Production Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Positioning:
The BMW 750iL (E32) represented the pinnacle of BMW's luxury sedan offering during its production run, competing directly with flagship models from Mercedes-Benz (S-Class), Jaguar, and other high-end luxury manufacturers.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W126/W140 S-Class, Jaguar XJ6/XJ12, Lexus LS 400, Cadillac Fleetwood.
Features:
Smooth and powerful V12 engine, long wheelbase for enhanced rear passenger comfort, luxurious interior appointments, advanced (for its time) technology, and BMW's renowned driving dynamics.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Automatic), Driveline, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires, Body & Chassis, Interior, HVAC, Electrical System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Safety Systems (ABS), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD I), Troubleshooting, Maintenance Procedures, Technical Data, Wiring Diagrams
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly and assembly of V12 engine, including cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, valve train, timing system, lubrication, and cooling.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M-1.2), starter system, alternator, battery, and diagnostic procedures for engine electronics.
Transmission:
Service and repair of the 4-speed automatic transmission (likely ZF 4HP24 or similar), including torque converter, hydraulic system, valve body, and electronic control.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, power steering system, steering rack, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, lighting, interior electronics, power windows, central locking, mirrors, and dashboard instrumentation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service, and general inspection procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (OBD I), and step-by-step troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems of the vehicle.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Includes torque specifications, tolerances, and critical assembly data.
Configuration:
60-degree V12
Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4988 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 2 valves per cylinder (12 valves total)
Horsepower:
295 bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic M-1.2 Electronic Fuel Injection with two ECUs (one per cylinder bank)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 Quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.0 Liters (12.7 Quarts)
Crash Test Ratings:
No formal ratings available from NHTSA/IIHS for this era and model, but built to high European safety standards.
Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC) (later models)
Features:
Driver and passenger airbags, reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, seatbelt pretensioners.
Features:
Cassette player, AM/FM radio, analog climate control displays, OBC (On-Board Computer) functionality.
Features:
Cruise Control, ABS, power adjustable seats with memory, automatic climate control, self-leveling suspension (on some models).
Features:
Limited by era; primarily internal vehicle systems. No external connectivity like Bluetooth or USB.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 - 50,000 miles. Requires 12 spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles). Consult manual for specific guidance.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (or 5W-40, 10W-30 depending on climate, refer to manual for specific BMW approval)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or similar ethylene glycol-based)
Common Problems:
V12 engine management complexity, ignition coil failures (coil-on-plug systems were not yet standard), fuel injector issues, cooling system leaks (especially radiator and hoses), vacuum leaks affecting engine performance, early ABS system issues, potential for VANOS unit problems (on later M70 variants), window regulator failures, and general wear and tear on aging luxury components.
Oil Filter:
Refer to manual for specific BMW part number (e.g., Mann-Filter W940/24 or equivalent for early models)
Air Filter:
Refer to manual for specific BMW part number (e.g., Mann-Filter C2534/1 or equivalent)
Spark Plug:
Refer to manual for specific BMW part number (e.g., Bosch F7DC0R or NGK BKR6EK)
Heritage:
BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on engineering and driving dynamics.
E32 Generation:
The E32 generation 7 Series (1986-1994) introduced significant advancements in luxury, technology, and performance. The 750iL variant, launched in 1987, marked BMW's return to V12 engine production after a hiatus.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Production Period:
1987-1994 (for E32 750iL)
