page_title: BMW 7 Series (E32)
section_title: Engines
hierarchical_section_title: BMW 7 Series (E32) / Engines
caption_attribution_description: BMW M70
context_page_description: 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 straight-six or V12 powerplants. In 1992, V8 engines became available. From its inception, the E32 was widely considered the most technologically advanced series of cars in its day and set the standard for performance luxury cars well into the 1990s.
  The E32 introduced several features for the first time in a BMW: Electronic Damper Control, Traction Control System; standard and long wheelbase length; 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.
  Additionally, some of world's first automotive features for passenger vehicles were introduced in E32: projector lens headlamps; double glazing windows; HID headlamps;
  E32 also introduced BMW's first V8 engine since BMW 501/502, last produced in 1962, and V12 engine, which was also Germany's first post-war V12 engine for passenger vehicle. The surprise news of BMW's V12 also caused Mercedes-Benz to delay the introduction of W140 by two years from 1989 to 1991.
context_section_description: 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 hp).
  In 1991, BMW began production of its first V8 engine since 1962 with end of BMW 501/502 production. 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 was sold in parallel with the M30 straight-six in the 730i/iL models. The top speed of the 740i was electronically limited to 240 km/h (149 mph). 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.
caption: M70 V12 engine
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