BMW E32 underestimated, but the most reliable "seven" in the series

BMW cars are traditionally loved in Russia. However, some drivers are extremely negative about them. The fault here lies entirely with the owners, because the car itself cannot drive aggressively.


It just so happened that BMW in Russia is considered a daring car, for "cool" and "sharp". Plus, the reputation of a “gangster” car has been going on since the 90s.

All BMW "sevens" can be divided into "the same boomer" of the E38 generation and the rest. It is considered "the last real", because the car appeared in happy years, when Chris Bangle had not yet taken over as chief designer of the BMW Group.


Against the background of the E38, E65 / 66 and subsequent BMW "sevens", previous generations were lost. But the series began with E23, and then there was another E32. We will talk about the latter today.


For the "five" E34 they ask more. Naturally, if the body is still "alive". And this is rare for the E34. But it was on the basis of the second generation of the "sevens" that the "five" was made. But the love of Russian drivers with a car did not work out. Maybe this is good - there are chances to find a device in good condition.

History of the model

The BMW E32 debuted in 1986. Compared to the E23, it was a different car - more luxurious, powerful and at the same time sporty. It's immediately clear that BMW management and engineers have set their sights on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126, with the firm intention of knocking it off its pedestal.


I must say that it worked out - the E32 was superior to Mercedes in all respects, from appearance to technical characteristics.

The main advantages of the model:

✅ There is a long base version
✅ Lensed optics with xenon
✅ Optional parking sensors
✅ V12 engine

By the way, the Mercedes-Benz W126 had a 5,5-liter engine, but only a V8.

To overtake their eternal enemy, BMW engineers even prepared a new power unit. It was a V16 Goldfish with a displacement of 6,7 liters. Unfortunately, it was not possible to introduce this engine into the series. It was too massive, and mass production of such a motor would be expensive.


Interestingly, the three-liter powertrains of the BMW E32 were both in-line six-cylinder and V8. Gearboxes were installed both mechanical and automatic.

Appearance and body

The design of the BMW E32 is cosmic for its time. This sedan still attracts the eye and does not look dated. Whichever way you look at the car, it is still beautiful. And yes - this car at one time was ideal both for the driver and for the owner of the company, who settled down in the "boss's place".

By the way, Klaus Lute designed the BMW E32. He managed to make both a luxury and a sports car.
By the "nostrils" of the radiator grill, it was possible to determine which series the engine was under the hood. If they are narrow, this is an inline six. All other versions with V8 and V12 have wide nostrils.


When choosing an old car, which is the BMW E32, the first thing to look at is the condition of the body. Interestingly, unlike the E38, the previous "seven" was remembered for its good corrosion resistance. There are a lot of cars with "bugs" on sale, but finding the perfect body is not difficult.

Of course, it is unlikely that such a car will be bought for 150 thousand, or it will have technical problems. But already for 250-300 thousand, the ideal outwardly “sevens” are on sale.

In any case, it is not difficult to eliminate body problems if you have the appropriate skill or money for repairs and painting. The main thing is that the power elements are intact. It is advisable to look at the condition of the rear suspension supports and the beam attachment points. If they are rotten, it is better to immediately refuse to buy. It makes no sense to look at the technical condition of the car anymore.

Salon

Inside, the BMW E32 still meets with luxury and comfort. Surprising quality of finishing materials. For example, the leather of the seats is better preserved than that of the E38 generation cars. If something breaks, it usually diverges at the seams. Natural wood panels do not have cracks.


There are cars with a velor interior and a minimum of options. On such a finishing material, time and previous owners sometimes leave indelible marks. Although velor after dry cleaning looks decent. The plastic is soft and will not fade or crack.

When inspecting the interior, first of all, you need to pay attention to its deterioration. Panels are often inaccurately removed, breaking out the fasteners. Repair in such cases is often unskilled.

The number of electronic options depends on the configuration. Everything needs to be carefully checked for performance, because it will be difficult to restore later. Although, compared with the E38, and even more so with the E65 / 66, this car is simple. If desired, accuracy, dedication and the availability of time, you can figure out the wiring yourself.

Engines and gearboxes

The first thing that lovers of saving on fuel need to know is that this will not work with the BMW E32. This series of "sevens" does not have diesel engines and never did. Apparently, in the mid-80s, it was believed that the buyer of the flagship sedan was able to pay for gasoline. And here you need 15 liters of it in the city, even on the weakest engines.

The base engines for the BMW E32 are the M30. Inline six-cylinder power units with volumes of 3,0 and 3,4 liters. They are the most reliable due to the absence of phase shifters, hydraulic compensators and other options that are unnecessary for a handy Russian owner.


If you monitor the condition of the cooling system and service the M30 engines, then they are "millionaires". They do not like overheating - this happens if the viscous coupling of the fan fails.

This is far from the most reliable part, so you need to monitor its performance. If the engine temperature starts to rise, look at the fan. It kind of spins but stops easily. No, not with a hand, but with a stick or a twig.

If this happens, you will have to change the viscous coupling. Or you can brew it, but this is a typical "collective farming". But then the fan will work constantly - it will raise the dust and buzz like an airplane. Some people like it.


But V12 is mega reliable. Structurally, it is similar to the two M30. Hence the absence of problems, but again, subject to timely maintenance and a working cooling system.


Gearboxes are found both mechanical and automatic. Manual transmission is more reliable, their main problem is backlash with a broken backstage. Automatic transmissions are also good, but at this age they are more often already sorted out. This procedure, by the way, is budgetary compared to modern units.

So is it worth buying a BMW E32? If you are a fan of classic sports big sedans of the late 80s, then definitely yes. Unlike old Mercedes, BMW pleases with sharp steering, assembled suspension and sharp brakes.

This car can still be found with a whole body. If you immediately process it and do it later at least once every three years, then the car will still remain for children and grandchildren. These are no longer produced - this can be seen even against the background of comparing the E32 with the next generation of the E38. After all, the legendary "boomers" are mostly rotten, and the old "seven" is still holding on.