BMW 7 series E38

The legendary BMW 7 series E38 was presented by the company in October 1993 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This sedan caused quite a stir among the public, but despite this, the production of the model started only in the summer of 1994. Production of the flagship model continued until 2001. During this time, the flagship model became a truly legendary car, which won popularity among drivers from all over the world and Russia. In total, more than 340 thousand E38s were produced.

The next generations of the car were released in a radically new design, so many fans of Bavarian cars believe that the seventh series in the E38 body was the last “correct” model released by the Germans.

The fact that this is a flagship model becomes clear immediately after the first look at the “seven” in the E38 body. Despite the solid features that are visible in the exterior appearance, the car manages to look both taut and sporty. Thanks to the trademark grille with the legendary “nostrils”, slightly “frowned” front optics and lowered hood, it was possible to achieve a certain aggressiveness of the car’s appearance.

The car BMW 7 series E38 was executed in several variants: BMW E38 730d, 725tdi, , 730i, 735i, 740i, 740iL, 750iL, 740iL Protection and 750iL Protection. These modifications differed by installed power units and equipment. The Protection versions were equipped with a protected body and bulletproof windows, and the wheels were suitable for driving even in the event of a puncture.

Appearance

Seven in E38 body is characterized by attractive appearance even for today, but certain notes of modernity are still absent in it. First of all, very narrow headlights with classic round lenses, which are characterized by halogen lamps, catch the eye. The hood of the model is quite long with a characteristic wide stamping. The radiator grille is one single piece with the hood. In the lower part of the front bumper there are conspicuous fog lights, and also it is equipped with plastic inserts and chrome parts all over the area.

The side of the car is highlighted by small extensions on the wheel arches, as well as stamped lines on the lower and upper parts. The center of the side is decorated with a distinctive molding with a chrome insert. The window trim is also made with chrome materials.

A distinctive feature of the BMW 7 Series in this body is also the trunk lid, which has become quite long. The taillights have an oval shape and are equipped with halogen lamps. The bumper at the rear also has a molding made of plastic.

Externally, the sedan is very large: its length is 4,983 millimeters with a width of 1,862 millimeters. The height of the body reaches 1435 millimeters, with a wheelbase of 2931 millimeters. With these dimensions, engineers managed to achieve a ground clearance of 120 millimeters.

Long versions of the seven in E38 body were also produced, which differed by increased length of 141 millimeters. The wheelbase of the cars was also increased. The other dimensions of the modification remained the same as on the standard car.

Interior

The interior of the BMW E38 looks pretty good, of course by modern standards it is rather difficult to call it the best, but the overall look is still stylish. The first thing that catches the eye is contoured seats on BMW E38, upholstered in leather, which were equipped with electric adjustments. In some configurations, the rear seats are also equipped with this option. There are no claims to the amount of free space in the car, as it is quite enough. Only high-quality wood and good leather were used for the interior trim, even the trunk of BMW E38 is upholstered with quality materials.

The equipment is what directly affects the arrangement of the rear row. The photo of BMW E38 shows that the basic version includes a separate climate control and an armrest in the middle, which stands out for its impressive size. The BMW E38 long version in the Individual and Luxury trim levels is characterized by a footrest and two folding tables with cup holders.

The driver in this car is also given special attention. The steering wheel has four spokes and is upholstered in leather. On the steering wheel there are buttons for controlling the stereo and cruise control. There is not much interesting in the instrument panel – classic large gauges in analog version with a small on-board computer. With the help of these gauges you can monitor speed, engine speed, fuel level in the tank and oil temperature.

The center console also stands out from other cars with two rectangular air deflectors, which are located on top of the OEM stereo. The stereo is capable of playing records only from cassettes, but despite its great age, it is equipped with a small display. Below is the control unit of the separate climate control, which is quite large. It contains a large number of functions that may be required for comfortable driving.

At the beginning of the tunnel is a relatively large gearbox selector. A distinctive feature of the tunnel is the presence of a large amount of leather and wood. The ashtray and the emergency alarm button are in the same place as the selector. To the right of the driver there is a large armrest, characterized by a voluminous niche for various small things. In addition, there is a built-in cell phone, which provides communication when a SIM card is inserted. The door upholstery is leather with wooden inserts, which is made very qualitatively. There are niches for small things and a pocket in the doors. The interior of the car is not badly executed even despite the years of production. Even then, the car was equipped with ten airbags and a music system that provides 440 watts of power.

Modifications

First in the range were the 730i and 730iL versions, which were equipped with M60 engines with eight cylinders and 32 valves. These engines were equipped with two overhead camshafts and VANOS system, which provides a change of gas distribution phases. Operation was paired with a five-speed transmission. BMW 740i E38 and 740iL models provided installation of the same motors, only more powerful due to the work in tandem with a six-speed gearbox. Since 1996, the model began to be equipped with the M62 engine, which has a working volume of 4.4 liters.

Four months after the beginning of production, in 1994, production of one of the most popular models BMW 750i E38 began. The modification BMW 750 IL E38, which had an extended wheelbase, was the most popular. This car was equipped with M73 engine with 12 cylinders in V layout, which provided 5.4 liters of working volume. The power unit was paired with a ZF automatic transmission with five speeds.

The year 1995 brought the world one of the most popular and successful models in this series – 728i. The M52B28 engine was installed on these modifications. There was also an extended version of the car – BMW E38 IL. The year 1996 was marked by the introduction of the 725tds model, which was the first diesel modification in the 7 series BMW. The car was powered by the M51D25S engine with 6 cylinders and 12 valves. Since the weight of the model depending on the version can range from 1905 to 2235 kilograms, the performance of this motor was low, however, as well as fuel consumption.

The L7 is a limited version that was introduced in 1996. It featured more luxury compared to the 750iL model, but provided the same powertrain, the M73B54. Distinctive features were the presence of a refrigerator, a partition between the rear and front seats, and a telephone. In 1996, it was decided to replace the 730 version, and it was replaced by the BMW 735i E38 model, as well as its extended analog 735iL. These cars were equipped with an engine with 8 cylinders in V – M62 layout.

In 1998, the E38 model range was supplemented by another diesel version 730d. It was fitted with the M57D30 engine, which provided sufficient performance with relatively low fuel consumption.

The most popular diesel version is the 740d, which was launched in the same year. It was fitted with the M67 TwinTurbo turbocharged diesel unit. The engine displacement was 3.9 liters, and it had a V layout with eight cylinders.

Engines

BMW 7 series in the E38 body has a wide range of powertrains, which includes both gasoline and diesel engines. Noteworthy is the fact that diesel motors BMW E38 were not installed on the extended modification. Their range consists of the following models.

The basic variant is a six-cylinder in-line engine. Almost all engines are made in such a layout. This power unit is distinguished by a working volume of 2.5 liters, the technical characteristics of the BMW E38 with such a motor provide up to 143 horsepower with a maximum torque of 280 Nm. In the urban cycle of operation, fuel consumption per 100 kilometers of travel is about 11 liters. The next diesel motor has great indicators – 2.9 liters of working volume, is able to produce up to 184 horsepower and provides 360 Nm of maximum torque. Fuel consumption is about 12 liters.

The third diesel engine completely copies the previous one, but provides 193 horsepower of maximum power and produces 410 Nm of torque. Consumption remains the same, but the dynamics of the car received positive changes. The last diesel power unit in the lineup is a V8 with a working volume of 3.9 liters, which provides up to 245 horsepower with 560 Nm of maximum torque. Fuel consumption per hundred kilometers of traveled distance is about 15 liters.

The gasoline engine lineup also has quite a wide range of choices. The first engine received a displacement of 2.8 1997, and provided up to 193 horsepower. The maximum torque of the powertrain was 280 Nm. When filled with 95-m gasoline, its consumption per hundred kilometers is about 14 liters. The second gasoline motor had a V layout and provided for the installation of 8 cylinders. With a working volume of 3.5 liters, it is able to provide 235 horsepower and 320 Nm of maximum torque. Fuel consumption is simply stunning – 18 liters per hundred kilometers.

The next motor in the range was a copy of the previous one, but its power was increased by 3 horsepower, and amounted to 238 hp. Maximum torque was also higher – 345 Nm. There was another V8 with a working volume of 4.4 liters. This power unit provided 286 horsepower with a maximum torque of 440 Nm. Its fuel consumption was also about 18 liters. The last motor in the lineup was a 12-cylinder engine with a V layout. The legendary power unit produced 326 horsepower with a maximum torque of 490 Nm. Fuel consumption of BMW E38 with this engine in the city was about 20 liters per 100 km.

Typical problems of such a BMW E38 engine were more than enough. First of all, owners of BMW 7 series were concerned about overheating of gasoline engines. Monitoring the condition of the cooling system is a mandatory procedure, as the pump fails very often. Also not an uncommon problem are oil leaks in the oil seals of the crankshaft, engine cushion, cylinder head and oil filter. The fuel tank very often succumbs to corrosion on cars with motors that run on gasoline. These motors consume a lot of oil.

The weakest motor in the range is the 2.8 liter unit, which is the cheapest to maintain. It is the only gasoline engine with six cylinders. Its power is enough to provide normal dynamics of a heavy sedan. Much more dynamic is the atmospheric motor for 3 liters. But almost all these units are characterized by increased oil consumption. Full feeling of all charms of the seventh series can be experienced with a motor in 3.5 liters of working volume. The power of the power unit is directly proportional to the cost of its maintenance. The 4.4-liter motor consumes a lot of fuel, and it will be expensive to repair the V12. The search for spare parts is also quite difficult, and it will not be possible to replace them with analogs. A couple of fuel systems, two electronic engine control units and two braids only complicate repairs. In fact, the V12 uses two in-line six-cylinder motors, connected with each other.

Choosing a BMW 7 with a share motor is a very difficult task that needs to be approached with care. The base 2.5 liter motor provides little power. But the sluggishness of the car is not the only problem, a large number of defects are also present. Basically all the sores are caused by the high-pressure fuel pump and the cylinder head. The most successful among the diesel is considered to be a motor for 2.9 liters of working volume. It provides for the installation of a turbine and at the time of release was considered the best power unit in its class. But after passing a sufficiently long time, its operation becomes much more expensive. Nozzles, flow meter and pulley go out of service after 200 thousand kilometers of mileage. Exhaust gas bursting into the crankcase can also lead to costly repairs. Compressor wear also leads to expensive maintenance. The top diesel motor V8 with a volume of 3.9 liters and a pair of turbines is best avoided. Such a power unit is considered a real masterpiece, but only 3.5 thousand units were produced. This entails the need for expensive repairs. Also an important factor is that the differential and automatic gearbox do not cope well with the torque of 590 Nm.

All engines have a chain-driven timing mechanism, which is declared maintenance-free. The manufacturer makes only recommendations for its periodic inspection. In practice, it turns out that the chain does not pass more than 300 thousand kilometers.

Electronics

The BMW E38 and E39 are flagship models that are unapologetically equipped. Even the very first models provide climate control divided into two zones, only with manual control, steering wheel equipped with multiple functions, front panel with wood inlays and velour interior upholstery.

Leather upholstery is optional and available at an additional cost. Later models were equipped with DSC system, which provides dynamic stability control, a telephone built into the center console, navigation with a screen and a TV tuner. This equipment was considered basic from 2000.

The last years of production were characterized by active cruise control. The seats were electrically operated and provided a sufficient number of different adjustments.

The first copies of the car in the basic equipment had two airbags and HPS system providing head protection. Side airbags could be installed as an option. In Long modifications, makeup mirrors or TV screens could be built into the headrests. Wooden tables were built into the backs of the front seats, which could be folded.

Features

The 1995 BMW E38 is characterized by the presence of a fully independent suspension. In the front there was provided a system with two levers, and in the rear – a 4-lever system. The running gear has a rather large softness, but is relatively unreliable for operation in conditions of domestic road surfaces, since its upper part is made of aluminum. Ball bearings are subject to replacement after 100 thousand kilometers of mileage. After 50 thousand kilometers of operation it will be necessary to replace the silent blocks. Some configurations are distinguished by air suspension.

Depending on the installed motor, it is paired with a manual gearbox with 5 or 6 speeds. A variant with a 5-speed automatic is also available. All boxes provide torque transfer to the rear axle. All four wheels have a disc brake system, in the front it is also ventilated.

Differences between restyling and prerestyling

The year 1998 marked the year that the BMW 7 Series III E38 suffered a restyling. A distinctive feature was the facelift of the front part of the car. The taillights also received an update. On the models began to install a sporty version of the suspension. Wheels also changed, and a hydraulic transformer appeared.

The Sport Package, which was originally available for the 740i version, has been modified and offered for the entire BMW E38 ALPINA B12 seventh series. The automatic climate control system received improvements. Front side airbags in combination with the standard head protection system began to be fitted.

In 2001, production of the 750il at 326 hp sedan and other modifications was discontinued. The legendary “black boomer” was replaced by the fourth generation of the 7 Series in E65 and E66 bodies.

Generations and equipment

Generation 3 sedan – restyled

09.1998 – 08.2001

Sedan 3rd generation

06.1994 – 08.1998