🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

750iL

Year:

1988

Generation Name:

E32

Chassis Code:

E32

Engine Code Primary:

M70

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Segment Description:

The 750iL was BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing with top-tier offerings from Mercedes-Benz (S-Class), Jaguar, and Cadillac.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class (e.g., 560SEL), Jaguar XJ6, Lincoln Continental Mark VII, Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.

Defining Features:

V12 engine, extended wheelbase ('L'), advanced electronics for the era, premium interior appointments, sophisticated suspension.

📋 Manual Details

Body Systems:

Body Panel Repair, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seals, Interior Trim, Upholstery, Sound Deadening, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, Aerodynamics

Electrical System:

Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting Systems (Headlights, Taillights, Interior), Instrumentation, Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Seats, Sunroof, Climate Control Electronics, Radio/Audio System, Cruise Control, ABS System, SRS (Airbag) System, On-Board Computer (OBC)

Engine Mechanical:

Engine Assembly/Disassembly, Cylinder Head, Valves, Pistons, Connecting Rods, Crankshaft, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel System (Injection), Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Mounts, Timing System (Chain/Belt)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP-24), Gearbox Overhaul, Clutch (if applicable to specific variants), Drive Shafts, CV Joints, Differential, Axles, Wheel Bearings

Suspension Steering:

Front Suspension (Double Wishbone, Struts), Rear Suspension (Semi-Trailing Arms), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Steering Rack, Power Steering System, Wheel Alignment Specifications

Brakes:

Front/Rear Disc Brakes, Hydraulic System, ABS Components, Brake Lines, Calipers, Master Cylinder, Parking Brake

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC System Components, Blower Motor, Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Refrigerant, Climate Control Unit, Air Distribution

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Systems (early forms)

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but typical for a comprehensive factory manual)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (typical for factory manuals provided in this market)

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

All Systems:

Comprehensive coverage of all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems of the 1988 BMW 750iL.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for virtually every component and system, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting trees to identify and resolve problems.

Diagnostics:

Specific diagnostic routines and specifications for engine, transmission, ABS, and other electronic control units.

Depth:

Factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed specifications, tolerances, and torque values.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

High-resolution PDF designed for clear printing of individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Text Search:

Likely includes searchable text for easy navigation and information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V12 (SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder)

Engine Code:

M70 B50

Displacement:

4988 cc (5.0 Liters)

Horsepower Hp:

Approx. 296 hp @ 5200 RPM

Torque Lb Ft:

Approx. 332 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 Engine Management System with Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48/Glycol-based) - Check manual for exact specification

Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 (Consult manual for specific BMW approval numbers and viscosity grades)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

ZF 4HP-24

Optional Transmission:

None (V12 models were exclusively automatic)

Transmission Features:

Electronic Control, Lock-up Torque Converter, Sport/Economy Mode Selection

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron II / Mercon (Check manual for BMW specific part numbers or approved alternatives)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase In:

117.1 inches

Length In:

200.4 inches

Width In:

71.7 inches

Height In:

55.7 inches

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 4,200 - 4,400 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

Check manual (typically around 5,000 lbs)

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

Standard Tire Size:

225/60VR15 (may vary by market/options)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No standardized ratings like NHTSA/IIHS were available for vehicles of this era in the same way they are today. However, BMW built these vehicles with high safety standards for their time.

ABS:

Yes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard.

Traction Control:

Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard from 1989/1990 model years onwards; check specific 1988 production details. Passenger airbag was generally not available in 1988.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners (front), lap belts (rear, often center).

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Hi-Fi system (e.g., Bavaria C Professional), Cassette Player, potential for CD Changer (optional).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

On Board Computer:

BMW On-Board Computer (OBC) with features like range, average speed, fuel consumption, and diagnostic codes.

Cellular Phone:

Optional integrated car phone (early form of connectivity).

Climate Control Type:

Automatic Climate Control with dual-zone capability.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system or typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with synthetic oil, but consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (check manual for specific type and interval).

Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 7.9 US quarts (7.5 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 13.7 US quarts (13 Liters) - Check manual for exact fill.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (High Performance)

Common Problems:

V12 engine management (complexity), cooling system reliability (hose leaks, water pump), fuel injector issues, vacuum leaks, transmission control unit failures, electrical gremlins (especially with age), catalytic converter longevity, sagging headliner, window regulator failures.

Key Tasks:

Regular inspection of all hoses and lines, monitoring of coolant temperature, keeping electrical connections clean and protected, timely replacement of wear items.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Heritage:

BMW has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, emphasizing 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan.

E32 Introduction:

The E32 generation replaced the E23 7 Series and was produced from 1986 to 1994.

750Il Introduction:

The 750iL, featuring the new M70 V12 engine, was introduced in 1987 for the 1988 model year, marking BMW's return to V12 production after decades.

Production Years:

E32: 1986-1994. 750iL: 1987-1994.

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

While specific awards for the 1988 750iL may not be widely publicized by modern standards, it was consistently praised by automotive press for its V12 engine, refined ride, and advanced technology, solidifying BMW's reputation in the luxury segment.