BMW 7 Series (E32)
The BMW E32 is the second generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars and was produced from 1986 until 1994. It replaced the E23 and was initially available with straight-six or V12 powerplants. In 1992, V8 engines became available. From its inception, the E32 was among the most technologically advanced series of cars in its day.
| BMW 7 Series (E32) | |
|---|---|
730i | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | June 1986–April 1994 |
| Model years | 1987–1994 |
| Assembly | Germany: Dingolfing |
| Designer |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan/saloon |
| Layout | Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | Alpina B12 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,833 mm (111.5 in) 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) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 7 Series (E23) |
| Successor | BMW 7 Series (E38) |
The E32 introduced numerous features including adaptive suspension (EDC), traction control, two available wheelbases (i and iL), and dual-zone climate control. The E32 750i was the first car adhering to "gentlemen's agreement" amongst the German manufacturers limiting maximum speed to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Other automotive passenger vehicles features introduced with the E32 included: projector lens headlamps (1986); double glazing windows (1991); HID (Xenon) headlamps (1991).
E32 also introduced BMW's first V8 engine since the BMW 501/502, last produced in 1962, and their first V12 engine, which was also Germany's first post-war V12 engine for a passenger vehicle.
In 1994, the E32 was replaced by the E38, a clear evolution of the E32.