Is BMW E32 7-Series the New ’80s Classic? – Bimmers.com

One of the most influential models in BMWs reputation as a luxury car manufacturer is the 7-Series. This executive sedan has always been at the very forefront of the space, offering unmatched comfort and technology. By today’s standards, the older generations of the car may seem like rather simple machines, but in their prime, they were in a class of their own.

The BMW E32 7-Series, for instance, was only the second generation of the model line, but it was clear that the manufacturer had a winner on its hands. Today, you can get your hands on one for as little as a few thousand dollars, which is why they’re getting increasingly popular in the used car space.

That said, given their age, these cars have likely covered hundreds of thousands of miles and encountered all kinds of owners and driving conditions. While now is a great time to get your hands on this classic, you should know what you’re getting yourself into. 

Here’s all you need to know about BMW E32 7-Series, from why it’s such a great car to buy now to the common issues you should be prepared to deal with. 

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BMW E32 — Pioneering Technology

The BMW E32 was the successor to the original 7-Series, the BMW E23. When it debuted in 1986, the E32 7-Series was one of the most technologically advanced cars in the market. It was the first BMW to come with active suspension, traction control, and dual-zone climate control — prerequisites on a modern-day car but revolutionary at the time. 

It was also the first production vehicle to feature Xenon headlights and the first 7-Series model to introduce two wheelbase options — short (i) and long (iL).

Owners at the time could also spec their 7-Series with integrated telephone and fax machines — now, that’s something no modern-day car can offer. Other add-on features included a wine cooler, electronically adjustable rear seats, and radio controls at the rear on the range-topping BMW 750iL.

The BMW E32 also presented many firsts for the German manufacturer with regard to the powertrain. It came with the first BMW V8 engine in nearly 35 years (after the BMW 501/502 of 1962) and the manufacturer’s first V12 engine, which was a massive deal for the automotive industry. The latter also happened to be Germany’s first V12 in a passenger vehicle following the war. 

Evidently, the second generation of the 7-Series was as progressive as cars got in the 1980s.

Available Powertrain Option

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Over its 8-year production run, from 1989 to 1994, the BMW E32 was produced with inline-six, V8, and V12 petrol engines. No diesel options were ever made. When the car first made its debut, it was only available with the BMW M30 inline-six engine and the M70 V12. The M60 V8 was introduced in 1992.

The first models to go on sale were the straight-six powered BMW 730i/iL, BMW 735 i/iL, and the V-12 powered BMW 750 iL. The 4.0L V8 was introduced aboard the BMW 740i/iL. 

Here’s a list of all the BMW E32 7-Series models and info on the engines that powered them:

• 1986–1987 3.0L inline-six M30B30 in BMW 730i, producing 181 hp at 5,800 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
• 1987–1994 3.0L inline-six M30B30 in BMW 730i, producing 185 hp at 5,800 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
• 1986–1992 3.0L inline-six M30B30 in BMW 730i, producing 194 hp at 5,800 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. (This uncatalyzed version of the car was sold in select markets)
• 1992-1994 3.0L V8 M60B30 in BMW 730i, producing 215 hp at 5,800 rpm and 214 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.
• 1986–1992 3.5L inline-six M30B35 in BMW 735i, producing 208 hp at 5,700 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
• 1986–1992 3.5L inline-six M30B35 in BMW 735i, producing 217 hp at 5,800 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. (This uncatalyzed version of the car was sold in select markets)
• 1992–1994 4.0L V8 M60B40 in BMW 740i, producing 282 hp at 5,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.
• 1987–1994 5.0L V12 M70B50 in BMW 750iL, producing 296 hp at 5,200 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm.

How Fast is the BMW E32 7-Series?

The BMW E32 7-Series cars were never meant to set records with their acceleration or top speeds, but they were still pretty quick. The range-topping 750iL, with the massive 5.0L V12 under its hood, was capable of a 0-62 mph time of 7.4s, which is impressive for a car that came out over 35 years ago. Top speed was electronically restricted to 250kph (155mph), following a “gentleman’s agreement” between manufacturers to limit top speeds in an effort to propagate safety. 

The V8-powered 740i, largely thanks to its lower weight, was capable of an identical 0-62 mph time, with top speed restricted to 240 kph (149mph). 

Is the BMW E32 7-Series Reliable?

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Shortly after it was introduced, the BMW E32 would gain a reputation for being a well-made car. However, owners eventually discovered this was mostly the case with the inline-six engines. The V12, BMW’s first on a production car, had a more extensive list of problems and is definitely the least recommended if reliability is at the top of your list. 

The V8 engines also proved problematic in the North American market, largely thanks to the notorious Nikasil coating that BMW used on the cylinder walls. We’ll discuss that in more detail below. 

BMW E32 — Pre-Purchase Inspection and Common Problems

The earlier models of the BMW E32 are over 35 years old, while the very last ones produced have been around for nearly 28 years. Things are bound to go wrong and fail, but this should be expected. What’s important is knowing what to look for before buying a pre-owned one and what problems and issues you should expect as an owner. 

Powertrain

The engine and gearbox are, without a doubt, the most expensive components of any car. With the BMW E32, you must find a powertrain that’s in reasonably good shape because extensive repairs can leave you with a bill costing more than what you spent on the car itself. 

While these cars have stood the test of time impressively, they still have some common problems you should check before handing the previous owner any money. 

Timing Chain Guide Failure

A failure of the timing chain guide was most common on the V8-powered BMW E32 cars – the post-1992 BMW 730i and the BMW 740i. The timing chain guides ensure that the chain is held in place and moves smoothly. Since the timing chain is made of metal, the guides are plastic to avoid metal-on-metal contact. 

The plastic timing chain guides are mostly reliable and were designed to last over 100,000 miles, but there have been several reports of them failing prematurely. If the guides develop a crack, they can change the slack of the timing chain and even cause it to slip off, resulting in substantial damage to the engine. 

This is one of those issues you certainly want to try and avoid. Preemptive measures will work out far less expensive than having to replace multiple components in the engine. A failing timing chain will result in a whining sound from the engine bay and an illuminated check engine light on the dash. If you notice either of these symptoms, get the timing chain and the guides replaced as soon as possible.

Valve Cover Oil Leaks

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You should be prepared to deal with an oil leak, even on a modern-day BMW. These German machines are notorious for sprouting leaks, and one of the most common weak points is the valve cover and the valve cover gasket. Like today’s cars, the BMW E32 features a plastic oil cover and a rubber gasket. 

Considering that these cars likely have hundreds of thousands of miles on them, these parts are expected to deteriorate over time. Ask the previous owner if the valve cover has been replaced recently. If yes, it’s almost a given that the gasket has also been swapped for a new one.

It’s also a good idea to check for any leaks as well. The obvious place to be looking is around the valve cover. Keep the engine running and see if you can spot oil build-up there or even the smell of burning oil. 

Nevertheless, neither is a costly part to replace, and if this is the only matter of concern with the powertrain, you’ve hit the jackpot.

PCV Valve Failure

The PCV valve is a one-way valve attached to the crankcase that ensures exhaust gasses leave the crankcase but cannot enter back. A faulty PCV valve can result in a pressure build-up in the crankcase, blowing gaskets and seals. 

BMW E32 owners have found that the PCV valve is one of the parts that fail when their cars cross a certain age, so you should get it checked. In these cars, the PCV valve comprises a diaphragm attached to the rear of the inlet manifold. If this fails, you should face a rough idle and excess smoke levels. 

Luckily, replacing the PCV valve won’t cost you too much money. It can be a labor-intensive and slightly technical job, though. 

Cooling Issues

The BMW E32 had a somewhat problematic cooling system; the two main culprits were the radiator and the viscous fan. The radiators on the E32 7-Series had a plastic body that was prone to breaking around the top hose connection point. Unfortunately, just the housing can’t be replaced, and the only solution is to swap the radiator out for a new one. This, as you can imagine, is an expensive fix for a seemingly little problem. 

The viscous fan on the E32 runs from the rotation of the main belt from the crankshaft pulley. Sometimes, insufficient torque is produced to reduce the fan at the required speed, causing the engine to heat up suddenly. If your engine suddenly heats up when the car is idle and immediately cools down once you start moving, it’s likely a problem with the viscous fan. That being said, you could also be dealing with a thermostat that is stuck in an open position.

If a faulty viscous fan isn’t replaced immediately, it can disintegrate and cause severe damage. 

Trans Failsafe Prog Error

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The “Trans Failsafe Prog Error” is a dreaded error that shows up on the OBC-I if there’s an issue with your transmission. Replacing the entire transmission system, if you can find all the right parts, can cost you upwards of $5,000, and that’s why people steer away from BMW E32 models with any gearbox-related issues. 

If your gearbox is stuck in the 3rd or 4th gear, you could be dealing with this issue. However, before you panic, there are some things you can check that may rectify the problem. 

When the battery on the BMW E32 has a low voltage, it can cause issues with the automatic ZF gearbox. Check the charge of the battery, fuses, and alternator, and replace any of them if necessary. 

Next, check the shifter selector switch. Sometimes, dirt or dust collecting under the switch can send a faulty signal to the EGS (Electronic Gearbox System) and cause it to lock in a particular gear. Removing the shift selector switch and cleaning under it might rectify the issue. Similarly, do the same for the S.E.M (Sports, Economy, Manual) switch next to the shifter. 

Lastly, check the transmission fluid and ensure that it’s clear. If it smells burnt, there’s definitely something wrong with the gearbox. 

Nikasil Bore Coating Issue

The BMW M60 engine was introduced with a cylinder line made of Nikasil — a combination of aluminum, nickel, and silicone. This was done to reduce friction between the piston and the cylinder walls, reducing wear. However, what BMW failed to consider was that fuel in the North American market was extremely rich in sulfur at the time. The nickel in the Nikasil coating reacts adversely with sulfur and causes the cylinder walls to degrade. 

As a result, the engines could not produce enough compression, resulting in improper combustion and, in more serious cases, a seized engine. BMW quickly realized this was an issue, offered an extended warranty of 6 years and 100,000 miles for parts of the engine, and replaced the Niksail with Alusil. 

Thanks to the warranty and engine replacements, there’s a high probability that a pre-owned car you’re looking at has had its engine swapped at some point. Even if that isn’t the case, the Nikasil coating isn’t a matter of grave concern today since fuels are of much better quality and contain nowhere near as much sulfur. That said, there may be existing damage from when the vehicle was initially run, so having a technician run a compression test will help you check the health of the internals. 

Interior, Exterior, and Electronics

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The engine and gearbox issues are certainly the more expensive issues you’ll face with a BMW E32. Some may be enough reason to avoid purchasing a particular example altogether. Besides them, several other problems may pop up on an old BMW E32. 

These issues may not be as expensive to fix, but they can still affect the normal functioning of the car. Here’s what you should look for.

Air Conditioning Troubles

One of the first things you should check is the air conditioning. The E32 uses a unique wheel-like system to adjust temperature and fan speed, which were found to be unreliable. However, this is a simple piece of plastic, and sourcing it will be more challenging than paying for it.

If there are problems with the heater cores, or if the pipes develop leaks, it’s going to be a lot more expensive to fix. Replacing them will require you to disassemble most of the dashboard, making it quite a labor-intensive job. 

Front End Wobble

A wobbly front end was one of the most notoriously common problems with the BMW E32. The car’s front wheels would seem to come loose and shimmy, and this was most evident under braking or while accelerating above 50 mph. If left unaddressed, it does become more prominent. 

The reason behind the problem boils down to multiple components in the front suspension and steering system, like the sway bear, bearings, control arm, and even the shock absorbers. The BMW 750i was the most susceptible to this owing to the massive V12 engine under the hood. 

Since there are so many parts involved in the front suspension and steering, pinpointing the exact component that needs replacement can be time-consuming. At this point, a complete front-end rebuild is advised, but keep in mind that it will cost you over a thousand dollars. 

Other Minor Issues

Before finalizing on a used BMW E32, also check for rust, signs of water damage, and faulty electronics. While it’s almost impossible to find an example of the car with no corrosion, you should get one that doesn’t have any structural damage brought about by rust. Under the wheel arch and around the headlights and taillights are some of the spots that tend to rust first, and the condition of these areas should give you an idea of the car’s general condition. 

Since these cars have been around for so long, it’s better to be safe than sorry to assume that they may have seen some sort of water damage. If the bottom edge of the door panel or the floorboards under the mats are damp or have fungal growth, the car’s interiors have likely been exposed to water, perhaps from a flood. It’s best to avoid a vehicle like this, as the extent of damage can be hard to judge. 

The BMW E32 had a fairly rudimentary entertainment system, but it makes sense to check that it’s all in order. 

Where is the battery on a BMW E32?

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The battery on the BMW E32 is located under the rear right passenger seat. A low voltage battery can throw up several issues with your car, so you’ll likely have to access and recharge or replace the battery at some point. 

On cars with manual rear seats, you can access the battery by simply pulling the two metal tabs on either side of the seat. The process is notably more complex with the electronic seats, and checking the owner’s manual will help you get there without causing any damage. 

Is It Worth Buying a BMW E32 7-Series in 2022?

The BMW E32 has become an increasingly popular option for someone looking to buy a classic Bimmer. However, it’s almost impossible to find one that doesn’t have over 100,000 miles on them. Since these cars have been around for so long, it’s likely a pre-owned one you’re looking at has passed through multiple owners. If you can find one with a tidy service history, there’s nothing like it. 

While they now cost a fraction of what they once did, they’re not the most affordable cars to keep on the road. Don’t be drawn in by a low-price pre-owned example because you might just have to spend more than what you did on the car just to get it back in running order. 

That said, if you can find one that’s been looked after reasonably well over the last 30 or so years, this car is an absolute joy to own and drive. 

Proper Maintenance Is Everything

In case you run into a good, clean E32, you’ll definitely want to develop a solid maintenance schedule for that car. Here at Bimmers.com, we carry a wide range of Genuine BMW, OEM and quality aftermarket parts for your E32 as well as any other BMW out there. Check out our offer, use our vehicle navigation tool, and you’ll find parts that are a guaranteed fit for your car.