🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Generation:

E32

Chassis Code:

E32

Model Codes:

730i, 730iL, 735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750i, 750iL (varies by market and year)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Market Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille.

Key Selling Points:

Sporting driving dynamics (for its class), advanced technology, sophisticated engineering, robust build quality.

Manual Value:

Vehicle-specific, dealer-level technical information, ensuring accuracy for maintenance and repair.

Repair Scope:

Covers 'all models and all repairs A-Z', emphasizing comprehensive diagnostic and repair procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

Global (designed for dealership use, applicable to worldwide specifications)

Trim Level Coverage:

All trim levels

Estimated Page Count:

1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive dealership manuals of this era)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual (often referred to as Workshop Manual or Technical Service Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (original dealership publication, often available as high-quality digital scans)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine variants (M30, M60, M70/M73 V12), including diagnosis, overhaul, and component-level repair.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22, 4HP24, 5HP30) and Manual Transmission (less common in E32, but covered if equipped), including fluid changes, rebuilds, and electronic control diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential, axles, and wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, including McPherson struts, multi-link rear, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, and hydraulic self-leveling suspension (EH) for rear axle.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/box, and Servotronic steering system (speed-sensitive power steering).

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes (vented/solid), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake fluid, calipers, master cylinder, and hydraulic lines.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of low voltage system, battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, mirrors, seats, sunroof, central locking, and fuse/relay box diagrams.

Engine Management:

Digital Motor Electronics (DME) for M30/M60/M70, including sensor diagnostics, fuel injection, idle control, emissions control systems (e.g., catalytic converter, secondary air injection), and troubleshooting.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control system (HVAC), A/C compressor, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, refrigerant, control modules, and cabin air filter replacement.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, trunk, hood, interior trim, seating systems, airbags (if equipped), and sound insulation.

Diagnostic Systems:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) principles relevant to the era, troubleshooting codes, and diagnostic connector locations.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance procedures, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, fuel, air), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and transmission fluid services.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic fault finding for all major systems, including diagnostic flowcharts, common issues, and symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major automotive systems.

Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild, and major component overhaul instructions.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, valve adjustments, and assembly tolerances.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including color coding and component identification.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electronic diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.

Audience:

BMW Dealership Technicians, professional mechanics, and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (if digital scan), Print (original)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original pages, clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (for original printed manuals).

Paper Type:

High-quality paper stock designed for durability in a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants Covered:

M30 (3.0L Inline-6), M60 (3.0L/3.5L V8), M70/M73 (5.0L/5.4L V12).

335I Engine Specs:

3.5L M30B35 Inline-6, approx. 208 hp @ 5700 rpm, 224 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.

740I Engine Specs:

4.0L M60B40 V8, approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm.

750I Engine Specs:

5.0L M70B50 V12, approx. 296 hp @ 5200 rpm, 332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm.

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection (M3.1, M3.3, M3.7, M7.1 depending on engine/year).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium octane recommended).

Dme Versions:

Detailed information on various Bosch DME control units and their specific functions.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22, 4HP24).

Optional Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (limited availability on early models), 4-speed automatic (4HP24 on later models), 5-speed automatic (5HP30 on later models).

Transmission Features:

Electronic control (EGS) for later models, Comfort/Sport mode selection, torque converter lock-up clutch.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent specified by BMW, e.g., LT2)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8-10 liters (depending on model and torque converter fill).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

2,900 mm (114.2 in)

Wheelbase Long:

3,050 mm (120.1 in) (for 'iL' models)

Overall Length Standard:

4,900 mm (192.9 in)

Overall Length Long:

5,050 mm (198.8 in) (for 'iL' models)

Curb Weight Approx:

1,750 - 2,050 kg (depending on engine and options).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

2,300 - 2,600 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No official standardized crash ratings (like NHTSA/Euro NCAP) for this era, but known for robust construction.

Active Safety Features:

ABS (standard on most models), Traction Control (ASR - optional on some models), Servotronic power steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Advanced crumple zones, reinforced safety cage, dual front airbags (optional/standard on later models), seatbelt pre-tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Premium sound systems (e.g., Hi-Fi, Professional), cassette player, optional CD changer (trunk mounted), analog climate control displays.

Driver Assistance Systems:

ABS, Cruise Control, Optional Traction Control System (ASR), Servotronic Power Steering.

Connectivity Features:

Very limited by modern standards. Primarily wired systems for telephone integration (optional).

Comfort And Convenience:

Power adjustable front and rear seats (with memory), heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, keyless entry (optional), self-leveling rear suspension (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual provides detailed service schedule.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - copper vs. long-life).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 or API SJ/SL).

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Maintenance Concerns:

Coolant leaks (especially from plastic components), oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), ABS sensor failures, vacuum hose degradation, automatic transmission hydraulic issues, EML (Electronic Throttle Control) problems on later models, front suspension bushings wear.

Typical Wear Items:

Control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, exhaust components, fuel pumps, various sensors.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Heritage:

BMW, known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on engineering and driver engagement.

E32 Introduction:

Introduced in 1986 as a successor to the E23 7 Series, the E32 marked a significant advancement in luxury, technology, and chassis design for BMW.

E32 Facelift Updates:

Facelifted in 1994 with updated styling, improved M60 V8 engines (becoming M62), and introduction of the 5HP30 transmission on select models.

E32 Engine Introduction:

Introduction of the V8 (M60) and V12 (M70) engines represented a significant step up in engine development for BMW's flagship sedan.

Production Years:

1986 - 1994

Production Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

While specific awards are difficult to pinpoint for this individual model year without deep archive research, the E32 7 Series was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its engineering, driving dynamics, and luxury amenities, often appearing on 'best of' lists for its era.