Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Owners of BMW E32 7 Series vehicles seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics themselves, or professional independent mechanics.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400.
Luxury Appointments:
Renowned for its sophisticated engineering, comfortable ride, and high-quality interior materials typical of BMW's luxury offerings.
Diy Focus:
Explicitly marketed as a DIY manual, indicating a focus on clarity and detail for user-level repair and maintenance.
Model Variants Covered:
735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750iL
Model Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including cylinder head removal and valvetrain), lubrication system, camshaft timing chain, ignition system, fuel injection system, radiator and cooling system, exhaust system, automatic transmission, manual transmission.
Chassis And Body:
Body repair, heating system, air conditioning system, airbag system (referred to as ABS in product description, likely referring to supplemental restraint system), wiring diagrams.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, general inspections.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, and suspension work.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (where applicable for the era), symptom-based troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid level checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnosis and repair.
735I/Il Transmission:
5-speed manual (less common), 4-speed automatic (common)
740I/Il Transmission:
5-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP30)
750Il Transmission:
4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22)
Manual Availability:
Available on earlier 735 models, but rare.
Automatic Control:
Electronic control for transmission shifting and adaptive shift programs on later models.
Crash Test Era:
Safety standards of the late 1980s and early 1990s. No modern NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings apply directly.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on most models, passenger airbag available on later models/trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, typically front and rear outboard positions.
Structural Integrity:
Reinforced safety cage construction, crumple zones.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, referred to as ASC (Automatic Stability Control).
Audio System:
Premium sound systems, often with cassette player and radio. CD changer optional.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard adaptive cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were an option on some later models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era. Primarily focused on integrated phone systems (optional) and basic entertainment.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) change recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on manufacturer recommendations and fluid type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check specific manual for exact viscosity based on climate).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid.
Engine M30:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, rear main seal; thermostat housing leaks; occasional head gasket issues.
Engine M60:
Nikasil cylinder bore wear (on early M60 engines, especially in humid climates or with poor maintenance), coolant leaks from plastic housings, VANOS system issues (on later M60 variants).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failure; frequent replacement of coolant hoses.
Electrical:
ABS/ASC sensor failures, instrument cluster pixelation or failure, door lock actuator issues, central locking system problems, aging wiring harnesses.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission leaks, torque converter issues, valve body problems (common with age and mileage).
Oil Filter 735I:
Example: Mann-Filter W102/1 or Mahle OX13D (verify with specific VIN).
Air Filter 740I:
Example: Mann-Filter C35181/1 or Mahle LX79 (verify with specific VIN).
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
E32 Introduction:
Introduced in 1986 as the successor to the E23 7 Series, setting new benchmarks for luxury sedans.
E32 Updates:
Facelifted in 1991, introducing the V8 engines (M60) and updated styling. Early models featured the inline-6 M30 engine.
Production Years:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Industry Acclaim:
The E32 7 Series was widely praised for its engineering, refinement, and comfort, competing effectively against established luxury brands. Often cited for its build quality and driving dynamics.
Modern Classic:
Considered a modern classic, appreciated for its timeless design and robust engineering by enthusiasts.
