Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan of BMW, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Jaguar XJ
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W126/W140 S-Class, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 400, Cadillac DeVille
Innovation:
Introduced advanced features like electronic throttle control, integrated safety systems, and sophisticated engine management
Design:
Claus Luthe's design, characterized by clean lines, aerodynamic efficiency, and a focus on occupant comfort and safety
Applicable Model Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Primary Focus:
Service and Repair
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (typical factory service manuals are hundreds of pages, specific count not provided but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF implied)
Engine:
Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for M30 and M60 engines
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., ZF 4HP22, 5HP30)
Brakes:
ABS, hydraulic systems, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, component testing for all electrical systems
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications
Body:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim
HVAC:
Climate control system diagnosis and repair, component replacement
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, EVAP system
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipe repair
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection and repair, unibody construction
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seatbelt service
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical fault finding
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Installation:
Component replacement and installation guides
Adjustment:
Valve adjustments, idle speed adjustments, parking brake adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls)
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using BMW's diagnostic tools and procedures
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Schematics:
Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams
735I/735Il:
3.5L M30B35 Inline-6
740I/740Il:
4.0L M60B40 V8
735I/735Il:
Approx. 208-211 hp @ 5700 rpm, 214-227 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm
740I/740Il:
Approx. 282-296 hp @ 5800 rpm, 295-310 lb-ft torque @ 4500 rpm
750Il:
Approx. 296-300 hp @ 5200 rpm, 332 lb-ft torque @ 4100 rpm
735I/735Il:
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
740I/740Il/750Il:
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection (specific variants may differ slightly)
Capacity 735:
Approx. 10.5 liters (coolant)
Capacity 740:
Approx. 12.0 liters (coolant)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent G48)
735I/735Il:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
740I/740Il:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30)
735I/735Il:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260) - rare
Sport Mode:
Available on automatic transmissions for enhanced performance shifting
4Hp22:
ATF LT3 (BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 858 or equivalent)
5Hp30:
ATF LT71141 (BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 859 or equivalent)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 - 9.0 liters (dry fill)
Wheelbase 735I:
111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Wheelbase 735Il:
117.1 inches (2975 mm)
Wheelbase 740I:
117.1 inches (2975 mm)
Wheelbase 740Il:
117.1 inches (2975 mm)
Wheelbase 750Il:
117.1 inches (2975 mm)
Length 735I:
196.4 inches (4988 mm)
Length 735Il:
202.1 inches (5133 mm)
Width:
71.3 inches (1811 mm)
Height:
55.2 inches (1402 mm)
Curb Weight 735I:
Approx. 3,770 lbs (1710 kg)
Curb Weight 740Il:
Approx. 4,057 lbs (1840 kg)
Curb Weight 750Il:
Approx. 4,398 lbs (1995 kg)
Gvwr:
Varies by model, check specific vehicle documentation
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 18.0 cu ft (510 L)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Not explicitly rated by modern standards, but designed with significant safety features
IIHS Side Impact:
Not explicitly rated by modern standards
ABS:
Standard on all models (Bosch ABS III)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models (ASC or ASC+T)
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners, rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Head Unit:
Integrated BMW Bavaria or Professional radio/cassette systems with optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation systems available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear park assist sensors on later models.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone systems available on some models.
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats optional.
Windows:
Power windows, optional power sunroof.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check manual for specific intervals.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (BMW Blue Antifreeze).
Transmission Fluid:
Lifetime fluid is often stated, but regular inspection and change (e.g., every 60,000-100,000 miles) is recommended for longevity, especially for older vehicles.
Spark Plugs:
M30: ~30,000 miles; M60/M70: ~60,000 miles (depending on type - standard vs. long-life)
Engine Oil 735:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil 740/750:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SG or higher)
Power Steering Fluid:
CHF 11S (Pentosin) or equivalent (BMW Part No. 83 29 0 429 576)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks are prone to cracking; plastic thermostat housings can also fail.
Head Gaskets:
M60 engines can be susceptible to head gasket issues, often exacerbated by overheating.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors commonly fail, leading to ABS and sometimes speedometer issues.
Door Handles:
Exterior door handle mechanisms can break or become stiff.
Interior Electronics:
Climate control panels, power seat motors, and other interior electronics can fail over time.
Fuel Pump:
Fuel pumps have a finite lifespan and may require replacement.
Transmission Leaks:
Transmission pan gaskets and cooler lines can develop leaks.
Brand History:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury and performance automobile manufacturer, founded in 1916. Known for engineering excellence and 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan.
Predecessor:
BMW E23 7 Series
Successor:
BMW E38 7 Series
Design Philosophy:
E32 marked a significant step forward in design, technology, and refinement compared to its predecessor, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and a more modern aesthetic.
Production Years:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing plant)
Design Awards:
While specific awards for the E32 are not readily available in a general context, its design was widely acclaimed for its elegance and timelessness.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists of its era for its ride comfort, handling, and powerful engines, especially the V8 and V12 variants.
Quality Build:
Reflected BMW's reputation for high-quality engineering and build standards.
