🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 7 Series Model Code: E32 Model Year: 1990 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The E32 7 Series was BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and other high-end executive cars. This manual reflects that premium positioning with detailed technical information. Competitive Analysis Context: This manual provides factory-level information crucial for maintaining the complex engineering of the E32, often exceeding the detail found in aftermarket 'chilton' or 'haynes' style guides for luxury vehicles. Key Features Features: Vehicle-specific data (not generic), detailed diagrams, diagnostic procedures, wiring schematics, and torque specifications, directly from BMW's engineering documentation. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Models Covered: All E32 7 Series models produced for 1990 Page Count Estimated Page Count: 700-1000+ (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals) Manual Type Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed (as implied by dealership use) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic), emission controls. Transmission: Manual and Automatic Transmission (e.g., Getrag 5-speed, ZF 4HP22) repair, overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications. Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, CV joints. Suspension: Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system components. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder. Electrical System: Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, fuse/relay identification and testing. Climate Control: Air conditioning (A/C) system diagnosis and repair, heating system, blower motor, controls. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hinges, locks, glass, interior trim, chassis lubrication. Fuel System: Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank servicing. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan operation. Steering System: Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering linkage. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and replacements. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, fault finding for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, electrical component replacement. Diagnostics: Detailed diagnostic steps for engine performance issues, electrical faults, ABS system malfunctions, and climate control problems. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical diagnostics, and chassis repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Likely a printed manual; digital format (PDF) would be a reproduction. Print Quality Quality: High-quality paper and printing, designed for durability in a workshop environment. Binding Type Binding: Likely hardcover or heavy-duty spiral-bound for lay-flat usability. Paper Type Paper: Durable, often coated paper stock to resist grease and dirt. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: Likely covers the M30 inline-six engines (e.g., 730i, 735i) and potentially the M60 V8 engines (e.g., 740i) if introduced in early 1990 models for certain markets. Performance M30 Engine Displacement: 3.0L (M30B30) and 3.5L (M30B35) M30 Horsepower Typical: Approx. 184-211 hp (depending on variant) M30 Torque Typical: Approx. 200-230 lb-ft (depending on variant) Fuel System Injection System: Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and ignition management Engine Design Cylinder Configuration: Inline-6 (M30) or V8 (M60) Engine Components Valvetrain: SOHC (M30) or DOHC (M60) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., Getrag 260/5 for some models) Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22 EH) Features Transmission Control: Electronic control for automatic transmissions (EH models), hydraulic control for manual. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF Dexron-II or equivalent (specific type critical for EH transmission) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 117.4 inches (2982 mm) Length: Approx. 198.6 inches (5045 mm) Width: Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm) Height: Approx. 55.4 inches (1407 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3800-4200 lbs (1724-1905 kg) depending on engine and options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 5000-5300 lbs (2268-2404 kg) Wheels And Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120 mm Standard Tire Size: Typically 205/65VR15 or 225/60VR15 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: While official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era are less comprehensive, the E32 was engineered with a robust safety cage and significant structural integrity. Active Features ABS: Standard Bosch ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System) Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag was optional or standard on later models of the E32 series, passenger airbag less common for 1990. Seatbelts: Front and rear 3-point seat belts Chassis Design: Crumple zones, reinforced safety cage construction. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Premium audio systems, often with cassette tape player and possibly an early CD changer option. Climate Control: Automatic climate control with multi-zone capabilities was a hallmark. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Electronic cruise control. Onboard Computer: Early form of onboard computer for trip data and basic vehicle status checks. Connectivity Exterior Features: Power-adjustable side mirrors, heated mirrors, headlight washers/wipers were available. Interior Features Seating: Power-adjustable front seats...
The E32 7 Series was BMW's flagship luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and other high-end executive cars. This manual reflects that premium positioning with detailed technical information.
Competitive Analysis
Context:
This manual provides factory-level information crucial for maintaining the complex engineering of the E32, often exceeding the detail found in aftermarket 'chilton' or 'haynes' style guides for luxury vehicles.
Key Features
Features:
Vehicle-specific data (not generic), detailed diagrams, diagnostic procedures, wiring schematics, and torque specifications, directly from BMW's engineering documentation.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Models Covered:
All E32 7 Series models produced for 1990
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
700-1000+ (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Diagnostic procedures, fault finding for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, electrical component replacement.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic steps for engine performance issues, electrical faults, ABS system malfunctions, and climate control problems.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical diagnostics, and chassis repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Likely a printed manual; digital format (PDF) would be a reproduction.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-quality paper and printing, designed for durability in a workshop environment.
Binding Type
Binding:
Likely hardcover or heavy-duty spiral-bound for lay-flat usability.
Paper Type
Paper:
Durable, often coated paper stock to resist grease and dirt.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
Likely covers the M30 inline-six engines (e.g., 730i, 735i) and potentially the M60 V8 engines (e.g., 740i) if introduced in early 1990 models for certain markets.
Performance
M30 Engine Displacement:
3.0L (M30B30) and 3.5L (M30B35)
M30 Horsepower Typical:
Approx. 184-211 hp (depending on variant)
M30 Torque Typical:
Approx. 200-230 lb-ft (depending on variant)
Fuel System
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and ignition management
Engine Design
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline-6 (M30) or V8 (M60)
Engine Components
Valvetrain:
SOHC (M30) or DOHC (M60)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., Getrag 260/5 for some models)
Electronic control for automatic transmissions (EH models), hydraulic control for manual.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron-II or equivalent (specific type critical for EH transmission)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 117.4 inches (2982 mm)
Length:
Approx. 198.6 inches (5045 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.4 inches (1407 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3800-4200 lbs (1724-1905 kg) depending on engine and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5000-5300 lbs (2268-2404 kg)
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Standard Tire Size:
Typically 205/65VR15 or 225/60VR15
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
While official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era are less comprehensive, the E32 was engineered with a robust safety cage and significant structural integrity.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Bosch ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag was optional or standard on later models of the E32 series, passenger airbag less common for 1990.
Premium audio systems, often with cassette tape player and possibly an early CD changer option.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with multi-zone capabilities was a hallmark.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control.
Onboard Computer:
Early form of onboard computer for trip data and basic vehicle status checks.
Connectivity
Exterior Features:
Power-adjustable side mirrors, heated mirrors, headlight washers/wipers were available.
Interior Features
Seating:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory functions, heated seats available.
Lighting:
Interior courtesy lighting, map lights.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or annually (refer to specific manual for exact BMW recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Highly variable based on type, often 30,000-60,000 miles for standard plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate (refer to specific manual for BMW approval numbers).
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 high-temperature brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Cooling system components (hoses, water pump, thermostat), front control arm bushings, fuel pump, ignition coil packs (if applicable), ABS sensors.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can experience minor electrical issues due to age, wiring harness degradation, and complex systems.
Head Gasket Risk:
While the M30 is robust, overheating can lead to head gasket issues, especially on higher mileage examples. The M60 V8 is more prone to Nikasil bore wear and VANOS issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury sedans dates back decades. The E32 continued this tradition, evolving from the E23.
Model Evolution
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation was introduced in 1986 as a successor to the E23 7 Series. It represented a significant leap in technology and design, including pioneering features for its time.
Production
Production Years:
1986-1994
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
The E32 generation was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its blend of performance, comfort, and technological innovation, often being a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
While specific ratings for the 1990 model year vary, the E32 was generally regarded as a well-engineered and reliable luxury vehicle for its time, with typical European car maintenance requirements.