Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan, representing BMW's pinnacle of engineering and comfort for its era.
Competitors:
Competed with other high-end luxury sedans such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ, and Audi A8.
Distinctive Attributes:
Smooth V12 engine, spacious long-wheelbase ('L') body, luxurious interior appointments, advanced technology for its time, refined driving dynamics.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with the knowledge to maintain, repair, and preserve the value of a complex and sophisticated luxury vehicle.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of the M73 V12 engine, including maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and complete overhaul procedures.
Engine Management:
Detailed information on Motronic engine management system, fuel injection, ignition timing, sensors, and actuators.
Transmission:
Coverage for automatic transmission (likely ZF 5HP30), including operation, maintenance, diagnosis, and repair.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, and related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including components, geometry, adjustments, and repair.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), components, bleeding procedures, and disc/pad replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, linkage, and components.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, and wiring diagrams.
Comfort Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, and seat adjustment mechanisms.
Bodywork And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, and interior trim components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding, and symptom-based repair guidance.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoring worn or aged components.
Restoration:
Information relevant to preserving and maintaining the vehicle's original condition.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and component testing procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system tracing.
Engine Type:
V12, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code:
M73 B54 (typically, may vary slightly)
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5379 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 96.0 mm
Horsepower:
322 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
361 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic M4.1 or similar
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 2 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)
Cooling System:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with electric cooling fan.
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission
Type:
N/A for 750iL in this year
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.68, 2.41, 1.43, 1.00, 0.75)
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Not rated by NHTSA for this specific year/model, but generally considered safe for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (ASC+T or similar)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners.
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.
Audio System:
High-fidelity audio system, often with premium options like Nakamichi or Harman Kardon sound. Cassette player and CD changer integration typical.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System with CRT display and CD-ROM maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Park Assist:
Optional rear park distance control sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system.
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front and rear seats with memory functions, lumbar support, and heating/ventilation options.
Windows And Mirrors:
Fully electric windows, mirrors, and sunroof. Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) or standard recommendations. Consult manual for specific interval.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; often around 60,000 miles for V12 engines, but can vary. Double platinum or iridium plugs are common.
Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommended 'lifetime' fluid, but periodic changes (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles) are advised by many enthusiasts for longevity.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specification, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic. Capacity: Approx. 7.9 US quarts (7.5 Liters). Consult manual for precise spec.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 10.6 US quarts (10 Liters). Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 PLUS. Flush and replace every 2 years.
Common Wear Items:
Valve cover gaskets (oil leaks), coolant hoses, vacuum lines, front control arm bushings, strut mounts, VANOS seals (if equipped, less common on early M73).
Electrical Gremlins:
Can suffer from aging wiring harness insulation, module failures, and sensor issues, typical of electronics of this era.
Climate Control System:
Actuator failures, blower motor issues, and refrigerant leaks can occur.
Heritage:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, combining luxury, performance, and innovative engineering.
E38 Generation:
The E38 generation (1994-2001) represented a significant advancement in design, technology, and comfort over its E32 predecessor.
750Il Positioning:
The 750iL was the top-tier model, powered by the potent V12 engine, offering the utmost in BMW luxury and performance.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
General Reputation:
The E38 7 Series, particularly the V12 models, were widely praised for their engineering excellence, comfort, and sophisticated road manners, often earning accolades in luxury car comparisons.
Consumer Reports:
While specific ratings for the 1994 750iL can vary, the E38 generation was generally noted for its strong performance and comfort, but sometimes flagged for complexity and repair costs.