Market Segment:
Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors Era:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS 400, Audi V8 Quattro.
Bmw E32 Philosophy:
The E32 7 Series represented BMW's pinnacle of luxury, technology, and driving dynamics for its era, prioritizing the driver experience within a sophisticated and comfortable package.
Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians, independent repair shops, and experienced DIY enthusiasts seeking the highest level of detail for maintenance and repair of the 1991 BMW 7 Series E32.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, piston, connecting rod, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (Motronic).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starter motor, alternator, engine management sensors and actuators, diagnostic procedures.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, overhaul, hydraulic control, electronic control module, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, rear axle, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, alignment.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, sunroof, HVAC controls, battery, charging system.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, bumpers, glass replacement, interior trim, underbody protection.
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning HVAC:
HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, blower motor, climate control unit, diagnostics.
Diagnostics:
Fault finding, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (where applicable for the era), diagnostic procedures for various systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication points.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting guides combined with comprehensive wiring diagrams for electrical system issues.
Restoration:
Detailed information suitable for refurbishing and restoring the vehicle to original specifications.
Depth:
Professional-level detail encompassing everything from basic maintenance to complex component rebuilds and diagnostics.
Illustration Quality:
High-quality illustrations, drawings, and photos to guide procedures, with enlarged insets for detailed part examination.
Instruction Style:
Numbered steps for clarity, with detailed sub-steps, notes, cautions, and warnings.
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22) was common, with a 5-speed manual available on some inline-six models.
Optional Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission on select inline-six models.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Adaptive shift logic, sport mode (on some variants).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (Dexron III compatible).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Major Service Intervals:
Major services involving spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid often recommended around 30,000 - 60,000 mile intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic or semi-synthetic 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40, depending on climate and engine variant (refer to manual for precise specs).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common E32 Issues:
Cooling system leaks (hose deterioration, water pump), head gasket leaks (especially on V8s), ABS sensor failures, door seal degradation, window regulator issues, electronic control unit (ECU) failures, transmission control issues.
V8 Engine Specific Issues:
Timing chain guides (M60 engines), Nikasil cylinder liner wear (early M60s, later models used Alusil), valve stem seals.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter W 940/5, Mahle OC 196/2 (verify for specific engine variant).
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 34 104 (verify for specific engine variant).