Segment:
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking ultimate comfort, performance, and prestige.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/W140), Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS400, Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
Defining Attributes:
V12 engine, long wheelbase, advanced technology for its era, opulent interior, exceptional ride comfort.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for owners and independent mechanics to maintain the complex V12 powertrain and advanced systems of this flagship BMW.
Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Trim Levels Covered:
750iL
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine:
M70 V12 Engine (5.0L), Fuel Injection, Ignition, Cooling, Exhaust, Lubrication
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4HP24)
Chassis And Body:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS), Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Convertible Top (if applicable, though 750iL is sedan), Exterior Trim
Electrical System:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Wipers, Horn, Power Accessories, ECU (DME), ABS Control Unit, Central Locking
Interior:
Seats, Climate Control (HVAC), Infotainment, Door Panels, Headliner, Upholstery
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Tune-ups
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Bodywork Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and component locations.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Displacement:
4988 cc (5.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Cylinder Head Design:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
296 hp @ 5200 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque:
332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (SAE Net)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic DME M3.3)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management:
Dual ECU (DME M3.3) for independent control of each cylinder bank
Exhaust System:
Dual catalytic converters, dual mufflers
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition (two distributors, one per bank)
NHTSA Rating:
Not rated under modern standards due to era of manufacture.
ABS:
Standard (Bosch ABS III)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard from late 1990s onward. Passenger airbag optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones
Audio System:
BMW Professional RDS or premium sound system (e.g., Nakamichi)
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation system (BMW Navigation)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) starting in later models.
Phone Integration:
Optional car phone integration
HVAC System:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with electronic sensors and cabin air filtration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (specific to spark plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher) - Check manual for exact viscosity and specs.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type or equivalent) - typically a blue-green or ethylene glycol based mixture.
Common Problems:
EGS (transmission control unit) failure, coolant leaks (especially water pump and thermostat housing), fuel pump issues, ignition coil failure, vacuum hose degradation, aging wiring harnesses, window regulator failures, door seal leaks.
V12 Specific Concerns:
Spark plug accessibility, dual ignition system maintenance, engine balance adjustments.
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, emphasis on engineering excellence and performance.
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation replaced the E23 7 Series and introduced a more modern, aerodynamic design and advanced features.
750Il Introduction:
The 750iL, introduced in 1987, represented BMW's return to V12 engine production for a flagship luxury sedan, aiming to compete directly with Mercedes-Benz's V12 offerings.
Production Years:
1986–1994
Manufacturing Plant:
Dingolfing, Germany
Automotive Press Reviews:
Often praised for its V12 engine smoothness, sophisticated ride, and luxurious interior, though sometimes criticized for complexity and cost of ownership.
Owner Satisfaction:
Variable, highly dependent on maintenance history and specific owner expectations. Often considered a classic for enthusiasts with the resources to maintain it.
