BMW 7 series, E32 (USA)

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

BMW 7 series, E32 (USA) manual transmission fluid capacity is 1,2 liters. Service intervals include normal use. Data covers 4 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

Type	Specifications
735i (1987-1992) Getrag	Use: Normal Capacity 1,2 liter Code: 260/6 5/1
735i (1987-1992) Getrag with red plate	Use: Normal Capacity 1,2 liter Code: 260/6 5/1
735iL (1987-1992) Getrag	Use: Normal Capacity 1,2 liter Code: 260/6 5/1
735iL (1987-1992) Getrag with red plate	Use: Normal Capacity 1,2 liter Code: 260/6 5/1

All four configurations listed for the BMW 7 Series E32 (USA) share an identical manual transmission fluid capacity of 1.2 liters, applying equally to the 735i and 735iL across the 1987-1992 model years.
The 1.2-liter figure represents a service fill capacity, which is the volume needed when draining and refilling the transmission during routine maintenance rather than a full overhaul requiring complete disassembly.
Each configuration is designated for normal use conditions, meaning the 1.2-liter capacity is tied specifically to standard operating environments rather than severe-duty cycles.
Two distinct Getrag transmission variants appear across both the 735i and 735iL: a standard Getrag unit and a Getrag unit identified by a red plate. Both variants share the same 1.2-liter fluid capacity under normal use conditions.
The red plate designation on certain Getrag units typically indicates an internal variant or production specification difference within the same transmission family, yet the fluid capacity remains unchanged at 1.2 liters relative to the standard Getrag version.
The 735iL shares the same 1.2-liter manual transmission fluid capacity as the 735i for both Getrag variants, indicating no capacity difference between the standard and long-wheelbase body configurations in the E32 generation.