🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Model Variant:

740i, 740iL

Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

E32

Engine Code 740I:

M60B40

Engine Code 740Il:

M60B40

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking comfort, performance, and advanced technology.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ.

Engine Type:

V8 engine (M60B40) delivering smooth power and refined performance.

Wheelbase Options:

Available in standard (740i) and long wheelbase (740iL) for increased rear legroom.

Comfort And Luxury:

Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, and sophisticated ride quality.

Technology For Era:

Features like ABS, on-board computer, and electronic climate control were cutting-edge.

Diy Repair:

Empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform complex repairs and maintenance.

Cost Savings:

Reduces reliance on expensive dealership service for diagnostics and repairs.

Restoration Guide:

Essential for enthusiasts undertaking restoration projects on the E32 generation.

📋 Manual Details

Full Vehicle Coverage:

Yes

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 4HP24), shift linkage, transmission control module

Drivetrain Systems:

Driveshafts, differential, rear axle

Suspension Systems:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment

Steering Systems:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column

Braking Systems:

Front discs, rear discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake lines, master cylinder, calipers

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, fuses, relays, onboard computers (ECU, TCU), instrument cluster

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, windows, locks, interior trim, chassis structure, corrosion protection

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), climate control system

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but typical for factory manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Download PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Comprehensive coverage of M60B40 V8 engine and automatic transmission systems.

Chassis:

Detailed information on E32 chassis, suspension, steering, and braking systems, including ABS.

Electrical:

In-depth electrical schematics, component testing, and troubleshooting for all vehicle systems.

Body:

Body repair procedures, panel replacement, interior components, and exterior trim.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and installation.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures.

Technical Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, often color-coded, wiring schematics for all electrical systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Physical Format:

Not Applicable (PDF Download)

Physical Format:

Not Applicable (PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M60B40

Configuration:

4.0L V8 SOHC (later models of M60 were DOHC, but 1991 740i used SOHC initially before the DOHC M62 was phased in for later E38 models, need to confirm exact 1991 spec for M60 - typical M60 is DOHC.)

Displacement:

3982 cc (243 cu in)

Horsepower:

Approx. 282 hp (210 kW) at 5800 rpm (varies slightly by market and specific tuning)

Torque:

Approx. 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) at 4500 rpm (varies slightly by market and specific tuning)

Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic ECU

Type:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic (refer to manual for specific BMW approval)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Model:

ZF 4HP24

Type:

Manual transmission was not typically offered on the 740i/iL models of this era in most markets.

Shift Modes:

Likely included comfort/sport modes or electronically controlled shifting.

Fluid Type:

BMW LT-2 or equivalent Dexron III ATF (refer to manual for exact specification)

Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) for a pan drop and fill, higher for a full system flush.

📐 Dimensions

Length 740I:

Approx. 198.9 inches (5052 mm)

Length 740Il:

Approx. 205.6 inches (5222 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.6 inches (1412 mm)

Curb Weight 740I:

Approx. 3858 lbs (1750 kg)

Curb Weight 740Il:

Approx. 4012 lbs (1820 kg)

Wheelbase 740I:

Approx. 117.1 inches (2975 mm)

Wheelbase 740Il:

Approx. 123.3 inches (3132 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Typical Tire Size:

205/65R15 or 225/60R15 (refer to manual for specific options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Data for 1991 models may be limited; focus on features rather than specific ratings.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Some models may have offered traction control (ASC - Automatic Stability Control).

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag was standard; passenger airbag became more common later in the E32 lifecycle or as an option.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (driver).

Body Structure:

Reinforced chassis and crumple zones for occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound system, often with cassette player and AM/FM radio. Optional CD changer.

Navigation:

Early forms of navigation systems (e.g., BMW Business Navigation) were available as options.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) were an option.

Phone Integration:

Optional cellular phone integration was available in some configurations.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, using synthetic oil (refer to manual).

Transmission Fluid:

Recommended service at 60,000-100,000 miles (100,000-160,000 km) or as per manual's condition-based service.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as specified.

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic (refer to manual for BMW LL-xx approval).

Coolant:

BMW Blue or Green antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval).

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failures. M60 engines can have Nikasil cylinder liner issues in some climates/early production.

Electrical Systems:

Wire harness degradation, ABS module failures, sensor issues (e.g., MAF sensor), alternator failures.

Interior:

Headliner sagging, pixels failing on the instrument cluster and climate control displays, power seat motor issues.

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, strut mounts, and ball joints leading to steering wander.

Fuel System:

Failing fuel pumps, clogged fuel injectors.

Oil Filter:

Commonly Mann-Filter HU 719/5 X or equivalent. (Consult manual for exact P/N).

Air Filter:

Commonly Mann-Filter C 35150 or equivalent. (Consult manual for exact P/N).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long history of engineering luxury sedans with a focus on driving dynamics and quality.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation replaced the E23 and was produced from 1986 to 1994, with significant updates during its run.

740I Introduction:

The 740i and 740iL variants were introduced as part of a facelift in the early 1990s, marking the introduction of the M60 V8 engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (various BMW plants)

Production Years For Model:

1991-1994 (for 740i/iL variants within the E32 generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E32 7 Series, in general, was highly regarded and often featured in automotive reviews for its class-leading attributes.

Automotive Journalism Reputation:

Praised for its build quality, driving refinement, and advanced engineering for its time.

Automotive Standards:

Manufactured to meet rigorous BMW and international automotive standards.