Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking performance, comfort, and advanced technology for its era.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS 400, Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ.
Design Philosophy:
Elegance, driver-centric focus, advanced engineering, and a strong emphasis on safety and comfort.
Performance Focus:
Powerful V8 engines, sophisticated suspension, and refined driving dynamics.
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced climate control, power accessories, and optional features like a sunroof and premium audio.
Engine:
M60B40 V8 engine: diagnosis, overhaul, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission control systems.
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 4HP22) and 5-speed manual transmission: operation, diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, valve body.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axles, CV joints: inspection, repair, lubricant specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems: MacPherson struts, multi-link rear, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, ball joints, control arms.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system: pump, rack and pinion, steering column, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (ventilated front), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): hydraulic components, brake pads, rotors, bleeding procedures, troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Complete automotive electrical system: wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, ECUs, sensors.
Body:
Exterior and interior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals, trim, body repair, corrosion prevention.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system: compressor, refrigerant, controls, blower motor, climate control module.
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, interior trim, adjustments, and repairs.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures: oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, error code interpretations.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including component specifications and tolerances.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic trees and procedures for identifying electrical and mechanical faults.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, and other critical data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagrams:
Includes detailed exploded diagrams, wiring schematics, and service illustrations.
Special Tools:
Lists and describes necessary special tools for specific repair procedures.
Transmission Model Example:
ZF 4HP22 EH (Electronic Hydro-mechanical)
Type:
5-speed Manual (rare in US market)
Transmission Model Example:
Getrag S5D 250G
Shift Modes:
Standard, Sport, and Economy modes (on EH automatic).
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8-10 liters for a complete drain and fill.
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (Vehicle predates standardized NHTSA testing in its current format)
IIHS Ratings:
N/A (Vehicle predates standardized IIHS testing in its current format)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on later models.
Stability Control:
N/A (Limited by era, ASC was a precursor).
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on early models, standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front occupants.
Chassis Construction:
Integrated safety cell with crumple zones.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, fog lights (optional/standard depending on market/trim).
Head Unit:
BMW Bavaria C Professional RDS or similar era-appropriate radio/cassette system.
Speakers:
Up to 10 speakers, with optional Hi-Fi sound system and subwoofer.
Navigation:
Optional early navigation system (e.g., BMW Car Computer).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) on later models.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with recirculation and cabin filter.
Phone Integration:
Optional car phone integration (era-specific).
Data Bus:
Early forms of CAN bus or K-Bus for vehicle communication and diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
10,000 - 15,000 miles (16,000 - 24,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with BMW LL-01 approved synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as per BMW recommendations for the specific transmission type (e.g., 4HP22 EH).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum or Iridium plugs typically rated for 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts) for M60B40
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11S.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failure is common. M60 engines are known for potential cylinder head gasket issues if overheated.
Electronics:
ABS/ASC sensors can fail. SRS airbag system issues (warning lights). Door lock actuators and central locking system can be problematic. OBC (On-Board Computer) pixelation.
Engine M60:
VANOS system (Variable Valve Timing) on M60 can wear, leading to rough idle and performance loss. Nikasil cylinder liners in early M60s can be sensitive to sulfur in fuel (later models used Alusil).
Suspension Bushings:
Wear on control arm bushings, subframe bushings, and ball joints due to age and weight.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter failure and exhaust manifold leaks.
HVAC:
HVAC blower motor resistors fail, leading to loss of fan speed control. AC system leaks.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, performance-oriented luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation of the BMW 7 Series was introduced in 1986 as a successor to the E23. It represented a significant step forward in design, technology, and refinement.
E32 740I Introduction:
The 740i and long-wheelbase 740iL models were introduced for the 1993 model year, replacing the previous 735i and 750iL with the new M60 V8 engine, marking a significant power and refinement upgrade.
Production Period:
1986-1994 (E32 Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing Plant)
Total Production E32:
Approximately 377,000 units.
