Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 30,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1988 750IL.
The 1988 BMW 750IL is the E32-platform 750IL sedan, specified with a 6.8-quart oil capacity using 20W-50, 15W-50, or 10W-50 API SL lubricant, paired with a four-speed automatic and rated at 11/16/13 mpg EPA. Its reliability record shows five owner complaints for this model year, with Engine & Engine Cooling as the top complaint area and three recalls on file. Because the broader 750IL complaint history is tracked only from 1990 through 2001—peaking at six complaints in 1998 and bottoming at one in 1991—the 1988 model sits before that comparative window, so its five complaints should be treated as an early standalone data point rather than part of the later year-over-year trend.
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 11421731635. 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 | 11421731635 |
| Engine air filter | 13721720861 |
| Fuel filter | 13321720101 |
| Spark plug | 12129061870 |
| Front wiper blades | 61610134601 alt 61618217706 |
| Thermostat | 11531729720 alt 11511705408 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Overall length | 197.6 in |
| Overall width | 72.8 in |
| Overall height | 55.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in |
| Curb weight | 4233 lb |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 11 / 16 / 13 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 105 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 13 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 6.8 qt of 20W-50 / 15W-50 / 10W-50 API SL engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 4 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 20W-50 · API · 15W-50 · 10W-50 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6.8 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 30,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The federal record provides no entry for 1988, so a direct year‑over‑year comparison with the 1990‑2001 data cannot be made. The 1988 model, however, recorded four fire‑related complaints and zero crash complaints, with the most frequent non‑fire issues appearing in Engine & Engine Cooling (2), Visibility (2), and Electrical System (1). In the subsequent years, total complaints stayed low (1‑4 per year) until after 1995, when they rose to 3‑6 per year and recalls increased markedly. This pattern indicates that the 1988 vehicle precedes the period of growing complaint and recall activity seen in the fleet. Given the relatively high number of fire complaints for a single model year and the lack of root‑cause detail in the data, a cautious approach is warranted when considering a 1988 BMW 750IL for purchase.
All 5 complaints on record, top 3 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP. Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.
THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEATBACKS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BASE RECLINING ARMS (ATTACHING BRACKETS). Remedy: MANUALLY SEAT THE SEATBACK ON THE BASE.
Showing 3 of 3 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. |
| 110794(4089) | 1994-12-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW RADIATOR COOLANT HOSES. *TW |
| 130792(3700) | 1993-08-01 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FEED FUEL HOSES UPDATE. *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.
6.8 qt of 14 degrees F TO 122 degrees F: 20W-50 API SL OR GREATER, -4 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 15W-50 API SL, -22 degrees F TO 68 degrees F: 10W-50 API SL OR GREATER, -40 degrees F TO 23 degrees F: 5W-30 API SL OR GREATER, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 11 city / 16 highway / 13 combined mpg.