inspection is recommended. Water pump and thermostat issues can also occur.

Electronics:

Complex electronic systems, including ABS, ASC, and climate control, can be prone to failure due to aged wiring harnesses, sensors, or control modules.

Suspension Bushings:

Worn control arm bushings and subframe bushings are common and can affect ride quality and handling.

Window Regulators:

Power window regulators are known to fail, especially in older vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on engineering excellence and driving dynamics.

E38 Generation:

The E38 generation of the 7 Series (1994-2001) represented a significant technological leap from its E32 predecessor, incorporating advanced electronics, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced comfort features.

750Il Positioning:

The 750iL served as the flagship model, showcasing BMW's pinnacle engineering with its powerful V12 engine and extended wheelbase for maximum rear-seat luxury.

Production Years:

1994-2001 (E38 generation); 750iL variants produced within this period.

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Awards:

While specific awards for the 1996 750iL might be scarce in readily available public records, the E38 generation as a whole was widely praised by automotive critics for its refined driving experience, luxury, and technological advancements.

Luxury Segment Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top luxury sedans of its era by automotive publications for comfort and performance.

Iso Certification:

BMW adheres to ISO quality management standards for vehicle production.