Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 50,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1991 735IL.
The 1991 BMW 735IL is built on the E32 platform and pairs a four-speed automatic with a service specification of 6.1 quarts of 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ oil, while EPA ratings stand at 15/20/16 mpg. Across the 1990–1992 span, owner complaint data show no variance—1990 alone represents both the highest and lowest reported volume at a single issue—while the 1991 model year itself records just one total owner complaint, an Exterior Lighting issue, and two recalls. That minimal failure profile places the 1991 735IL at the stable end of its three-year reliability history, indicating that researchers should view this model year as a low-complaint baseline rather than a source of recurring reported defects.
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 | 61618217706 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 | 197.6 in |
| Overall width | 72.8 in |
| Overall height | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in |
| Curb weight | 3836 lb |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 15 / 20 / 16 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 6.1 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 50,000 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 positions the 1991 BMW 735IL within a three-year generation characterized by low-volume consumer reporting. The 1990 model year recorded one complaint and one recall, whereas the 1991 target year maintained one complaint but increased to two recalls. Moving into 1992, complaints ceased entirely while recall activity remained at two, indicating that while user-reported issues diminished, manufacturer corrective actions continued across the generation. The sole complaint registered for the 1991 model involved Exterior Lighting, with zero reported incidents regarding crashes or fires. Since the data does not specify the root cause of the recalls, buyers should note the increased regulatory activity compared to 1990 without assuming specific mechanical failures. Overall, the 1991 model represents a statistically stable option within this three-year arc, making it a reasonable year to buy given the low volume of reported defects.
All 1 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 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 1 of 1 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. |
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 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 15 city / 20 highway / 16 combined mpg.