- Refined V8 and V12 powertrains
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Impressive dynamics and generally comfortable ride, but…
- … suspension lacks low-speed compliance
- High maintenance costs (including tyre wear)
- M62TU engines susceptible to VANOS failure
Review: BMW E38.I 7-Series (1995-98)
Overview
Released in January 1995, the BMW E38 Mk.I (E38.I) 7-Series was a large, luxury sedan. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the rear-wheel drive E38.I 7-Series range initially consisted of the 730iL and 740iL, with the range-topping 750iL following in May 1995. In June 1996, the 7-Series range underwent a minor update as the 730iL was replaced by the 735iL, the 740iL was fitted with a 4.4-litre V8 engine and BMW’s ‘Steptronic’ automatic transmission with manual shift mode was introduced.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 730iL | 3.0-litre petrol V8 (M60 B30) | 5sp auto | 1995-96 | 160 kW at 5800 rpm | 290 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| 735iL | 3.5-litre petrol V8 (M62 B35) | 5sp auto | 1996-98 | 173 kW at 5800 rpm | 345 Nm at 3800 rpm |
| 740iL | 4.0-litre petrol V8 (M60 B40) | 5sp auto | 1995-96 | 210 kW at 5800 rpm | 400 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| 4.4-litre petrol V8 (M62 TUB44) | 5sp auto | 1996-98 | 210 kW at 5400 rpm | 440 Nm at 3600 rpm | |
| 750iL | 5.4-litre petrol V12 (M73 B54) | 5sp auto | 1995-98 | 240 kW at 5000 rpm | 490 Nm at 3900 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to its E32 predecessor, the long wheelbase BMW E38 7-Series was 100 mm longer (at 5124 mm), 17 mm wider (1862 mm), 25 mm taller (1425 mm) and had a 123 mm longer wheelbase (3070 mm).
The BMW E38 7-Series had double pivot, MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, ‘integral’ rear suspension with Champan struts. The E38 7-Series was also available with pneumatic suspension for the rear axle which maintained a constant vehicle level and spring quality regardless of axle load.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the BMW E38 730iL and 740iL included dual front airbags and ABS; the 750iL was further equipped with front side airbags and traction control. From June 1996, however, standard safety equipment – across the 7-Series range – included front side airbags and traction control.
Features
Standard features for the BMW E38 730iL included 16-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, car phone, television, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, and a trip computer.
The BMW 735iL was further equipped with a power adjustable front passenger seat and power-operated sunroof. Beyond this, the 740iL added driver’s seat memory settings and powered rear blinds.
The range-topping BMW 750iL was distinguished by its fourteen speaker sound system, power adjustable rear seats and electronic damper control which automatically adjusted the dampers according to driving conditions and counteracted body movement.
Review: BMW E38.II 7-Series (1998-01)
Overview
Released in October 1998, the BMW E38 Mk.II (E38.II) 7-Series range introduced an expanded range with the short wheelbase 735i and L7 limousine models. Furthermore, safety equipment was significantly improved with the introduction of electronic stability control and head-protecting airbags. Visually, the E38.II 7-Series could be identified by its scalloped headlights, revised kidney grille, front bumpers and chrome boot lid handle.
Compared to its long wheelbase counterpart, E38.II 735i had a 140 mm shorter wheelbase (at 2930 mm) and was also 140 mm shorter in overall length (4984 mm).
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 735i | 3.5-litre petrol V8 (M62 TUB35) | 5sp auto | 1998-01 | 175 kW at 5800 rpm | 345 Nm at 3800 rpm |
| 735iL | 3.5-litre petrol V8 (M62 TUB35) | 5sp auto | 1998-01 | 175 kW at 5800 rpm | 345 Nm at 3800 rpm |
| 740iL | 4.4-litre petrol V8 (M62 TUB44) | 5sp auto | 1998-01 | 210 kW at 5400 rpm | 440 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 750iL | 5.4-litre petrol V12 (M73 TUB54) | 5sp auto | 1998-01 | 240 kW at 5000 rpm | 490 Nm at 3900 rpm |
| L7 | 5.4-litre petrol V12 (M73 TUB54) | 5sp auto | 1998-01 | 240 kW at 5000 rpm | 490 Nm at 3900 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front and rear door-mounted side airbags, front head-protecting ITS (inflatable tubular structure) airbags, rear head-protecting airbags (integrated in the C-pillars), ABS, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features
Standard features for the BMW E38.II 735i and 735iL included 16-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a satellite navigation system, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, xenon headlights, front fog lights, car phone, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, powered steering wheel adjustment, driver memory settings (seat, mirror and air conditioning settings), a power sunroof, alarm and immobiliser. Unlike the long wheelbase models, however, the 735i was not fitted with self-levelling suspension.
The 740iL was further equipped with powered rear blinds and the 750iL featured a fourteen speaker sound system, four-zone climate control air conditioning, Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable rear seats and electronic damper control.
The BMW L7 was a stretched limousine based on the 750iL. The L7 had a separate climate control system for rear occupants, power adjustable and heated rear seats, a rear TV screen with video player, enhanced internal lighting and a drinks refrigerator.
High-line variants
In 2001, High-line variants were released which featured voice recognition and Active Seats whereby the front seats were programmed to move every sixty seconds to reduce fatigue and stress induced by sitting still. Visually, the High-line variants could be identified by their clear indicator lenses, chrome headlights panels, chrome kidney grill bars, body-coloured bumper and sill trims.
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