Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 60,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1992 735I.
The 1992 BMW 735i is an E32-platform luxury sedan equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, returning EPA figures of 14 city/20 highway/16 combined mpg and requiring 6.1 quarts of oil at a viscosity of 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ. Within the model's 1990–1995 complaint history, this year stands as the peak for owner-reported issues with 6 total complaints—more than any other year in the range—concentrated in the Engine & Engine Cooling category and accompanied by 3 recalls. That positions the 1992 735i as the most problematic year in the E32's later run, meaning researchers evaluating this specific model should expect to scrutinize cooling and engine components more closely than in subsequent years, where complaints drop as low as one by 1995.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 11429063138. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11429063138 |
| Engine air filter | 13721707021 |
| Fuel filter | 13321268231 |
| Spark plug | 12129061869 |
| Front wiper blades | 61618355052 alt 61618361475 |
| Serpentine belt | 64551716960 alt 11231709638 |
| Thermostat | 11531710953 alt 11531265084 |
| Cabin air filter | 64311390836 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Overall length | 193.3 in |
| Overall width | 72.8 in |
| Overall height | 55.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in |
| Curb weight | 3836 lb |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 14 / 20 / 16 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 101 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 13 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the 735I of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Sedan 3.4L I-6 | 9.10 sec | 16.80 sec | 208 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 6.1 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 4.9 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6.1 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 60,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Across this generation's federal record, complaint and recall activity peaks early and declines significantly, with the highest volume concentrated between 1990 and 1992 before dropping sharply in 1993. The 1992 model year sits at the apex of this arc, hitting the generation's maximum of six complaints while matching the peak recall count of three established in 1991. For the 1992 735i specifically, half of these federal complaints concern the Engine & Engine Cooling category, which also includes a reported fire incident, though the data does not specify the root causes of these issues. Because 1992 represents the worst year for federal complaints within this generation and carries an unspecified engine fire risk, it is not a strong choice for a used buyer; shoppers would be better served seeking the markedly cleaner 1993-1995 models.
All 6 complaints on record, top 4 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
Showing 2 of 2 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| MSG1016 | 1996-10-01 | Exterior Lighting | RECALL 96V111 - THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN INVOLVES THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *TW |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
6.1 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined mpg.