Luxury Sedan:
The E32 7 Series was BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, and Lexus LS models of its era.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized driver-centric luxury, advanced technology for its time, and refined performance.
Technological Advancements:
Introduction of more sophisticated electronics, including early traction control (ASC), onboard computer, and advanced climate control.
Covered Models:
735i, 735il, 740i, 740il, 750il
Covered Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF implied by description)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text content for efficient information retrieval.
Illustration Quality:
Illustrated with detailed diagrams, schematics, and possibly photographs.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed information on M30 and M60 V8 engines, including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and specifications.
Engine Management:
Electronic engine control (DME), sensor diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition systems, and emission controls.
Transmission:
Coverage for automatic transmissions (e.g., ZF 4HP22, 5HP30), including operation, troubleshooting, fluid changes, and component repair.
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (MacPherson struts front, multi-link rear), steering system, and shock absorber replacement.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake pad and rotor replacement, fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse and relay information, battery maintenance, starter, alternator, lighting systems.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seat adjustment, HVAC system service.
Climate Control:
Detailed HVAC system operation, diagnostic procedures, refrigerant handling, and component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core).
Safety Systems:
Information on airbags (if equipped in later models), seatbelt mechanisms, and early driver assistance systems if applicable.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulation, and evaporative emission control system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, and oxygen sensors.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, belt inspections and replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation, and symptom-based troubleshooting.
Component Repair:
Detailed instructions for overhauling or replacing major components such as the engine, transmission, differential, and suspension parts.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Guidance on using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and BMW-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., early GT1 information, though not explicitly stated, the principles apply).
Body Repair:
Procedures for dent repair, panel replacement, welding guidelines, and alignment specifications.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, and related electrical diagnostics.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic information, including symptom analysis, fault code retrieval (where applicable for the era), and system testing procedures.
Repair Instructions:
Detailed, step-by-step repair instructions with clear diagrams and torque specifications.
Schematics:
Includes detailed electrical schematics and vacuum diagrams essential for troubleshooting.
Body Panels:
Hood, fenders, doors, trunk lid, bumpers, grille, and associated hardware.
Interior Trim And Upholstery:
Removal and installation of dashboard components, door panels, headliner, carpets, and seat upholstery.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. The manual will provide precise recommendations.
Major Service Interval:
Includes timing belt (if applicable to specific engine variant, though M60/M70 are chain-driven), coolant, transmission fluid, spark plugs, often recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles. Consult manual for exact intervals.
Engine Oil Spec:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40, 15W-50 depending on climate and model year) and BMW LL-01 or equivalent approvals.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue coolant (or equivalent silicate-free/hybrid coolant) mixed with distilled water. Capacity varies by engine, refer to manual.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF for automatic transmissions. Capacities and change intervals are critical and detailed in the manual.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid.
Common E32 Issues:
Cooling system (radiator, water pump, hoses), vacuum leaks affecting engine performance, aging wiring harnesses (especially under-hood), fuel pump failures, seized climate control servos, VANOS issues on later M60 engines (though less common than M62), head gasket issues on some M60 engines (due to Nikasil coating degradation in some early units).
Maintenance Focus:
Preventative maintenance is key. The manual will guide on addressing potential failure points before they become critical.