🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Chassis Code:

E32

Year:

1988

Engine Code Common Petrol:

M30B35 (3.5L Inline-6)

Engine Code Common Diesel:

N/A for this model year introduction

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners and independent service technicians seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance information.

Competitors 1988:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), Jaguar XJ (XJ40), Cadillac DeVille/Fleetwood.

Value Proposition:

Enables significant cost savings on repairs and maintenance by empowering owners and technicians with factory-level information.

Accuracy Authenticity:

Represents the same manual used by local service and repair shops, written by the manufacturer (BMW).

Ease Of Use:

Features numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, and detailed illustrations for clear guidance.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicles Covered:

All 1988 BMW 7 Series E32 Models, Engines, Trim Levels, and Transmission Types

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but implies comprehensive coverage)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service Repair:

Comprehensive diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants.

Transmission Service Repair:

Detailed information on servicing, repair, and adjustment of both automatic and manual transmissions.

Brake System:

Maintenance, inspection, repair, and bleeding procedures for the entire braking system, including ABS if applicable.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits within the vehicle.

Electrical System:

Troubleshooting and repair of all electrical components, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and accessories.

Suspension:

Inspection, repair, and replacement procedures for front and rear suspension components, including shock absorbers and springs.

Steering:

Service and repair of the power steering system, including steering gear and linkages.

Cooling System:

Maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses.

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Detailed information on the fuel delivery system, fuel injectors, fuel pump, and engine management.

Emission System:

Service and adjustment procedures for emission control components.

Heater Air Conditioner:

Repair and maintenance of the climate control system, including the HVAC unit and refrigerant circuits.

Engine Control System:

Diagnostics and troubleshooting of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and associated sensors and actuators.

Chassis Body:

Information on chassis components, body panel repair, and structural integrity.

Restraint System:

Details on seat belts and potentially early airbag systems (if equipped on specific 1988 models).

Interior:

Information on interior trim, upholstery, and components.

Differential Drive:

Service and repair of the rear differential and drive axles.

Axle:

Repair and maintenance of front and rear axles.

General Maintenance:

Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and lubrication schedules.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex vehicle issues.

Periodic Lubrication:

Specific lubrication points and recommended lubricant types for various vehicle components.

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for removing, overhauling, and reinstalling major components and systems.

Cleaning Reinstalling:

Proper procedures for cleaning parts during repair and correct reassembly methods.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed diagnostic trees and procedures for pinpointing faults within various vehicle systems.

Repair Procedures:

Comprehensive, detailed, and illustrated instructions for performing a wide range of repairs.

Maintenance Procedures:

Guidance on all scheduled maintenance tasks to ensure optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Depth:

Professional-grade, comprehensive coverage suitable for experienced technicians and DIY enthusiasts.

Detail Level:

Hundreds of pages with detailed diagrams, photos, and step-by-step instructions with notes, cautions, and warnings.

Diagnostic Scope:

Includes troubleshooting for electrical systems combined with detailed wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Capability:

YES (Zoom IN/OUT)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Code:

M30B35

Displacement:

3430 cc (3.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 (approximate)

Horsepower Approximate:

211 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque Approximate:

224 lb-ft (304 Nm) @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection (e.g., Motronic ML-1.3)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Octane Recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22)

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Manual (less common for 1988 models in many markets)

Automatic Features:

Electronic control (e.g., Traction Control System - ASC/ASC+T available on later E32s, but less common on early 1988 models)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4965 mm (195.5 in)

Width:

1847 mm (72.7 in)

Height:

1400 mm (55.1 in)

Wheelbase:

2900 mm (114.2 in)

Curb Weight Approximate:

1700-1850 kg (3748-4079 lbs), depending on options and engine

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No specific official crash test ratings readily available for 1988 models from NHTSA/Euro NCAP as standards were different.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was a significant option/standard on higher trims.

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, driver's airbag (optional/standard on higher trims), seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems, often from manufacturers like Becker or Blaupunkt, with cassette player.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (IHKA) offering advanced temperature and air distribution management for its era.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control (ASC/ASC+T) became more prevalent in later E32 models but was an option for 1988.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle systems. Some models may have offered early cellular phone integration as an option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, subject to driving conditions.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or as recommended by BMW, typically using BMW-approved coolant.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Often considered 'lifetime' by BMW in early manuals, but recommended by enthusiasts and independent shops around 60,000 miles (100,000 km).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 often recommended. Refer to manual for exact BMW specifications (e.g., BMW High Performance Synthetic).

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron II (consult manual for specific type).

Common Issues Engine:

Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), cooling system components (radiator, hoses, water pump), starter motor issues.

Common Issues Electrical:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failing climate control unit (IHKA), power window regulators, ABS sensor failures.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and steering box leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation debuted in 1986 as a successor to the E23, representing a significant technological advancement and design evolution.

E32 Design:

Featured a more aerodynamic and modern design compared to its predecessor, with improved interior comfort and advanced features.

Production Years:

1986-1994

Key Markets:

North America, Europe, Asia

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

While specific awards for the 1988 model year are not universally documented, the E32 generation was widely praised by automotive press for its advanced engineering, comfort, and performance, often being recognized as a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment.