🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 740i / 740iL Year: 1990 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: High-end luxury sedan, flagship model of BMW Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi V8, Jaguar XJ Key Features Luxury Appointments: Supremely comfortable ride, high-quality interior materials, advanced features for its era Performance Orientation: Blended luxury with BMW's signature driving dynamics Manual Value Proposition Target Audience: BMW owners, independent repair shops, restoration specialists 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive service and repair Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, though not explicitly stated) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine overhaul, rebuild, component replacement, timing, lubrication, cooling systems Engine Electrical: Ignition system, fuel injection system (DME), starting and charging systems, sensors, wiring diagrams Transmission: Automatic transmission service, overhaul, fluid changes, hydraulic controls, electronic control unit (TCU) Drivetrain: Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle components Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, springs, bushings, alignment procedures Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake discs, pads, calipers, lines, bleeding procedures Electrical System: Body electricals, lighting, power windows, door locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, climate control electronics, instrument cluster HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, component testing, climate control unit Body And Chassis: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, structural components Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment Rebuilding: Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilding Diagnostics: Use of diagnostic tools, interpreting sensor data, electrical system testing Technical Depth Depth: Full spectrum from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Details: Likely a high-resolution PDF, potentially with searchable text and bookmarked sections for easy navigation Print Quality Print Quality Suitability: Suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual Binding Type Binding Type Physical: N/A (digital format assumed) Paper Type Paper Type Physical: N/A (digital format assumed) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M60B40 Engine Type: 4.0L V8 (32-valve) Displacement: 3982 cc (243 cubic inches) Bore X Stroke: 84 mm x 90 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Performance Horsepower: 282 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic DME M3.3) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane) Engine Management Engine Control Unit: Bosch Motronic DME M3.3 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP24) Optional Optional Transmission: 5-speed manual (for 740i only, rare) Features Automatic Features: Electronic control, selectable sport mode Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: BMW ATF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase 740I: 117.4 inches (2982 mm) Wheelbase 740Il: 120.9 inches (3071 mm) Length 740I: 197.4 inches (5014 mm) Length 740Il: 200.9 inches (5103 mm) Weights Curb Weight 740I: 4,012 lbs (1820 kg) Curb Weight 740Il: 4,167 lbs (1890 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 5,115 lbs (2320 kg) for 740i, 5,270 lbs (2390 kg) for 740iL 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: N/A (NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era are not directly comparable) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag standard; passenger airbag often optional or added later Seatbelts: Front and rear seat belts, pre-tensioners for front belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Premium sound systems available (e.g., Nakamichi), cassette player, optional CD changer. Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control, often with infrared cabin temperature sensing. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control Parking Assistance: Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) available as an option. Connectivity Onboard Computer: Check Control system for monitoring vehicle status, fuel economy display. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Transmission Fluid Change: Recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for the automatic transmission. Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately every 60,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended (refer to manual for exact BMW approval). Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change. Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 Known Issues M60 Engine Wear: Nikasil cylinder wall wear (in earlier M60 engines, though generally addressed by this period or later models). Serpentine belt tensioner and idler pulley failure. Oil pan gasket leaks. Cooling System: Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump...
5,115 lbs (2320 kg) for 740i, 5,270 lbs (2390 kg) for 740iL
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era are not directly comparable)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard; passenger airbag often optional or added later
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, pre-tensioners for front belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Premium sound systems available (e.g., Nakamichi), cassette player, optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control, often with infrared cabin temperature sensing.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) available as an option.
Connectivity
Onboard Computer:
Check Control system for monitoring vehicle status, fuel economy display.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for the automatic transmission.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended (refer to manual for exact BMW approval).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
M60 Engine Wear:
Nikasil cylinder wall wear (in earlier M60 engines, though generally addressed by this period or later models). Serpentine belt tensioner and idler pulley failure. Oil pan gasket leaks.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump failure.
Electrical:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, particularly around the ECU and ABS components. Failure of the ABS/ASC sensors and control module. Window regulators and central locking issues.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts leading to noise and poor handling.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury vehicles
Model Evolution
E32 Generation:
The E32 chassis introduced in 1986, with the V8 models (740i) arriving for the 1993 model year in North America. The '1990' designation in the product name might be an error or refer to early market introductions in other regions for the V8 variant. The E32 generation started with 6-cylinder engines.
V8 Introduction:
The M60 V8 engine was a significant technological advancement for BMW, marking their return to V8 production after a long hiatus.
Production
Production Period E32:
1986-1994
Manufacture Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism:
Often praised by automotive critics for its blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology for its time.
Design Awards:
The E32 chassis featured elegant styling by Claus Luthe and was recognized for its sophisticated design.