🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Chassis Code:

E32

Model Year:

1991

Engine Codes Covered:

M30B35, M60B30, M60B40

Transmission Codes Covered:

Getrag 260, ZF 4HP22

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan.

Positioning:

BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS.

Competitors 1991:

Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class (introduced late 1991 for 1992 model year), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on driver involvement, advanced technology, and build quality.

Defining Characteristics:

Elegant styling, refined ride, powerful inline-six and V8 engines, sophisticated electronics (for the era).

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete repair and service for BMW 7 Series E32 (1991 model year).

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive BMW service manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Factory Authorized Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical (M30, M60 inline-6 and V8), fuel injection (DME), ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (Getrag 260) and Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22) diagnostics, repair, and overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension (optional).

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder, parking brake.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horns, power windows, power seats, central locking, climate control electronics, instrument cluster.

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, sunroof, trim, glass, exterior lighting.

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpeting, climate control system, sound system components.

Climate Control:

Manual and automatic climate control systems, HVAC components, refrigerant systems.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures, common fault symptoms.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.

Repair:

Engine component repair, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension bushing replacement, electrical component repair.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic approaches for various issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable).

Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.

Installation:

Instructions for component replacement and installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes, typically text-searchable.

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

3.5L Inline-6 (M30B35)

Engine 1 Displacement:

3430 cc

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.0:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

208 hp @ 5700 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2:

3.0L V8 (M60B30)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2997 cc

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

215 hp @ 6100 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 3:

4.0L V8 (M60B40)

Engine 3 Displacement:

3982 cc

Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:

89.0 mm x 80.0 mm

Engine 3 Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine 3 Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic (DME) electronic fuel injection.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual (Getrag 260) for some models (e.g., 735i).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22) with sport mode.

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, lock-up torque converter.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-2 or equivalent (check manual for exact specification).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2,905 mm (114.4 in)

Length:

4,920 mm (193.7 in)

Width:

1,846 mm (72.7 in)

Height:

1,400 mm (55.1 in)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 1700 kg (3748 lbs) for 735i.

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs) for 740i.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not applicable (testing protocols were different). Known for robust construction.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.

Traction Control:

ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available as an option on some models.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard from 1991 model year. Passenger airbag optional.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Body Structure:

High-strength steel body shell with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems available, often with cassette tape player and AM/FM radio. CD changer optional.

Navigation:

Early GPS navigation systems were available as an option (BMW professional navigation).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were optional on some later models, but not standard for 1991.

Telecommunications:

Early cellular phone integration systems were available as options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or annually (check manual for specific recommendation).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual; typically 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter replacement recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles (check manual for specific interval and procedure).

Engine Oil:

BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact viscosity and API rating).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-2 or Dexron III equivalent.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pumps and thermostat housings can leak. Overheating can lead to head gasket issues.

Electrical:

Wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay), issues with door lock actuators, window regulators, and ABS sensors.

Suspension:

Wear in control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints. Leaks from the self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped).

Engine M60:

Timing chain guides (plastic) can wear and fail, leading to catastrophic engine damage. Nikasil cylinder liner issues in early M60 engines (though less common in later US models).

Fuel System:

Fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator reliability can vary.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW's heritage is rooted in aircraft engines, evolving into performance-oriented motorcycles and automobiles known for driving dynamics and engineering excellence.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation BMW 7 Series was introduced in 1986 as the successor to the E23.

E32 Updates 1991:

The 1991 model year saw the introduction of the M60 V8 engines (3.0L and 4.0L) and the driver's side airbag as standard equipment.

E32 Facelift:

A significant facelift occurred for the 1995 model year (E32 LCI).

Production Years:

1986-1994

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1991 model year might be scarce in modern databases, the E32 generation was widely praised for its technological advancements, build quality, and driving refinement, earning it a strong reputation in the luxury segment.