🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Model Variant:

740i / 740iL

Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

E32

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 7 Series (E32) represented the pinnacle of luxury and technology for BMW in the early to mid-1990s, competing with flagship sedans from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Jaguar. The 740i/iL models, powered by the groundbreaking M60 V8 engine, were aimed at discerning buyers prioritizing performance, refinement, and advanced features.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ6/XJ12

Model Features:

V8 engine, advanced chassis dynamics, luxurious interior appointments, available long wheelbase (iL), sophisticated electronics for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW 740i and 740iL models (E32 chassis)

Secondary Coverage:

Covers all mechanical and electrical systems relevant to the specified models

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (typically 800-1500+ pages for a full workshop manual of this era)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Print or Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, timing, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, oil system, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, emission control systems, sensors, actuators, DME troubleshooting

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22 or similar), removal, installation, overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic control

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, axles

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, power steering system

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), caliper overhaul, brake fluid, parking brake

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse/relay locations, battery, charging system, starter

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, body sealing

Climate Control:

HVAC system, A/C operation, refrigerant, blower motor, control panel

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (if equipped), seat belt mechanisms

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation

Diagnostics:

Fault code interpretation, electrical system testing, fuel system diagnostics

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical values

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF (if digital)

Print Quality:

Professional printing with clear diagrams and text (if printed)

Binding:

Sturdy binding suitable for workshop use (e.g., spiral bound or perfect bound, if printed)

Paper:

Durable paper stock resistant to shop grime (if printed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M60B40

Engine Type:

4.0L V8 (32-valve, DOHC)

Displacement:

3982 cc (243 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approximate, SAE net)

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate, SAE net)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic M3.3

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent) or 50/50 mix with distilled water

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22EH)

Type:

None for 740i/iL in 1991

Transmission Modes:

Standard, Sport (S/M) modes

Fluid Type:

ZF TE-ML 11B or ATF Dexron III compatible fluid (verify with manual for specific application)

📐 Dimensions

Length 740I:

197.8 inches (5024 mm)

Length 740Il:

204.5 inches (5194 mm)

Wheelbase 740I:

115.4 inches (2931 mm)

Wheelbase 740Il:

121.1 inches (3076 mm)

Curb Weight 740I:

4079 lbs (1850 kg) approx.

Curb Weight 740Il:

4189 lbs (1900 kg) approx.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

Tire Size Standard:

225/60 R15 (may vary by market and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not available or comparable for this era.

ABS:

Standard Bosch ABS III

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control plus Traction) available as an option on some models

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard depending on market/trim.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear

💡 Technology Features

Onboard Computer:

On-Board Computer (OBC) providing trip data, diagnostics, and system status. Often features a prominent LCD display.

Audio System:

High-quality cassette-based audio systems, often with premium speaker options (e.g., Harman Kardon), CD changer capability.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors (optional feature on some models).

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated car phone systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (dependent on driving conditions and oil used; consult manual for specifics).

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 60,000 miles for premium ignition systems (refer to manual for specific plug type and interval).

Engine Oil:

API SJ/SL or BMW Longlife-01 approved Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (verify with manual for exact specification).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (minimum) or DOT 5.1

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent approved hydraulic fluid

Engine M60:

Nikasil cylinder wall wear (in earlier M60 engines, though later models and specific production runs improved; check for symptoms like oil consumption, blue smoke), VANOS issues (though VANOS was more prominent in later M62 engines, early versions existed), cooling system components (radiator, hoses, water pump plastic components can degrade).

Electrical:

Corrosion in wire harness connectors, failure of electronic control units (ECU, ABS modules), headlight leveling system issues, power window regulators.

Suspension And Chassis:

Vibration dampener failure, subframe mounting bushings, ball joint wear, rear spring pad degradation.

Interior:

HVAC blower resistor failure, seat heater element failure, headliner sagging, pixelation on OBC (On-Board Computer).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, a renowned German manufacturer, has a long history of producing sporty luxury sedans, consistently pushing boundaries in performance, engineering, and driver engagement. The 7 Series is the flagship of their lineup, embodying the brand's commitment to advanced technology and quality.

E32 Generation:

The E32 generation (1986-1994) represented a significant redesign from the E23, introducing more aerodynamic styling, a longer wheelbase option (iL), and advanced features. The introduction of the V8 engine for the 740i/iL in 1991 marked a significant powertrain evolution for the model.

Production Years:

E32 7 Series: 1986-1994. 740i/iL specific introduction around 1990/1991 model year.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

The E32 7 Series, including the V8 models, was generally well-received by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, advanced technology, and luxurious appointments, often praised for its balance of performance and comfort.