Segment:
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 400 (introduced late 1989/early 1990)
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on driver engagement, robust engineering, and sophisticated comfort, embodying BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos in the luxury segment.
Target Audience:
Discerning professionals and executives seeking performance, luxury, and build quality.
Powertrain:
Engine (M30B35), Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain, Transmission (Automatic and Manual, if applicable)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management System (DME), Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), HVAC Control, Audio System Wiring
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seat Adjustments
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Power Steering, Transmission), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul (e.g., Head Gasket, Piston Rings), Transmission Rebuilds, Brake Component Replacement (Pads, Rotors, Calipers), Suspension Component Replacement (Shocks, Struts, Bushings), Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, HVAC System Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Schematics for Fault Finding
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Type:
3.5L Inline-6 Cylinder (SOHC)
Horsepower:
Approx. 208 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 224 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Induction:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 Valves per Cylinder
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic rubber mounts
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5) - Less common in North America
Automatic Modes:
Standard, Sport, and Economy modes (often electronically controlled)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Automatic Capacity:
Approx. 10-12 liters (total fill, subject to torque converter)
Wheelbase 735I:
2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Wheelbase 735Il:
3,020 mm (118.9 in)
Length 735I:
4,960 mm (195.3 in)
Length 735Il:
5,160 mm (203.1 in)
Width:
1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height:
1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb Weight 735I:
Approx. 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Curb Weight 735Il:
Approx. 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2,250 kg (4,960 lbs)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 500 liters (17.7 cu ft)
Standard Wheel Size:
15-inch Alloy
Standard Tire Size:
205/65VR15
Crash Test Data Availability:
Limited official NHTSA data for this specific year/model, but the E32 platform was designed with advanced safety for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with Traction Control)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag optional on later models, possibly retrofitted or unavailable on early 1990 models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front), integrated rear seatbelts.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones front and rear.
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C Business CD or similar premium sound system with optional CD changer.
Onboard Computer:
On-Board Computer (OBC) for fuel consumption, range, speed, and diagnostics.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Early Telephony:
Optional integrated car phone system (primitive by modern standards).
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (often dual-zone), heated front seats, optional heated rear seats.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, fog lights, interior courtesy lighting.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or approximately 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended for most climates (check manual for specific viscosity)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II/III (or specific BMW hydraulic fluid)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, heater core leaks.
Electrical:
Component failures in ABS control module, door lock actuators, window regulators, dashboard electronics (e.g., OBC). Wire harness degradation over time.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock mounts. Self-leveling rear suspension (optional) can be complex and prone to leaks.
Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), distributor O-ring leaks, potential head gasket issues if overheated.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann Filter W940/10, Mahle OX 148, BMW P/N 11 42 1 730 331 (verify exact fitment)
Air Filter Example:
Mann Filter C2585/2, K&N 33-2049 (verify exact fitment)
Contemporary Reviews:
Highly praised by automotive journalists of the era for its refined driving dynamics, build quality, and advanced technology, often winning comparison tests against luxury rivals.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction due to longevity and driving experience, though maintenance costs can be significant.
