BMW 7 Series (E32)
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After almost 7 years in development since September 1979, in July 1986, BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series, known internally as the E32. Aimed at the high end of the luxury market, the car offered some of the latest innovations in automotive technology, and (beginning in 1987) a new, top-of-the-line V12 engine. Some luxury options featured on the E32 included integrated telephone and faxmachines, a wine cooler, double glazing, traction control system, and a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windscreen wipers, to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Motorway speeds. The E32 (750i) was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250 km/h (155.37 mph).
The car was also available in a stretched version (indicated by an 'L' from German Lang, after the model number), in which case an extra 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) of leg room was available to the rear passengers by stretching the rear doors, and the body at this point.
The styling has been described as classic, progressive and postmodern and is credited to then-chief stylist Ercole Spada working closely under the guidance of then-chief designer Claus Luthe. Design work began in late 1979, in which by 1983 1:1 scale models were presented and frozen for 1986 production.
The car was also available in a stretched version (indicated by an 'L' from German Lang, after the model number), in which case an extra 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) of leg room was available to the rear passengers by stretching the rear doors, and the body at this point.
The styling has been described as classic, progressive and postmodern and is credited to then-chief stylist Ercole Spada working closely under the guidance of then-chief designer Claus Luthe. Design work began in late 1979, in which by 1983 1:1 scale models were presented and frozen for 1986 production.
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Manufacturer
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BMW
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Production
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1986–1994 (311,068 built)
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Assembly
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Dingolfing, Germany
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Predecessor
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Successor
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Class
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Full-size luxury car
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Body style
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4-door sedan
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Layout
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FR layout
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Engine
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Petrol:
3.0-3.4 L six-cylinder BMW M30
3.0-4.0 L V8 BMW M60
5.0 L V12 BMW M70
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Transmission
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Automatic
4-speed
5-speed
Manual
5-speed
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Wheelbase
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2,833 mm (111.5 in)
2,947 mm (116.0 in) (long)
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Length
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4,910 mm (193 in)
5,029 mm (198 in) (long)
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Width
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1,845 mm (72.6 in)
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Height
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1,400 mm (55 in)
1,435 mm (56.5 in) (long)
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Curb weight
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1,720 kg (3,800 lb)
1,930 kg (4,300 lb) (long)
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Related
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BMW E34
BMW E31
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Designer(s)
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Ercole Spada (1982)
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Notable versions
750iL Highline
The BMW 750iL Highline was the top-of-the-line model of the E32, with lots of added luxury for the rear passengers like full leather, dual radiocontrols, dual climate control with coolbox mounted in the center console, electrically heated and adjustable rear seats, walnut veneer folding tables, two crystal glasses neatly placed in the coolbox, legrests, and sun shade all around the rear/side windows. Complete with independent heating and ventilation, it also added a second battery in the trunk and a second alternator to provide power for all these luxuries. The 'Highline' option package cost more than 20,000 DEM (€10,000 equivalent), and was only available on the 750iL, bringing the total price to well over twice that of a 'basic' 730i ('basic' to be taken in context).767iL Goldfish prototypes
Main article: BMW Goldfish V16The 767iL Goldfish a prototype of E32 car powered with V16 engine. It was conceived in 1987 and built by the end of 1988. Due to the length of the engine cooling system (radiator) was moved to the trunk and additional vents were added to the rear.
Alpina models
German tuning company Alpina was manufacturing 3 main models based on the E32 series cars. Those were B11 3.5 (3 engine versions), B11 4.0 and B12 5.0. In addition to tuned engines and suspension they were distinguishable by bodykit, pinstriping and trademark Alpina wheels.
Powertrain
The E32 7-series cars were offered with 5 gasoline engines.
At the car's introduction, the 730 and 735 used the straight-6 M30 engine, while the 750 featured the all-new M70 V12 engine which produced 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS).
In 1992, a new 32-valve V8 engine was introduced, the M60. The 730i got this engine in a 3-liter version, while the new 740i got the 4-liter version. Both versions were coupled to a new, 5-speedautomatic transmission made by ZF.
In some countries (notably in the USA and UK), there were problems with the M60 engine because of excessive sulfur amount in gasoline, causing corrosion problems in its Nikasil cylinder block. The cylinder lining would quickly wear, causing the engine to lose compression, which caused rough idling and eventually the engine would fail to start. Engines were replaced under warranty; the problem was corrected by using a different material, Alusil. In the USA and UK sulfur rich fuel is being phased out. Nikasil engines are unlikely to be a problem today, as cars with affected engines are off the road or have received replacement engines.
Externally, the BMW 'kidney' grille indicated which engine was present under the hood: all 6-cylinder models had a narrow grille, and all 8- and 12-cylinder models had the wider version. This feature was not seen on later models (the E38 used a wide grille for all models). The narrow grille was available as an option on the 8- and 12-cylinder E32 models.
At the car's introduction, the 730 and 735 used the straight-6 M30 engine, while the 750 featured the all-new M70 V12 engine which produced 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS).
In 1992, a new 32-valve V8 engine was introduced, the M60. The 730i got this engine in a 3-liter version, while the new 740i got the 4-liter version. Both versions were coupled to a new, 5-speedautomatic transmission made by ZF.
In some countries (notably in the USA and UK), there were problems with the M60 engine because of excessive sulfur amount in gasoline, causing corrosion problems in its Nikasil cylinder block. The cylinder lining would quickly wear, causing the engine to lose compression, which caused rough idling and eventually the engine would fail to start. Engines were replaced under warranty; the problem was corrected by using a different material, Alusil. In the USA and UK sulfur rich fuel is being phased out. Nikasil engines are unlikely to be a problem today, as cars with affected engines are off the road or have received replacement engines.
Externally, the BMW 'kidney' grille indicated which engine was present under the hood: all 6-cylinder models had a narrow grille, and all 8- and 12-cylinder models had the wider version. This feature was not seen on later models (the E38 used a wide grille for all models). The narrow grille was available as an option on the 8- and 12-cylinder E32 models.
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.jpg "BMW E32 735i (note narrow grille)")
Engine specifications and performance
Model
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Engine Code
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Engine Type
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Disp. (cc)
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Bore / Stroke (mm)
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Comp. Ratio
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Power
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Torque
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0–100 km/h (s)
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Top Speed (km/h)
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Years made
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730i
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M30B30
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I6 12V
SOHC |
2986
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89/80
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9.0:1
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188 PS (138 kW;
185 hp)
@ 5800 |
260 Nm (190 lbft)
@ 4000 |
10.6 (auto)
9.3 (manual) |
223 (manual)
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1986–1994
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735i
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M30B35
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I6 12V
SOHC |
3430
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92/86
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9.0:1
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211 PS (155 kW;
208 hp)
@ 5700 |
305 Nm (225 lbft)
@ 4000 |
9.1 (auto)
8.3 (manual) |
228 (auto)
231 (manual) |
1986–1992
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730i V8
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M60B30
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V8 32V
2×DOHC |
2997
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84/67.6
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10.5:1
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218 PS (160 kW;
215 hp)
@ 5800 |
290 Nm (210 lbft)
@ 4500 |
9.3 (auto)
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233
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1992–1994
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740i
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M60B40
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V8 32V
2×DOHC |
3982
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89/80
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10.0:1
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286 PS (210 kW;
282 hp)
@ 5800 |
400 Nm (300 lbft)
@ 4500 |
7.4
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240*
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1992–1994
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750i
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M70B50
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V12 24V
SOHC |
4988
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84/75
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8.8:1
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300 PS (220 kW;
300 hp)
@ 5200 |
450 Nm (330 lbft)
@ 4100 |
7.4
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250*
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1987–1994 (USA)
1986–1994
(Europe)
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* = electronically limited
Performance
figures may differ for long models and gearing
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Transmissions specifications
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730i
I6
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735i
I6
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730i
V8
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740i
V8
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750i
V12
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Speed (gear) ratios
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Manual
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Getrag 260
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Getrag 260
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ZF S5D 310Z
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1
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3,83
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3,83
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4,20
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2
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2,20
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2,20
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2,49
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3
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1,40
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1,40
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1,66
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4
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1,00
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1,00
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1,24
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5
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0,81
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0,81
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1,00
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Rear axle
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3,46
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3,46
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3,89
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Automatic
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ZF 4HP22
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ZF 4HP22
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ZF 5HP18
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ZF 5HP30
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ZF 4HP24
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1
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2,48
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2,48
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3,67
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3,55
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2,48
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2
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1,48
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1,48
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2,00
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2,24
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1,48
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3
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1,00
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1,00
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1,41
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1,54
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1,00
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4
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0,73
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0,73
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1,00
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1,00
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0,73
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5
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0,74
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0,79
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Rear axle
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2,09
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2,09
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4,10
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3,68
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2,09
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Fluid capacity (L)
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Manual
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1,25
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1,25
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1,25
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Automatic
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3,0
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3,0
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3,0
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3,5
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Rear axle
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1,7
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1,9
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1,7
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1,9
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1,9
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