Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan, representing BMW's technological and engineering prowess of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 400, Cadillac DeVille
Differentiation:
Known for its driver-focused dynamics, advanced (for its time) electronics, and sophisticated V8 engine.
Features:
V8 engine, luxurious interior, advanced suspension, available long-wheelbase (iL), focus on build quality and performance.
Primary Coverage:
BMW 7 Series 740i (E32 chassis)
Additional Coverage:
May include some commonalities with other E32 models (e.g., 735i, 750iL) where applicable, but primary focus is 740i.
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by publication, typically 1500-2500+ pages for comprehensive official manuals.
Type:
Official Full Service Repair Manual
Scope:
Diagnostic, Repair, Maintenance, Overhaul, Electrical Schematics, Troubleshooting
Powertrain:
Engine (M60B40), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4HP22, 5HP30 depending on specific drivetrain)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS), Driveline
Electrical:
Engine Management (DME), Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, Audio System, On-Board Computer (OBC), Body Control Modules (BCM)
Body:
Body Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Sealing
Interior:
Interior Trim, Seats, Dashboard, Center Console, Upholstery
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Replacement, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Inspections
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, HVAC System Repair
Diagnostics:
Fault Code Retrieval (OBD-I), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Component Testing, Wiring Diagram Interpretation
Troubleshooting:
Detailed step-by-step guides for common and uncommon issues, pinpointing causes and solutions.
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Values, Component Dimensions
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures for complex electronic systems common in this era of BMW.
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Image Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for printing sections or the entire manual.
Diagrams Clarity:
Clear, legible diagrams, schematics, and illustrations.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Product)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Product)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Engine Electronics)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
80 liters (21.1 US gallons)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 or 5HP30 for later models)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Rare, primarily for European markets or specific derivatives)
Electronic Control:
Electronic transmission control with selectable modes (e.g., Sport, Economy).
Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF specifications as per manual)
Wheelbase:
2,917 mm (114.8 in)
Length:
4,960 mm (195.3 in)
Width:
1,847 mm (72.7 in)
Height:
1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Front Track:
1,525 mm (59.9 in)
Rear Track:
1,514 mm (59.6 in)
Curb Weight:
1,720 kg (3,792 lbs) approx.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) approx.
Payload Capacity:
480 kg (1,058 lbs) approx.
Crash Test Data:
Limited official data from modern era standards, but known for robust safety cage and impact-absorbing crumple zones.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional or introduced later in production.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners.
Construction:
Reinforced safety cell, impact-absorbing steering column.
Audio System:
Premium factory stereo systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, Nakamichi options), CD changer availability.
Navigation:
Early GPS navigation systems were available as an expensive option, typically monochrome displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Aid:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) became available towards the end of the E32's run.
On Board Computer:
On-Board Computer (OBC) with functions like fuel consumption, range, exterior temperature, and system checks.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Seats:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats, available orthopedic/comfort seats.
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows, power mirrors, heated mirrors, power sunroof.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 80,000 - 100,000 km (50,000 - 60,000 miles) for platinum plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 50,000 km (30,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity and BMW LL-98 specification where applicable).
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue/Green coolant concentrate mixed with distilled water (50/50).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump seal leaks; thermostat housing leaks.
Engine M60:
Nikasil cylinder liner wear (early M60 engines, often a concern but not universal), VANOS unit issues (later M60), valve stem seal leaks, timing chain tensioner wear.
Electrical:
Corroded grounds, failing door lock actuators, climate control module issues, ABS sensor failures, headlight leveling system.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mount failures, rear self-leveling suspension (SLS) issues (if equipped).
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failure, fuel injector leaks (though less common than later models).
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 chassis replaced the E23 generation 7 Series in 1986 (for the 1987 model year) and was produced until 1994. It introduced significant technological advancements.
740I Introduction:
The 740i variant, powered by the new M60 V8 engine, was introduced in 1992 as a successor to the 735i and a step below the V12 750iL.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
Total Production E32:
Over 300,000 units across all E32 variants.
