BMW 7 Series (E32)
| BMW 7-Series (E32) | |
|---|---|
| File:BMW E32 Front.jpg | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1986–1994 311,068 built[1][2] |
| Assembly | Dingolfing, Germany[3] |
| Designer | Ercole Spada; Hans Kerschbaum (1983)[4] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan/saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0-3.4 L M30 I6 3.0-4.0 L M60 V8 5.0 L M70 V12 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,833 mm (111.5 in)[5] LWB: 2,947 mm (116.0 in) |
| Length | SWB: 4,910 mm (193.3 in) LWB: 5,029 mm (198.0 in) |
| Width | 1,845 mm (72.6 in) |
| Height | SWB: 1,400 mm (55.1 in) LWB: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,720–1,930 kg (3,792–4,255 lb)[6] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 7 Series (E23) |
| Successor | BMW 7 Series (E38) |
The BMW E32 is the second generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars and was produced from 1986 to 1994. It replaced the E23 and was initially available with a straight-six or V12 engine. In 1992, V8 engines became available. In 1994, the E32 was replaced by the E38.
The E32 introduced the following features for the first time in a BMW: Electronic Damper Control,[7] V12 and V8 engines, double glazing, the CAN bus electronic protocol,[8] Xenon headlamps,[9] traction control[10] and dual-zone climate control.[11] The E32 750i was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250 km/h (155 mph).[12] The 'iL' models were the first time that a long-wheelbase option was offered by BMW.
Development and production
The styling is credited to then-chief stylist Ercole Spada and Hans Kerschbaum working under the guidance of then-chief designer Claus Luthe.[13] Design work began in late 1979, in which by 1983 1:1 scale models were presented and frozen in 1984 for 1986 production.[14]
Production of the BMW E32 series concluded in 1994 with a total of 311,068 units built.
Features
Some luxury options featured on the E32 include integrated telephone and fax machines, a wine cooler, electronically adjustable rear seats and radio controls for rear passengers.[9]
In 1991, world first series production low beam Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps (Litronic, only low beam) were introduced on the 750iL.[15][16] Other safety features include a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windscreen wipers to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Motorway speeds.
The E32 was the first BMW to be available with traction control (called Automatic Stability Control at the time, however ASC is not considered as stability control by modern definitions). Initial versions (ASC) reduced wheelspin by reducing engine power, while later versions (ASC+T) also applied the rear brakes.[17]
The car was also available in a long-wheelbase version (indicated by an 'L' from German Lang, after the model number). These models have an extra 11.4 cm (4.5 in) of leg room for the rear passengers, by stretching the rear doors and body at this point.
Engines
.jpg)
Over its lifespan, the E32 7 Series was produced with straight-six, V8 and V12 gasoline engines.
The launch models consisted of the 730i/iL and 735i/iL, which were powered by the M30 straight-6 engine. Also available at the E32 launch was the 750i/iL, which was the first BMW ever sold with a V12 engine. The rated power output of the 5.0 L (305 cu in) M70 V12 is 220 kW (295 bhp).[18]
In 1991, BMW began production of its first V8 engine in 17 years.[19] This M60 V8 was introduced in the E32, along with the E34 5 Series. The 4.0 litre version powered the new 740i/iL models, and the 3.0 litre version replaced the M30 straight-six in the 730i/iL models. The top speed of the 740i was electronically limited to 240 km/h (149 mph).[20] Both V8 engines were coupled to a new, 5-speed automatic transmission made by ZF. The Nikasil bore lining used in the M60 engine was prone to damage when used with high-sulfur fuels.
Styling
The E32 was the first BMW to use L-shaped tail-lights, which were intended to add safety and security from the rear view of the car.[21] Other styling features include BMW's traditional Hoffmeister kink in the rear window line and circular headlights (the E32 was the last 7 Series to use circular headlights).[7]
Externally, the BMW 'kidney' grille indicated which engine was present under the hood: all 6-cylinder models have a narrow grille, and a wider grille was standard for the V8 and V12 models. The narrow grille was available as an option on the 8- and 12-cylinder E32 models.
 |
 |
Models
The official specifications are as follows.[5][20][22][23][24][25][6]
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Accel.[26] | Top Speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 730i | M30 I6 |
138 kW (185 hp) @ 5800 rpm* |
260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) @ 4000 rpm |
10.6 (AT) 9.3 (MT) |
222 km/h (AT) 222 km/h (MT) |
1986–1994 |
| 730i V8 | M60 V8 |
160 kW (215 hp) @ 5800 rpm |
290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft) @ 4500 rpm |
9.3 (AT) 8.5 (MT) |
230 km/h (AT) 233 km/h (MT) |
1992–1994 |
| 735i | M30 I6 |
155 kW (208 hp) @ 5700 rpm |
305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) @ 4000 rpm |
9.1 (AT) 8.3 (MT) |
228 km/h (AT) 231 km/h (MT) |
1986–1992 |
| 740i | M60 V8 |
210 kW (282 hp) @ 5800 rpm |
400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) @ 4500 rpm |
7.4 (MT) | 240 km/h** | 1992–1994 |
| 750i | M70 V12 |
220 kW (295 hp) @ 5200 rpm |
450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) @ 4100 rpm |
7.4 (MT) | 250 km/h** | 1987–1994 |
* 135 kW (181 hp) for 1986 models
** Electronically limited top speed
Special models
750iL Highline
_(cropped).jpg)
The BMW 750iL Highline was the top-of-the-line model of the E32, with lots of added luxury for the rear passengers like full leather, dual radio controls, dual climate control with coolbox mounted in the center console, electrically heated and adjustable rear seats, walnut veneer folding tables, two crystal glasses neatly placed in the coolbox, legrests, and sun shade all around the rear/side windows. Complete with independent heating and ventilation, it also added a second battery in the trunk and a second alternator to provide power for all these luxuries. The 'Highline' option package cost more than 20,000 DM, and was only available on the 750iL, bringing the total price to well over twice that of a base model 730i.[27]
Goldfisch prototype
The Goldfisch was a single prototype of an E32 735iL powered with a V16 engine. It was conceived in 1987 and built by the end of 1988. Because of the length of the engine, the cooling system (radiator) was moved to the trunk and additional vents were added at the rear.[28]
Related cars
The E34 5 Series, introduced in 1988, has design cues similar to the E32. It also uses the same M30 straight-6 and M60 V8 engines, and several other parts.
The E31 8 Series, introduced in 1989, uses the same M60 V8 and M70 V12 engines as the E32.
References
- ^ Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, Band 4 (1. ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, Band 5 (1. ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Vehicle manufacturer profiles". www.automotiveworld.com. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
- ^ "Homage to Claus Luthe". www.kulturgut-mobilitaet.de (in German). Retrieved 10 March 2017.
- ^ a b "1986 BMW 730i Automatic E32". www.carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
- ^ a b "1987 BMW 750iL E32". www.carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
- ^ a b "Retro drives: BMW E32 and E38 V12 7 Series". www.carenthusiast.com. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- ^ "Bus System Troubleshooting" (PDF). www.e38.org. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
- ^ a b "BMW E32 specs, speed & engine review". www.thesupercars.org. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- ^ "E32 – The Second Generation BMW 7 Series". www.bmwblog.com. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- ^ "1986 BMW 735i E32 7-Series - giant road test". www.drive-my.com. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "BMW 7 Series (E32)". www.autoevolution.com. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- ^ "BMW Car Designers". www.bmwism.com. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "BMW Remembers the Second-Generation 7-Series E32". www.carscoops.com. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ Behrend, Jürgen. Hella 1899-1999. p. 97.
- ^ Neumann, Rainer; Woerner, B. (1993). "Litronic – New Automotive Headlamp Technology with Gas Discharge Lamp". Automotive Design Engineering: 152–156.
- ^ "BMW TIS - Automatic Stability Control with Traction Control System" (PDF). www.steerbythrottle.com. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
- ^ BMW V-12 Light Alloy Engine M70. P. 5. June 1987
- ^ BMW M60B40 Automobilmotor
- ^ a b Betriebsanleitung BMW E32. p. 121. 1992
- ^ "BMW 7 Series: The second generation E32". BMW YouTube Channel. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
- ^ Die zweite Genertaion der BMW 7er-Reihe. P. 5. 1987
- ^ "BMW E32 735". www.carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2010-11-06.
- ^ "BMW E32 730 V8". www.carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2010-11-06.
- ^ "BMW E32 740". www.carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2010-11-06.
- ^ 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in seconds
- ^ "BMW 7er, Modell E32, Sonder-Ausstattungsdetails inkl. Preisen". www.7-forum.com. 2006-06-03. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
- ^ Farmer, Gavin. "The Secret Seven" (PDF). BMWcar (March 2009): 36–41. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
