🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

740i / 740iL

Model Code:

E32

Generation Name:

E32

Generation Years:

1986-1994

Chassis Code:

E32

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Discerning automotive enthusiasts, professional mechanics, and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair of their E32 7 Series.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ, Audi V8 Quattro

Luxury Appointments:

Exceptional ride comfort, spacious interior, advanced (for its era) technology, sophisticated styling

Engineering Excellence:

Renowned BMW handling dynamics, powerful and smooth engines, high-quality build construction

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Specific Models Covered:

740i, 740iL

Engine Variants Covered:

4.0L V8 (M60B40)

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Online Download (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Emission Control System, Engine Management (DME), Exhaust System

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (GM 4L30-E/GM 5L40-E), Transmission Control Unit (TCU)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Drive Axles, Wheels and Tires, Braking System (ABS)

Electrical:

Body Electrical Control Modules (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Starter and Charging System, Cruise Control, Central Locking System, Electronic Damper Control (EDC - if equipped)

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Convertible Top (if applicable, though not for 740i/iL E32)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Automatic Climate Control

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I), Fault Codes, Troubleshooting Charts, Wiring Diagrams

Maintenance:

Routine Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs), Fluid Level Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspections and Replacements, Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Battery Maintenance

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit analysis

Specifications:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Specifications, Electrical Values

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, in-depth electrical diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF or similar digital document format

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content for easy navigation

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing and potential printing of specific sections

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M60B40

Engine Type:

V8

Displacement:

3.982 cc (4.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 90 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)

Horsepower:

282 hp (210 kW) @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Oil Capacity:

7.5 Liters (approx.)

Coolant Capacity:

12.0 Liters (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (GM 4L30-E)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E) - introduced later in the generation

Shift Modes:

Standard Drive, Sport Mode

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent ATF)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (dry fill, varies with torque converter)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

2,905 mm (114.4 inches)

Wheelbase Long Wheelbase:

3,070 mm (120.9 inches) for 740iL

Length Standard:

4,905 mm (193.1 inches)

Length Long Wheelbase:

5,070 mm (199.6 inches) for 740iL

Rear Legroom Increase L Model:

+10 cm (+3.9 inches) compared to standard wheelbase

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,800 - 1,900 kg (3,968 - 4,189 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standard:

Designed to meet 1980s/early 1990s safety standards; specific crash test ratings may vary by region and testing agency.

Braking System:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag (standard from 1992 onwards), passenger airbag optional or standard on later models

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Professional RDS Cassette/Radio, optional CD changer.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone or multi-zone automatic climate control.

Telecommunications:

Early cellular phone integration options (rare).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs, earlier for standard plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW LL-98 specification or equivalent API SJ/CF)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

CHF 11S or Pentosin P/N 1407225

Engine Component:

Nicasil cylinder wall wear (early M60 engines), VANOS solenoid failure, valve stem seal degradation.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, thermostat issues.

Electrical System:

EWS immobilizer issues, door lock actuator failures, ABS sensor failures, wiring harness degradation (especially around engine).

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings, rear subframe bushings, shock absorber wear.

Transmission:

Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, transmission control module issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on performance, luxury, and engineering

E32 Introduction:

Launched in 1986 as a replacement for the E23 7 Series. Initially featured straight-6 engines (730i, 735i) and a V12 (750i). The V8 engines, including the 4.0L for the 740i, were introduced in 1992.

740I Introduction Year:

1992

Production Period E32:

1986-1994

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

While specific awards for the 740i model are not as prominently cited as later generations, the E32 generation as a whole was recognized for its design, engineering, and luxury.