🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 750iL Year: 1991 Codes Chassis Code: E32 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1991 BMW 750iL (E32) represented the pinnacle of BMW's luxury sedan offering, positioned as a direct competitor to high-end Mercedes-Benz S-Class and other flagship luxury vehicles. It was designed for discerning buyers prioritizing performance, advanced technology, and unparalleled comfort. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), Jaguar XJ Series, Lexus LS 400. Key Features Luxury Appointments: Extended wheelbase ('L'), premium leather upholstery, advanced climate control, power-adjustable seating, superior sound insulation. Performance Engineering: The V12 engine offered smooth, powerful acceleration, epitomizing BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy even in a luxury context. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Complete Service and Repair Page Count Page Count: Extensive (specific number not provided in product info, but implied to be comprehensive) Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, given common availability for this era of manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: V12 Engine (M70) - including diagnostics, overhaul, and component specifics Transmission: Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP-24) - repair, diagnostics, fluid service Brakes: Hydraulic System, ABS, Servicing, Component Replacement Electrical: Full Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Diagnostic Procedures for all onboard electronics Suspension: Front and Rear Suspension Systems, Component Replacement, Alignment Specifications Steering: Power Steering System, Components, Troubleshooting Cooling System: Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Fan Clutch, Hoses Fuel System: Fuel Injection System (Motronic), Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Lines Exhaust System: Catalytic Converters, Mufflers, Pipes, Oxygen Sensors Body: Bodywork Repair, Doors, Panels, Glass Replacement, Trim HVAC: Climate Control System, Refrigerant, Components, Diagnostics Interior: Seat Adjustment, Upholstery, Dash Components Procedures Included Scheduled Maintenance: Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Checks Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides Repair Procedures: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul Diagnostics: Engine Management System (Motronic), ABS, and other electronic systems Torque Specifications: Precise torque values for all critical fasteners Special Tools: Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain repairs Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; from basic fluid services to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for printing. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) Searchability Text Search: Searchable PDF text for quick information retrieval. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M70 Configuration: V12 Displacement: 5.0 Liters (4988 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 75.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Valve Train: SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (48 valves total) Performance Horsepower: 300 PS (296 bhp / 221 kW) @ 5200 rpm Torque: 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) @ 3900 rpm Fuel System System: Bosch Motronic M1.2 (Sequential Fuel Injection) Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane) Engine Management ECU: Dual ECUs (one for each bank of cylinders) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP-24) Optional Optional Transmission: Manual Transmission (rarely optioned or available in North America for this model) Features Sport Mode: Yes, typically with selectable 'Sport' and 'Economy' modes. Transmission Fluid Fluid Type: BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon Capacity: Approx. 8.5 liters (8.0 quarts) for a complete fluid change, including torque converter. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 3026 mm (119.1 inches) Length: 5024 mm (197.8 inches) Width: 1800 mm (70.9 inches) Height: 1400 mm (55.1 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1860 kg (4100 lbs) Gross Weight: Approx. 2375 kg (5236 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: While official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this specific model year are scarce by modern standards, BMW vehicles of this era were built with substantial safety structures. The E32 chassis was renowned for its rigidity. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on some models, though less sophisticated than modern systems. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag standard. Passenger airbag not standard on all early E32 models, but available. Seatbelts: Pre-tensioner seat belts for front occupants. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cell construction. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: High-quality premium audio systems, often with cassette player and radio. CD changer was an option. Navigation: Early BMW navigation systems (e.g., BMW Professional Navigation System) were available as an option on later E32 models, though rare on 1991 models. This manual would cover diagnostics if present. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Park Assist: Rear parking sensors were an option on some models, but not widely prevalent. Climate Control System: Dual-zone automatic climate control (IHKA - Integrated Automatic Climate Control) for driver and front passenger, with rear climate controls also often present. Lighting Headlights: Halogen headlights. Fog lights were standard or optional. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving...
The 1991 BMW 750iL (E32) represented the pinnacle of BMW's luxury sedan offering, positioned as a direct competitor to high-end Mercedes-Benz S-Class and other flagship luxury vehicles. It was designed for discerning buyers prioritizing performance, advanced technology, and unparalleled comfort.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), Jaguar XJ Series, Lexus LS 400.
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Diagnostics:
Engine Management System (Motronic), ABS, and other electronic systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain repairs
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive; from basic fluid services to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for printing.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Searchability
Text Search:
Searchable PDF text for quick information retrieval.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M70
Configuration:
V12
Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4988 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (48 valves total)
Performance
Horsepower:
300 PS (296 bhp / 221 kW) @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
332 lb-ft (450 Nm) @ 3900 rpm
Fuel System
System:
Bosch Motronic M1.2 (Sequential Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Engine Management
ECU:
Dual ECUs (one for each bank of cylinders)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP-24)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
Manual Transmission (rarely optioned or available in North America for this model)
Features
Sport Mode:
Yes, typically with selectable 'Sport' and 'Economy' modes.
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.0 quarts) for a complete fluid change, including torque converter.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
3026 mm (119.1 inches)
Length:
5024 mm (197.8 inches)
Width:
1800 mm (70.9 inches)
Height:
1400 mm (55.1 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1860 kg (4100 lbs)
Gross Weight:
Approx. 2375 kg (5236 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
While official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this specific model year are scarce by modern standards, BMW vehicles of this era were built with substantial safety structures. The E32 chassis was renowned for its rigidity.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on some models, though less sophisticated than modern systems.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard. Passenger airbag not standard on all early E32 models, but available.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioner seat belts for front occupants.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell construction.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
High-quality premium audio systems, often with cassette player and radio. CD changer was an option.
Navigation:
Early BMW navigation systems (e.g., BMW Professional Navigation System) were available as an option on later E32 models, though rare on 1991 models. This manual would cover diagnostics if present.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Park Assist:
Rear parking sensors were an option on some models, but not widely prevalent.
Climate Control
System:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (IHKA - Integrated Automatic Climate Control) for driver and front passenger, with rear climate controls also often present.
Lighting
Headlights:
Halogen headlights. Fog lights were standard or optional.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Follow on-board computer service indicators if equipped.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on spark plug type. The M70 uses 12 spark plugs, requiring careful attention during replacement.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended. BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 quarts) with filter.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Known Issues
E32 Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (hoses, expansion tank), VANOS seal issues (on later M70 versions, less common on early ones), ABS sensor failures, window regulator failures, aging rubber components, OVP relay issues on some models, ignition coil failures.
M70 Specific Issues:
Complex nature of the V12 can lead to higher repair costs. Two ECUs and dual ignition systems require specialized diagnosis. O-ring seals in the intake manifold can degrade. Oil leaks from the rear main seal can be labor-intensive to fix.
Parts Availability
Parts Status:
Many parts are still available from BMW or specialized aftermarket suppliers, though some wear items may be scarce or expensive.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury vehicles with advanced engineering and performance. The 7 Series has consistently been their flagship model.
Model Evolution
E32 Introduction:
The E32 generation replaced the E23 and was introduced in 1986. The 750iL variant, featuring the new V12 engine, debuted in 1987 for the 1988 model year in Europe and 1990 in North America. The 1991 model is part of the initial E32 production run.
Production
Production Years:
E32: 1986-1994. 750iL specific: 1987-1994.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism:
While specific awards for the 1991 model year are not explicitly listed in the product description, the E32 generation was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its refinement, V12 engine smoothness, and luxurious interior, cementing BMW's position in the ultra-luxury segment.