The E32 hit rock bottom value some time ago, and it lies on the floor waiting to bounce back again. But unlike the E23, it was a worthy rival to the competition from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar...

Words Andrew Everett  |   Pictures Total BMW

History Replacing the unloved E23 in 1986, the E32 was an immediate hit in Germany and when it was launched in the UK in February 1987 as a 735i, the order books began to fill. The 735i was joined by a 730i in May 1987 and both cars were available with either the switchable 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. The 735iSE came with alloys, cruise control, electric sunroof, electric seat adjustment and air conditioning as standard - there was no base model 735i in the UK. The 750iL with the longer wheelbase shell and the 300 bhp V12 arrived in November 1987 as an automatic only, and with full equipment including electric rear seats, self-levelling rear suspension and full leather. A standard wheelbase 750i arrived in late 1989 with 415 TRX type metric wheels, standard suspension and Sports front seats.

1992 saw the end of the 735i, and the launch of the impressive new V8 730i and 740i V8 cars. Both featured all-new 32-valve, all-alloy V8 engines, silky fivespeed automatics and the V12’s wide grille front end. The 730i six cylinder was, for some odd reason, kept going alongside the V8 version as a cheaper entry-level model until the E32 was discontinued. These cars lacked the standard leather and air conditioning of the V8 car, but most cars were optioned up - and in the UK, the long wheelbase shell was not available with the 730i V8, just the six-cylinder car, plus the 740i and 750i.

Which one to have? Well, none are economy cars but the 5-litre V12 is a bit savage - 16mpg average and just over 20mpg on a run. By comparison the 740i will average around 20 and will do 28mpg on a long steady run at 75 - that’s quite a difference. The 730i V8 is also better on fuel than the two six-cylinder cars thanks to a five-speed autobox and a far more efficient engine - a 730i V8 I had would do a genuine brim to brim 28mpg if driven carefully.

Engines

The M30 straight six is a good engine if given the regular oil changes that not many have had. They require annual valve clearance adjustment as well as the removal of the oil spray bar banjo bolts, turning the bar over and cleaning out the oil holes before reassembling with new alloy O rings and new banjo bolts from BMW - these have a special threadlock. Treated well, an M30 should do 250,000 miles but so will the M60 V8 – a very tough engine indeed. These had Nikasil-lined blocks but if it idles smoothly and doesn’t smoke then don’t fret over it. Many cars were fitted with Alusil blocks under warranty however many were not. V8 maintenance is limited to oil and filter, annual coolant changes, V belts and greasing the belt pulley bearings, plus checking for oil leaks in the plug chambers (cam cover gaskets - easy to change) and replacing the breather on the back of the inlet manifold.

To read more about the E32 see the September 2011 issue of Total BMW. 

Back issues available here