🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 7 Series Sub Model: 740i / 740iL Model Year: 1990 Codes Chassis Code: E32 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size luxury sedan Key Selling Points: Exceptional comfort, advanced engineering, powerful V8 engine, sophisticated styling Competitive Analysis Rivals: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ Key Features Distinctive Features: V8 powertrain, spacious interior, extensive standard equipment for its era Manual Utility: Essential for maintaining the complex systems of a high-end luxury vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download Page Count: Hundreds of Pages 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive coverage of M60B40 V8 engine Transmission: Detailed procedures for automatic transmission (e.g., 4HP22, 5HP30) Brakes: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic system, rotor and pad replacement Electrical: Engine control unit (ECU), lighting, power accessories, diagnostic connector Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorber replacement Steering: Power steering system, steering rack and linkage service Climate Control: HVAC system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling Bodywork: Exterior panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, trim removal Safety Systems: Airbag system (if equipped), seatbelt mechanisms Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides Repair: Component removal and installation for all major systems Rebuild: Engine and transmission overhaul procedures Diagnostics: Electrical system diagnostics, fuel injection system diagnosis Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if digitally generated, otherwise requires OCR for search functionality. Print Quality Printability: Designed for printing, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual. Binding Type Binding Options: Digital download (PDF); physical printing would depend on user's choice (e.g., spiral-bound, three-hole punched). Paper Type Paper Recommendation: Standard printing paper (8.5x11 inch) is suitable. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M60B40 Configuration: 4.0L V8 DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 89.0 mm (approximate) Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 (approximate) Performance Horsepower: 282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approximate) Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M3.3 fuel injection system Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, premium octane recommended Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approx. 10.5 liters (11.1 US quarts) Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 equivalent) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22) Optional Type: 5-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP30) might be available on later models or specific markets, but the 1990 740i typically used the 4-speed. Features Shift Modes: Standard, Sport (S) mode Fluid Fluid Type: ATF Dexron III or equivalent (verify specific transmission) Fluid Capacity: Approx. 6.5-7.5 liters (6.9-7.9 US quarts) for a dry fill 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase 740I: 117.4 inches (2982 mm) Wheelbase 740Il: 120.7 inches (3066 mm) Length 740I: 196.9 inches (5002 mm) Length 740Il: 200.2 inches (5085 mm) Weights Curb Weight 740I: Approx. 3990 lbs (1810 kg) Curb Weight 740Il: Approx. 4079 lbs (1850 kg) Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 120 mm Tire Sizes: Commonly 225/60R15, 235/60R15, or optional larger sizes (refer to manual for specifics) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Ratings from 1990 are generally less comprehensive than modern standards. Focus on structural integrity for its era. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: May be equipped with ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard depending on market and specific build date. Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants Chassis Design: Reinforced safety cage construction 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Premium Hi-Fi sound system (e.g., Nakamichi or Bavaria Professional) with cassette player, optional CD changer. Navigation: Optional early GPS navigation system (often requiring separate modules and map updates). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control Parking Sensors: Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) on some models. Connectivity Cellular Phone: Optional integrated cellular phone system (rare and outdated by modern standards). Comfort Features Seats: Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats. Windows Mirrors: Power windows, power mirrors, power sunroof. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions). Spark Plugs: Generally around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for the M60 engine (check specific plug type recommendations). Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 (check manual for precise viscosity) Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) Brake Fluid: DOT 4 Known Issues Common Problems: Cooling system leaks (hose failures, plastic components), VANOS seal wear (though VANOS was introduced later on M60 variants, early...
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if digitally generated, otherwise requires OCR for search functionality.
Print Quality
Printability:
Designed for printing, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Binding Options:
Digital download (PDF); physical printing would depend on user's choice (e.g., spiral-bound, three-hole punched).
Paper Type
Paper Recommendation:
Standard printing paper (8.5x11 inch) is suitable.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M60B40
Configuration:
4.0L V8 DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (approximate)
Performance
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 fuel injection system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium octane recommended
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 liters (11.1 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 equivalent)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22)
Optional
Type:
5-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP30) might be available on later models or specific markets, but the 1990 740i typically used the 4-speed.
Features
Shift Modes:
Standard, Sport (S) mode
Fluid
Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (verify specific transmission)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 6.5-7.5 liters (6.9-7.9 US quarts) for a dry fill
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase 740I:
117.4 inches (2982 mm)
Wheelbase 740Il:
120.7 inches (3066 mm)
Length 740I:
196.9 inches (5002 mm)
Length 740Il:
200.2 inches (5085 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight 740I:
Approx. 3990 lbs (1810 kg)
Curb Weight 740Il:
Approx. 4079 lbs (1850 kg)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 225/60R15, 235/60R15, or optional larger sizes (refer to manual for specifics)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Ratings from 1990 are generally less comprehensive than modern standards. Focus on structural integrity for its era.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
May be equipped with ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard depending on market and specific build date.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage construction
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Premium Hi-Fi sound system (e.g., Nakamichi or Bavaria Professional) with cassette player, optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation system (often requiring separate modules and map updates).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) on some models.
Connectivity
Cellular Phone:
Optional integrated cellular phone system (rare and outdated by modern standards).
Comfort Features
Seats:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats.
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows, power mirrors, power sunroof.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions).
Spark Plugs:
Generally around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for the M60 engine (check specific plug type recommendations).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 (check manual for precise viscosity)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (hose failures, plastic components), VANOS seal wear (though VANOS was introduced later on M60 variants, early versions had some issues), fuel pump and sender issues, ABS sensor failures, early electronic control module (ECM) issues.
Typical Repairs:
Replacement of ignition coils, spark plug wires, water pump, thermostat, various engine seals and gaskets.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance and engineering.
Model Evolution
Generation:
E32 generation, introduced in 1986, replaced the E23 7 Series.
Engine Introduction:
The M60 V8 engine was a significant advancement for BMW, debuting in the E32 chassis for the 1990 model year.
Production
Production Years:
E32 7 Series produced from 1986 to 1994. The 740i/iL models with the M60 engine were part of this range.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver:
Often featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' list in its segment or similar awards for luxury and performance.
Motortrend:
Likely reviewed and praised by automotive publications for its engineering and luxury.
Certifications
Design Awards:
The E32 chassis was noted for its sleek and aerodynamic design, a hallmark of BMW styling.