Positioning:
The BMW 7 Series (E38) represented the pinnacle of BMW's luxury sedan offerings in the early to mid-1990s, competing with established luxury marques like Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. The 740i and long-wheelbase 740iL models were powered by BMW's innovative V8 engines, offering a blend of performance, refinement, and cutting-edge technology for its era.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class, Lexus LS400, Jaguar XJ, Audi V8 Quattro.
Vehicle Features:
Powerful V8 engine, sophisticated suspension, advanced electronics for its time (e.g., electronic throttle control, early traction control systems), luxurious interior appointments, extensive customization options.
Value:
This comprehensive workshop manual is an indispensable tool for owners and independent mechanics alike, providing the detailed, factory-level information required to maintain, diagnose, and repair the complex systems of the 1993 BMW 740i/740iL, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Body & Chassis, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting & Charging System, Emission Control System, Exterior & Interior Trim, HVAC, SRS Airbag System, ABS System, OBC (On-Board Computer), Cruise Control, Audio System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, engine management (DME), fuel injection, ignition, emission controls, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (GM 5L40-E), rear axle, driveshafts, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system (including Servotronic), wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications
Electrical:
Complete electrical diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, central locking, infotainment, OBC, cruise control, SRS airbag system
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission service, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Fault finding charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), systematic troubleshooting guides for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
3982 cc (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
89 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Gross:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque Gross:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU System:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Emissions Control:
Dual three-way catalytic converters, secondary air injection (where applicable), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
GM 5L40-E
Gear Ratios:
To be detailed in manual (typically 3.40, 2.20, 1.40, 1.00, 0.75)
Shift Modes:
Standard, Sport (S)
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon (refer to manual for exact BMW specified fluid, e.g., Esso LT 71141 or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not extensively tested by NHTSA in the modern sense, but considered a very safe vehicle for its time due to robust construction and safety features.
ABS:
Standard Bosch ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional for 1993 models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C or Professional RDS radio with cassette player, optional CD changer. Early generation of sophisticated audio systems for its time.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system, potentially electronically controlled.
On Board Computer:
On-Board Computer (OBC) providing information on fuel economy, range, average speed, and vehicle status warnings.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I diagnostic port, with the manual detailing specific BMW diagnostic procedures and connector locations.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (HVAC) with recirculation, air filtration, and dew point control.
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function (driver and passenger), heated seats (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, using synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000 to 60,000 miles, or as per manual's service indicator.
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000 miles (e.g., Bosch FGR7KQE0U or equivalent, as specified in manual).
Coolant Change:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW approved) for optimal performance and protection.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Problems:
Nikorasil cylinder plating wear (M60 engines), oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket), cooling system component failures (water pump, thermostat, hoses), vacuum hose deterioration, VANOS unit issues (on later M62 engines, but related principles apply to M60 maintenance), SRS warning light illumination, LCM (Light Control Module) failures, ABS sensor failures, window regulator failures, door handle issues.
Maintenance Focus:
Due to age and complexity, proactive maintenance of cooling system, vacuum lines, and electrical connectors is crucial. Regular fluid changes and thorough inspections are paramount.
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, with the 7 Series representing its flagship sedan line, continuously evolving to incorporate the latest in automotive engineering and luxury.
Generation:
E38 generation, introduced in 1994 (for the 1995 model year in North America), replacing the E32. The 1993 model year marks the end of the E32 generation, however, the product title specifically mentions '1993 Service Repair Workshop Manual' for 'BMW 740i 740iL', suggesting this manual covers the later E32 variants that carried the 740i designation (e.g. 1993 model year E32 740i, which was a 4.0L M60 engine, very similar to the E38's M60B40). It's crucial to note this manual likely pertains to the final E32 models equipped with the 4.0L V8.
Production Period E32 740I:
1992-1994 (Europe), 1993-1994 (North America).
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany.
