🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

740i / 740iL

Year:

1989

Chassis Code:

E32

Engine Code Primary:

M60B40

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Flagship luxury sedan of its era, representing BMW's technological prowess and engineering excellence

Competitors:

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

Design:

Iconic E32 design language, aerodynamic and sophisticated appearance

Powertrain:

Introduction of the advanced M60 V8 engine, offering smooth power delivery and refinement

Technology:

Early adoption of electronic engine management, ABS, and advanced comfort features for the time

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Coverage:

BMW 740i, 740iL models

Year Coverage:

1989

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual)

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, though physical copies also exist)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 4HP22, 5HP30 depending on specific configuration), shift linkage, transmission control

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, axle shafts, wheel bearings

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering knuckles

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, wipers, horns, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, chassis structure

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, controls, refrigerant system

Safety:

Airbag system (if equipped), seat belts, passive safety features

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, tune-ups

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, common fault finding procedures

Repair:

Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Rebuilding:

Engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul procedures

Restoration:

Detailed guidance on restoring various vehicle systems and components

Adjustments:

Valve adjustments, idle speed adjustments, brake adjustments

Installation:

Component replacement and installation procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail for all mechanical, electrical, and body systems

Detail Level:

Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing procedures, wiring schematics, component identification, diagnostic flowcharts

Scope:

Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (typically searchable and printable)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (for digital format). If physical, typically perfect bound or spiral bound.

Paper Quality:

N/A (for digital format). Original manuals would use high-quality paper suitable for technical documentation.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, DOHC, 32-valve

Displacement:

3982 cc (4.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 90 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine Code:

M60B40

Horsepower:

282 hp (210 kW) @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

295 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium unleaded recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

80 Liters (21.1 US gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic (4HP22) or 5-speed automatic (5HP30) - depends on exact model/market

Manual Availability:

Generally not available for the 740i/iL in 1989.

Control:

Electronic control for shift points and logic (ASC/Traction Control integration may be present)

📐 Dimensions

Length 740I:

Approx. 4960 mm (195.3 in)

Length 740Il:

Approx. 5124 mm (201.7 in) (Long Wheelbase)

Width:

Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in)

Wheelbase 740I:

Approx. 2830 mm (111.4 in)

Wheelbase 740Il:

Approx. 2970 mm (116.9 in) (Long Wheelbase)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1850-1950 kg (4078-4300 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by specific model and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited publicly available data for this specific vintage, but generally engineered to high safety standards of the era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or ASC+T on some models

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on later E32 models or specific markets.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell and crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Hi-Fi sound system, optional CD changer, analog radio tuner.

Navigation:

Early GPS navigation systems available as an option on some models, often integrated into the OBC.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) became available later in the E32 lifecycle, may not be standard on 1989 models.

Telematics:

On-Board Computer (OBC) providing vehicle status, trip data, and basic diagnostics. Telephone integration optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system if equipped, or annually.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km).

Transmission Fluid:

BMW traditionally recommended 'lifetime' fluid, but many specialists advise fluid and filter changes every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km).

Brake Fluid:

Every 2 years (hygroscopic nature absorbs moisture).

Engine Oil:

API SJ or SL rated synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to owner's manual or manual for specific grade based on climate).

Coolant:

BMW Blue or similar ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (for 4HP22) or Esso LT 71141 (for 5HP30), or equivalent approved fluid. Crucial to use the correct fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW CHF 11S or Pentosin hydraulic fluid.

Engine:

Nikasil cylinder bore wear (early M60 engines), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) issues (if applicable to 1989 variant, more common on later M60/M62), oil leaks from gaskets and seals (valve cover, oil pan).

Electrical:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failing ABS sensors, dead pixels in the instrument cluster OBC display, blower motor resistor failure.

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, failing ball joints, leaking self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped).

HVAC:

Climate control module issues, vacuum leaks affecting blend doors, AC compressor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering innovation.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 chassis replaced the E23 7 Series and introduced the V8 engine option to BMW's flagship model line.

E32 Lifecyle:

Produced from 1986 to 1994, with the 740i (M60B40) introduced in 1992, making the 1989 model primarily a 735i or 750i (V12) precursor to the 740i variant, though the manual specifically lists the 740i for 1989, suggesting it might cover later production within the E32 range or a specific market variant.

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editorial Awards:

The E32 generation, including the 740i, was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, refined V8 engine, and luxurious interior, often featuring in 'Best Cars' lists.

Performance Metrics:

Competitively positioned against other luxury marques, offering a blend of performance and comfort that set benchmarks for the segment.