🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Chassis Code:

E32

Model Variants Covered:

735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750iL

Production Years Covered:

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Engine Codes 735:

M30B35 (3.5L)

Engine Codes 740:

M60B40 (4.0L V8)

Engine Codes 750:

M70B50 (5.0L V12)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Flagship luxury sedan of its era, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Jaguar XJ.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W126/W140 S-Class, Jaguar XJ (XJ40), Lexus LS 400 (from 1989).

Features E32:

Advanced (for its time) electronic systems, refined ride comfort, powerful inline-six and V-engines, luxurious interior, sophisticated chassis dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Overhaul

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, driveshafts, differentials

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS), wheel alignment

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting system, instrument cluster, comfort electronics, engine control units (ECU), transmission control units (TCU), ABS control units

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable, though E32 is primarily sedan/long-wheelbase sedan), interior trim, seats, HVAC system, climate control, central locking, power accessories

Maintenance:

Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering rack rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, bodywork repair procedures

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I era), diagnostic procedures for various systems, electrical circuit testing

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed specifications and diagnostic trees.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (depending on scan quality), enabling quick access to specific topics.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original manufacturer documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC

Displacement 735:

3.5 liters (3430 cc)

Bore Stroke 735:

92.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio 735:

8.0:1 (approx.)

Horsepower 735:

208 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)

Torque 735:

214 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine Type:

V8, DOHC

Displacement 740:

4.0 liters (3982 cc)

Bore Stroke 740:

84.0 mm x 89.0 mm

Compression Ratio 740:

10.0:1 (approx.)

Horsepower 740:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Torque 740:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Engine Type:

V12, SOHC

Displacement 750:

5.0 liters (4988 cc)

Bore Stroke 750:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio 750:

8.8:1 (approx.)

Horsepower 750:

295 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Torque 750:

332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic (various versions depending on engine and year)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 735:

5-speed manual (optional on 735i, less common)

Transmission Auto All Models:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22 for 735i/iL, ZF 4HP24 for 740i/iL, EGS control)

Transmission Auto 750:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP24, EGS control)

Transmission Control:

Electronic transmission control (EGS) on later models and V8/V12, offering sport and comfort modes.

📐 Dimensions

Length Standard:

Approx. 4960 mm (195.3 in)

Length Long Wheelbase:

Approx. 5055 mm (199.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1750 kg - 2000 kg (3858 lbs - 4409 lbs), varies by model and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Tested according to late 1980s/early 1990s standards; modern comparison data may be limited.

ABS:

Standard on most models by mid-production, part of the hydraulic brake system.

Traction Control:

Optional on some models (ASC or ASC+T), particularly later 40i/50i variants.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard on later models; passenger airbag optional or standard on top trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW's Professional Radio/Cassette system, optional CD player, early integrated climate control systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, onboard computer (check control system).

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily analog systems. Optional car phone provisions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Extended:

BMW typically recommended oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions. Check specific year/engine. Use synthetic oil.

Filter Replacement Intervals:

Air filter, fuel filter, and cabin filter generally every 20,000-30,000 miles or as per manual recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine: M30 ~30,000 miles, M60/M70 often platinum/iridium plugs with longer intervals (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles). Check specific plug type and recommendation.

Engine Oil Spec 735 740:

API SJ/SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended (check manual for precise viscosity).

Engine Oil Spec 750:

API SJ/SL or higher, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended for V12 (check manual).

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant. Mixture of 50/50 coolant and distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF Dexron III (or equivalent) for ZF 4HP22/4HP24 transmissions. Regular changes recommended.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Issues V8 M60:

Nikasil cylinder liner wear (early M60 engines), timing chain guides, valve stem seals, oil pan gasket leaks.

Common Issues Electrical:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failure of comfort electronics modules (e.g., seat control, door modules), ABS sensor issues, VANOS (on later M60).

Common Issues Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, hose deterioration, water pump failures.

Common Issues Body Interior:

Headliner sagging, pixelation on instrument cluster displays, door seal degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and driver-focused luxury.

E32 Introduction:

Introduced in 1986 as a successor to the E23, representing BMW's pinnacle of luxury and technology for the late 80s and early 90s.

Engine Introduction:

The E32 was the first BMW to feature a V8 engine (M60) and V12 engine (M70) in a production car, showcasing significant technological advancements.

Production Years:

1986–1994

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

Consistently praised for its advanced engineering, comfort, and performance by automotive journalists and industry publications of its time. Considered a benchmark luxury sedan.

Din Ng Awards:

While specific awards may not be cataloged, it represented BMW's ambition and success in the high-end luxury segment.