In October 1993, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW introduced the flagship third-generation 7-Series sedan in the back of the E38. Despite the fact that the public liked the model, it only appeared on the conveyor in June 1994. The car was produced until 2001 and gained popularity among motorists around the world, including in Russia. In total, the Bavarian manufacturer produced 340,242 copies of the BMW E38.
Many believe that the "seven" in the back of the E38 is the last "correct" model of this series, because the next generation (E65 / E66) received a radically new design.
Just looking at the BMW 7-series sedan in the E38 body, it becomes clear that this is a real flagship. For all its solidity and solidity, the car looks sporty and smart. An underestimated hood, slightly “frowned” headlights, as well as branded “nostrils” of the radiator grille add aggressiveness to the look.
The profile of the third-generation BMW 7-Series is distinguished by a large glass area, an elongated hood and a long stern, as well as an almost flat roof that turns into a powerful C-pillar. The stern of the sedan is massive, and it is crowned with small and neat lanterns.
Now for the specific numbers. The length of the "seven" is 4985 mm (for the long-wheelbase version - 5125 mm), and the distance between the axles is 2930 mm (3070 mm). The width and height in both cases are unchanged - 1862 mm and 1425 mm, respectively. Depending on the modification, the curb weight of the car varies from 1905 to 2235 kg.
The interior of the BMW 7 Series in the body of the E38 is fully consistent with the status of the car - an attractive design, ergonomics thought out to the smallest detail, high-quality finishing materials. The dashboard is simple, but at the same time informative and functional. The center console houses the control units for the entertainment system and the dual-zone climate control unit.
The sedan has a spacious interior. The wide front seats have a fairly developed profile, a wide cushion and dense padding, and there is enough space for riders of almost any build.
The rear sofa of the "seven" with a standard wheelbase with its layout hints that it is designed for two people - two headrests and a high transmission tunnel testify to this. The long-wheelbase car provides truly royal accommodation for rear passengers - here you can easily cross your legs.
Regardless of the modification, the BMW E38 flaunts a 500-liter luggage compartment. Its shape is not very convenient, but the loading height is small, which makes it easier to load heavy luggage.
Specifications. The third generation BMW 7-Series had four petrol and one diesel engines.
The petrol part includes units with 6, 8 and 12 cylinders. With a working volume of 2.8 to 5.4 liters, they produce from 193 to 326 horsepower and 280 to 490 Nm of peak torque. Each of the diesel engines is equipped with a turbocharging system, and with a volume of 2.5 to 3.9 liters, they generate 143-245 "horses" and 280-560 Nm of thrust. Power units are combined with "mechanics" for five or six gears, or a 5-speed "automatic", as well as a rear-wheel drive transmission.
Even with the lowest-powered engine, the executive sedan accelerates to hundreds in 12.2 seconds, and with the top-end one in just 6.8 seconds. The maximum speed in this case varies from 202 to 250 km / h.
But the “seven” cannot be called the standard of fuel efficiency - a 143-horsepower diesel engine needs 9.5 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers, while a 326-horsepower gasoline unit needs 13.6 liters of fuel (passport data).
The BMW 7 Series with the E38 body uses a fully independent suspension, represented by a two-lever layout in front and a four-link rear. Each of the wheels is equipped with disc brakes with a ventilation system.
Complete set and prices."Seven" of the third generation is still in demand in the Russian market. Depending on the modification and level of equipment, prices for a BMW 7-series in a 38-body (according to data for 2014) start from 200,000 - 250,000 rubles, and for the most recent and "saturated" copies can reach 600,000 - 650,000 rubles . It is worth noting that even the basic equipment of the E38 includes power accessories, a dual-zone air conditioning system, a multifunctional “steering wheel” and regular “music”.
Since the second generation was discontinued, it was decided to release the third generation of the legendary Seven, this is the BMW 7-Series e38. This model was shown to the public in 1993 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the following year it went into production. After 4 years, a restyled version was released, which was produced until 2001.
This is a luxury car that was not weak competition from the W140 from Mercedes-Benz. Now, despite the years, it still remains expensive, but only in terms of maintenance, the initial cost is low.
Exterior
The model has a good appearance even now, but still it lacks some notes of modernity. Installed narrow headlights with circles, having a halogen filling. The long hood of the car received a wide stamping and it is also one with the original grille. The bumper of the car has plastic inserts and chrome parts, as well as fog lights at the bottom.
The side of the sedan has small wheel arch extensions and small stamping lines, both at the top and bottom. In the middle there is a molding decorated with a chrome insert. Also, chrome is present on top as a window trim and, in fact, this is where the interesting details on the side end.
The back of the BMW 7-Series e38 flaunts a long trunk lid, and there are also oval lights with halogen filling at the back. The rear bumper also has a plastic molding. Since we're in the back, let's take a look at the trunk. It is not bad here, its volume is 500 liters and it is decent.
sedan dimensions:
- length - 4983 mm;
- width - 1862 mm;
- height - 1435 mm;
- wheelbase - 2931 mm;
- clearance - 120 mm.
There was a Long version, which was 141 mm longer and, accordingly, had a longer wheelbase. On all other planes it is the same.
Salon
The interior decoration is not bad, it is certainly not the best by modern standards, but still stylish. Power-adjustable leather seats were installed, the same in some trim levels could be located at the back. There is a lot of free space, there are no complaints about this. In general, the entire interior is trimmed with good leather, and will also please with the use of high-quality wood.
How chic the back row will be depends on the configuration, the regular version will flaunt its climate control and a large armrest in the middle. The BMW 7-Series e38 Long version will receive two folding tables with a cup holder and another footrest.
The driver's seat has a leather 4-spoke steering wheel, on which there are buttons, with which you can control the radio and cruise control. The instrument panel, in principle, is not surprising, it has large analog sensors and a small on-board computer. There is an analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and oil temperature.
The center console received two rectangular air deflectors in the upper part, and under them there is a head unit. The radio is a cassette, but even then it had a small square display on the right. Below we are greeted by a large separate climate control control unit, there are any functions that you may need.
The tunnel also has a lot of wood and leather, its initial part has a large gear selector. In the same area is the alarm button, there is also an ashtray. The large armrest has a huge niche for small things, but there is also a phone into which you can insert a SIM card and use it.
The doors are of very high quality, they are sheathed in leather, have wooden inserts, as well as niches for small items and the so-called pocket. In general, the salon is not bad even for modern times. Even then, the interior had 10 airbags and a 440-watt music system.
Specifications BMW 7-Series e38
| Type | Volume | Power | Torque | Overclocking | Max speed | Number of cylinders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 2.5 l | 143 HP | 280 H*m | 11.3 sec. | 206 km/h | 6 |
| Diesel | 2.9 l | 184 HP | 390 H*m | 9.2 sec. | 220 km/h | 6 |
| Diesel | 2.9 l | 193 HP | 280 H*m | 8.9 sec. | 220 km/h | 6 |
| Diesel | 3.9 l | 143 HP | 560 H*m | 8.4 sec. | 242 km/h | V8 |
| Petrol | 2.8 l | 193 HP | 280 H*m | 8.7 sec. | 228 km/h | 6 |
| Petrol | 3.5 l | 235 HP | 320 H*m | 7.6 sec. | 244 km/h | V8 |
| Petrol | 3.5 l | 238 HP | 345 H*m | 7.6 sec. | 244 km/h | V8 |
| Petrol | 4.4 l | 286 HP | 440 H*m | 6.6 sec. | 250 km/h | V8 |
| Petrol | 5.4 l | 320 HP | 490 H*m | 6.6 sec. | 250 km/h | V12 |
This car has 9 engines in the line, there are both diesel and gasoline. It is noteworthy that a diesel engine was not installed on Long. Let's take a closer look and start with diesel engines.
- The base diesel and almost all other engines are 6-cylinder in-line engines. The first has a volume of 2.5 liters and it produces 143 horsepower and 280 units of torque. Passport consumption of 11 liters in the city.
- The second unit received a volume of 2.9 liters, and it already produces 184 horsepower, and the torque is 360 H * m. It will consume 1 liter more.
- The third unit is a copy of the previous one, but its power has been increased by 9 horsepower, but the torque has increased by 50 H * m. This slightly improved the dynamics, but did not affect the consumption in any way.
- The latest BMW 7-Series e38 diesel is already a 3.9-liter V8 and it already has 245 horsepower and 560 units of torque. Consumption of about 15 liters.
You can see the dynamics in the table above, and we are moving on to gasoline engines.
- The first engine received 2.8 liters of volume and 193 horses, and the torque is 280 H * m. Consumption is about 14 liters of AI-95.
- The 3.5-liter V8 produces 235 horsepower and 320 units of torque. It consumes as much as 18 liters of gasoline.
- There is the same engine, but already giving out 238 horses and 345 units of torque.
- Another V8 in the line is a 4.4-liter unit and it produces 286 horsepower and 440 units of torque. Consumption is also in the region of 18 liters.
- The last engine is the legendary V12, which produced 326 horsepower and 490 H * m of torque. About 20 liters he will spend in the city.
Suspension and gearbox BMW 7-Series e38
The model received a fully independent suspension, which is a two-lever system in front and a system with 4 levers in the rear. The chassis is soft, but not very reliable on our roads, since the upper part is made of aluminum. Ball joints will have to be changed after 100,000 kilometers, and silent blocks change every 50,000 kilometers.
Suspension in some trim levels can be pneumatic.
The units are paired with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission, depending on the engine. A 5-speed automatic transmission is also offered. All boxes transmit power to the rear axle. The brakes are fully disc, and they are ventilated at the front.
Price
This car is no longer sold new, but it can be easily found on the secondary market in almost any major city. On average they sell for 300 000 rubles, but there are options for 500 000 rubles. You get for this relatively little money a premium car with a lot of quality.
It is better to buy this model not for the average amount, but for 500 thousand and above. The bottom line is that most cars on the secondary market are in a terrible state. The model is reliable, but age has taken its toll, so you have to invest anyway, and parts are very expensive.
We do not recommend taking it with the last money, but if you really want more money than you need and if you don’t feel sorry for them, then buy it. She will please you with many things, the car is excellent, but unfortunately, a little old and very expensive to maintain.
Video review of the BMW 7-Series e38
One of the federal channels still constantly broadcasts films of this kind. I won't say which one. I will only say that its name begins with "H" and ends with "TV". But times are changing - so are the "war chariots". Take the same "Boomer". A true lifestyle icon and a textbook for young people whose style is an elegant combination of a tracksuit and classic pointy shoes.
And then it's time to talk about the "seven" BMW in the back of the E38, which appears throughout the film as the fifth protagonist. They stopped producing this car almost fifteen years ago, but even now, hardly anyone will say that its design looks outdated. The car is big, impressive, formidable, still forcing respect on the roads. At least provincial cities. Moreover, the buyer of such a car will have, and even more than once, the opportunity to feel the aura of fear experienced by the elderly on the old Zhiguli as a reminder of the times when jeans and chewing gum were only gaining popularity in Russia. And this means that it is liked mainly by young people under thirty, dressed in tracksuits and continuing to click seeds, even going to party. I'm serious! Look closely the next time a tinted window opens at an E38 at a traffic light, you're bound to see a young guy shaking husks onto the pavement.
BMW 7 Series (E38)
However, to hell with sentimentality! The car is truly legendary, stuffed with innovations (by the standards of that time), and in addition, Frank Martin's personal transport in the film "Transporter". It may indeed be of interest to many. In one of the specialized Internet clubs, you will find crowds of people who are ready to part with their own granny for organs rather than with their E38.
But is this "seven" so good? And where did the young guys get executive class cars from? I'm not talking about grandmothers at all. I'll try to explain. The car in this body was produced until 2001. That is, any existing copy today is at least 14 years old. And given the cost of maintaining such an artifact, the number of advertisements for sale on electronic platforms is quite understandable. To find a fresher copy, we set the last three years of production in the selection criteria, and a half-thousandth armada opens up to us. Price tags start at 150 thousand rubles. for rubbish on Latvian numbers and with a dubious history. I bet that under the putty of such a machine there will be a dozen nine-millimeter holes, and under the carpets - husks of seeds? The price ceiling rests at 750 thousand for copies in excellent condition with two or three names in the TCP. If only you do not trade in crime, keeping the stalls near the house in fear, then, I believe, you will come to a reasonable 450-470 thousand.
BMW 7 Series (E38)
What can you buy with this money? Lada Priora or Largus. And even Benlad. And five copies at once, one for each working day.
Well, I do not! The true fan will opt for the 5.4-liter V12 version of the BMW 750i. Judge for yourself: the M73 engine relies on a solid wheelbase, leather interior (perhaps brought to the state of subcutaneous, and yet), door closers and a BMW nameplate on the trunk, which, in the end, will push the neighbor to come to you one evening for salt or matches. But do not rush to run to the seller, waving a passbook. Because everything will not be as rosy as you might think.
Does "more powerful" mean "better"?
Most often, the 7th series of those years is found with engines of 4.4 and 5.4 liters under the hood. Both are good, resourceful, but also demanding on consumables. The base 3.0-liter unit also comes across, but for such a heavy car it is frankly not enough. Of course, the more power in reserve, the less strain the engine, dragging you around the city. Hence the larger resource of the larger motor. Given the runs for 300-400 thousand km, it would be wise to take a larger engine in order to insure yourself at least from a major overhaul while owning a battered "seven".
V12 engine under the hood of the BMW 7 Series (E38)
That is why today we are talking about V12. They say that he is a bright representative of those very "millionaires" about which legends are composed. I must admit that this seems to be true. In official testing, BMW launched the M73 on the stand. At 16,000 (!) rpm, he worked continuously for 32 days before he was stopped. And after such critical loads, the engine, as you probably thought, ate oil, like Joey Chestnut, the champion hamburger eater during his favorite pastime. But no. Having disassembled the unit, the engineers did not find critical defects in the gaps and put it into production.
At the same time - the best and at the same time the worst of all details. A very controversial unit. It's not even that any engine on the E38 is prone to overheating, which can happen both from flooded non-regulated antifreeze and from a clogged radiator, usually never cleaned over the years. And not even that the optimal period for changing the oil in it is 6 thousand km, despite the fact that the oil also requires strict adherence to the regulations and requirements for quality and viscosity. The real problem with the 750 is expense. If you put an explosive charge on the gas pedal, triggered by touching your foot, and fasten your right boot to the seat to protect yourself from the temptation to drown, the consumption will still be at least 16 liters per hundred. Well, if you decide to attach a “Hooligan” sticker on the windshield and turn the engine to a cutoff, then a consumption of 30 liters will make you cry at a gas station.
You can, of course, convert the car to gas, but modern equipment, coupled with the installation, costs 60-70 thousand rubles, which means that by putting it on, you will eat “doshirakami” and radish for a couple of months and, most likely, will earn heartburn .
The interior of the BMW 7 Series in the back of the E38
There was also a problem with the gearbox. No, it's from Aston Martin and it's quite good, but it wasn't designed for the huge torque (490 Nm) that our V12 gives out. So, if you start driving aggressively, expect problems. , theoretically maintenance-free, but if the oil has not been changed in it, and the car has already accumulated more than 200 thousand km, then at each switch you will have a good kick, so by the end of the day you will get home with back pain. Therefore, when inspecting this machine, pay attention to the behavior of the “machine”. There is reason to doubt the smoothness of switching - feel free to bargain.
The pendant is good. The front aluminum multi-link keeps this two-ton Heffalump on the road amazingly, but it has one. When one element fails, it soon pulls all neighboring suspension elements with it into the grave. This is the same as if you were sneezed on, and you, having refused aspirin, fell ill after a week in intensive care. An annoying feature. Therefore, get ready for the fact that with a small breakdown, while the part ordered in the store is being delivered, you will have to walk for a week, holding on to your back, cursing the suspension and lamenting that you were beaten by the gearbox.
The interior of a car that was produced 20 years ago, even today looks decent
We consider expenses
The market is crowded with this kind of cars for several reasons. Firstly, there is no "past generation" of the "seven". After the release of a new one, the rest immediately turn out to be old ones, hence the loss in price. When a car depreciates in value by half or more, those who could not afford such a car "from scratch" lay eyes on it. Then they go to the limit of the entire resource, to a major service, after which they try to get rid of the car.
In a word, instead of a new B-class foreign car, of course, you can buy a 15-year-old "old woman", but is it worth it? Replacing 10 liters of oil in a box costs 8,000 rubles. The suspension requires the replacement of consumables, such as silent blocks of the rear levers (two of 1500 rubles each), bushings of the front stabilizers (two of 600 rubles each), stabilizer tips (two of 800 rubles each) every two years, even with careful driving. And we are talking about analogues of branded spare parts!
Add here the front (2600 rubles) and rear (1500 rubles) pads, which have a hard time with a car weighing two tons, the steering linkage (7000 rubles) is another weak point, as well as the cost of work (about a third of each amount ). Why is there a suspension, even iridium candles, of which there are twelve, cost 600 rubles apiece, and do not forget that this is a BMW. This means that it will not work here with a “10” key and a hammer to make a major overhaul of the motor, as on the Zhiguli. Most of the work will have to be done at the service station.
We are looking for an alternative
Have you changed your mind yet? Then the only reasonable solution against this background seems to be the purchase of the "seven" in the next body. Remember, this is the controversial one that Chris Bangle had a hand in? The car with it looks more modern, rather brutal, there are pneumatic elements at the back, and this is the best-selling BMW 7 series of all time. You can choose a 4.4 engine, which, although gluttonous, like a sumo wrestler, still does not ruin you in two trips around the city, like the V12 on the E38. Having spent the same half a million on the purchase of the 7th series in the back of the E65, you will not bother pressing buttons, because there is an iDrive joystick that configures all the systems of the car. And the neighbor's salt will end much more regularly.
Generally speaking, what does a person really want when buying such a car? Manageability? Maybe comfort? Hardly. After all, then he would prefer a more affordable 5th series (for example,). Including in terms of ownership. Then, perhaps, ergonomics? Also incredible. In this case, why not choose the Ford Focus or any other golf-class car that is not inferior in this criterion?
The point is still an unfulfilled dream, which, as you know, has no statute of limitations. But if it was formed by films based on the dashing 90s, then I have shocking news for you. Today, tough guys move mostly in large SUVs.
So there was one reason for the purchase, and it seems to be the most reliable. The reason is the girl. The one whose attention you are trying to attract, confess. But is it necessary to buy a "seven" BMW, a tracksuit and a gold chain? It would be cheaper and smarter to spend money on a bouquet of flowers and a dinner at a restaurant to win her over, right?
If you are simply a connoisseur of the German eternal, then there are several recommendations for you. First, don't be in a hurry to make a choice. This is the very purchase that cannot be made with the heart without connecting the mind. Be careful, be patient and wait for "your" copy. After waiting, do not rush to drive the car for service diagnostics, although this is a mandatory procedure that can save you a lot of nerves and money in the future. First, talk to the owner, understand who is in front of you and whether this person could keep such a car in decent condition. The owner who loves his car is almost always happy to talk about the problems that befell him and the decisions that had to be made to fix the problem.
Be afraid of cars whose wheels are shod with winter tires in summer, as well as those who bought a "German", and then drove for three years and only changed the oil. In practice, this means that all parts that have exhausted their resources will have to be changed by you. And also avoid people who, for unknown reasons, are selling a car after a couple of months of ownership. Be vigilant and pragmatic. And better - buy something simpler and fresher.
The E38 is a luxury car that was released in 1994, in June. It was this series that replaced the second generation of the seventh series. This model is interesting because the Munich manufacturers for the first time began to install diesel engines in cars. And, I must say, this is not the only feature of the BMW 750i E38.
Long awaited debut
This car was produced for seven years - from 1994 to 2001. Only then it was replaced by the currently known “seven” E66 / 65. For the entire period of production, the volume of sales of the 750th model amounted to about 327 thousand cars.
What can be said about the debut of this car? In fact, there are a lot of contradictions in the sense that different sources say different dates for the start of production. But the concern provided an official announcement in early April 1994. However, already at that time, the “seven” in the back of the E38 was published for more than six months. In general, there are unresolved issues in this topic. However, this is not of great importance, so you should not get hung up.
About changes
It is worth noting that in addition to the BMW 750i E38, there are other model options. They should be listed. These are the 728im 735i, 730i (these versions were not available in Canada and the US), 740iL, 740i, also the flagship 750i with a V12 engine and, of course, diesel options. There were three of them - 730d, 740d, 725tds.
The model, unlike its predecessors, has undergone major changes. They touched both its appearance and technical characteristics. The BMW 750i E38, whose photo shows us a car very similar to the E32 body, really has similarities with its predecessors. True, outwardly there are more similarities than in the cabin. By the way, this car, or rather the design of its interior, then became the prototype of the E39 body.
By the way, the Munich concern, in addition to the standard model, also released an extended version of the BMW 750i. Manufacturers increased the wheelbase by 140 millimeters. And then, in 1998, they carried out a minor restyling aimed at eliminating previously made mistakes.
Technical equipment
And one more topic regarding the BMW 750i E38. Characteristics is a very important issue. It is also worth discussing. In technical terms, the model has made a big step forward. This was especially true for electronic systems. For the first time, the Munich-based manufacturers have introduced an adaptive automatic transmission and an electronic engine management system into a car. And that's not it. Also, the developers decided to give the car a dynamic motion stabilization system, which could not but have a positive impact on the management. In addition, there was also a system for regulating the position of the body. But that's not all either! An automatic body stabilization system has also become available. It also made life much easier for motorists. And, finally, manufacturers also decided to build in the electronic control system for the stiffness of shock absorbers. As you can see, there are really a lot of innovations, and all of them only improved the already high-quality and reliable car.
Power and speed
No wonder this model of the seventh series has become so famous. It is worth remembering - in the 90s, this car was an indicator that a person has taste and big money. Like the "five hundredth", "six hundredth" Mercedes, the BMW 750i E38 was a car of respectable people. And, I must say, the indicators are really powerful. This luxurious car has retained all the family advantages - amazing dynamics, perfect handling. Thanks to the V12 engine, which develops 326 horsepower, this car can accelerate to “hundreds” in just over six seconds. The maximum of this car is an indicator of 250 km / h with a speed limiter installed. Yes, and consumption, I must say, economical - a little more than seven liters in the city. In general, the engineers really worked hard to create a high-quality and fast presentable BMW.
There are a lot of instructions on the net for purchasing a used E38 “seven”, describing the main problems and where to look. Nevertheless, after acquiring the first non-new BMW (and especially the e38), many do not even fully understand what they want from the purchase, and even more so they do not suspect what difficulties they may encounter after the acquisition.
This article describes the differences between the models, all engine options, options in the interior and exterior, and also talks about the features of the Individual and Highline versions. Well, all the most common “sores” are described.
BMW seventh series in the back of the E38 - wonderful cars, moreover, and very affordable. But the first drawback is that most motors fall into the most expensive category of transport tax (150r / hp).
Cars of this model are very different in character - from the modest 728i to the frisky and "sharp" 740i Sport and the sophisticated 750iL. Over the entire period of production of the car, there have been many changes in the design and interior design. The main engines: in-line "six", V8 and V12, were produced in a variety of options.
The E38 has three distinct generations, the earliest appeared in 1994, with V8 engines from the previous “seven” E32 (M60). At that time, these were fairly modern engines, they appeared in 1992. The same engine control unit (DME 3.3) was used, and an automatic 5-speed gearbox from the E32. A little later, the V12 also appeared, when the old M70 engine was upgraded, increasing the displacement, and renamed the M73.
The first major upgrade took place in 1996, when the V8 engines were heavily modified and in-line “sixes” appeared. Eight-cylinder engines grew in volume - up to 3.5 and 4.4 liters (models 735i and 740i respectively) and were renamed M62, and the 730i model was replaced by 728i, with a completely new L6 engine, very different from the previous M30.
The next upgrade took place in 1998, all engines were again improved (except for the M73, which has undergone minimal changes). The 728th (M52) motor was now equipped with a dual Vanos system, and it was no longer equipped with a nikasil coating. V8 engines also began to be equipped with the Vanos valve timing system (it “turned” the camshaft responsible for opening the intake valves), which made it possible to make the torque “shelf” more even and increase it at the peak by 20 newton meters. The power was left the same (286 forces) so as not to compete with the 750th.
Modernization touched not only engines, the list of options also changed a lot from year to year. The full list of BMW options is huge, and a fully equipped car can cost twice as much as an “empty” one with the same engine. In addition to standard options, such as satellite navigation and a TV tuner, the client could order something from the Individual list. So in the secondary market you can come across an instance with a rare Individual body color, but with a standard trim, and vice versa.
Engines and dynamic characteristics.
M52 inline-six on the 728i.
The smallest unit was installed on the 728i. An early version of the M52B28 had a nickel-plated finish, and was equipped with a variable valve timing system for intake valves only. The motor was very different from its predecessor, the M30. Block - aluminum, two camshafts in the block head, 24 valves, sequential injection and six ignition coils. Power was 186 hp.
96-98 engines are virtually indestructible, but suffer from Vanos issues that cause rough idle. In September 1998, the M52TUB28 was introduced, it was assembled without the use of Nikasil, and the Vanos system became double. Improvements allowed to reduce fuel consumption and make the engine more elastic, so the later 728 models are a little more pleasant for the driver.
The 728i isn't fast, but it isn't slow either. The car starts quite briskly, but quickly runs out of steam (compared to the rest of the E38), do not forget that in the 90s, most cars were much weaker and slower. On the highway, the 728i can still surprise you with its dynamics at high speeds. Since the engine is the smallest in the E38, it is also the lightest, so the 728i steers very decently (and this is with a weight of under 2 tons!), And in terms of handling it can compete with modern “semi-sports” cars, not to mention the cars of the 90s . The Sport version has changed gear ratios in the gearbox and in the main pair, so it accelerates a little faster.
In general, the 728i is a great “freeway eater”, which also pleases with fuel consumption (7-8 liters on the highway).
V8 engines (M60 and M62) were installed on 730i, 735i, 740i.
All V8 engines were advanced for their time: 4 camshafts in the block heads, 32 valves, sequential injection, 8 coils in the ignition system. The first E38 V8s received engines from the E32 (M60), in particular the 730i and 740i - 3.0 and 4.0 liters of working volume, respectively.
These units had a nikasil coating, and with the advent of the M62 engines, the prices of cars with old engines dropped noticeably. But now the problem with Nikasil is no longer relevant, and in terms of reliability, the M60 is in no way inferior to the M62.
In 1996, the M60 was replaced by the M62, the volume increased to 3.5 and 4.4 liters. for 735i and 740i respectively. These engines already used a new cylinder wall coating - Alusil, which was supposed to increase their wear resistance. The motors received the M62B35 and M62B44 indices, developing 235 and 286 hp. It is worth noting that at low speeds the motors are sluggish, developing full power only closer to the red zone of the tachometer.
In September 1998, the M62TUB35 and M62TUB44 were introduced. They differed only in the modified Vanos system, which now also affected the exhaust camshafts. The result is a smoother “pickup” from low revs, the same power and an additional 20 N / m of torque from the 4.4l motor. Idle speeds became a little smoother, fuel consumption decreased slightly. The engine upgrade coincided with the E38 facelift and price increases.
Model 730i (1994-1996) does not differ from 728i in terms of dynamics, but consumes more fuel (by 0.5-1 l on the highway). The 735i version is faster than both, but not by much. From the traffic light, the dynamics are not bad, but the pre-styling versions (without double Vanos) drive well only after 4000 rpm and in the sport mode of the automatic transmission.
The 740i is already in another league, the M60B40 engine in the early versions (1994-1996) although it needs to be “spinned” for full return, but still 4 liters of volume do their job, and the car “bullets”. With the M62TUB44 engine (cars after the September 1998 facelift), they already resemble a rocket with their dynamics. But on them it is very dangerous to turn off the stabilization system (DSC) on wet or slippery surfaces, since the rear axle can quickly go “in the wrong direction”. On the highway, fuel consumption is almost the same as the 735i, you can keep within 8-9 liters. With the advent of the double-vanos system, they also began to install a “smart” thermostat, which allows you to keep the engine temperature higher while driving evenly on the highway. Although the 740 can also go very smoothly and measuredly, if you need a car for leisurely walks, the 728i is more suitable.
V12 engine (M73) on the 750i.
pictured is a 1998 750i with an M73B54 engine. M73 engines are incredibly reliable, and mainly due to the simplicity of design. All six-eight-cylinder E38 engines have two camshafts per block head and 4 valves per cylinder. Here - only two valves and one camshaft. The engine was produced in two versions - M73B54 and M73TUB54, both gave out 326 hp. and 490 nm The difference between them is in the control unit, there are almost no differences in the mechanical part. Both versions inherited the M70 ignition system with two coils and distributors, and this can be called the weak side of the motor.
The M73 is very powerful and torquey, so the character of the 740i and 750i models is very different. The “late” 740i with Vanos are dynamic, nimble cars, on which it’s nice to once again press the “slipper on the floor” and listen to the engine, and the 750i is not at all slower, and at the same time much calmer, “refined”, the engine sound and thrust resembles a diesel locomotive. The main disadvantage of the V12 is the monstrous fuel consumption, it is slightly less on the TUB engine, but still extremely high. On paper, the dynamics of the 750i and later 740i are almost identical, but there's no drama in overclocking the 750. But a kind of pleasure from the thrust of a naturally aspirated engine with a volume of 5.4 liters cannot be replaced by anything! And to have a car with twelve cylinders under the hood is very honorable.
Differences between models before and after the facelift.
Exterior.
Updated cars have been produced since September 1998, but the date of the first registration may be much later. For example, there are many cars allegedly made in 1999, which are actually pre-styling. Updated cars can be distinguished primarily by their headlights and taillights.
Initially, the taillights were plastic, and suffered from depressurization (sometimes water accumulated in them, and holes had to be drilled to remove it). They were replaced with glass for the 1999 model year, and the turn signals were still orange. Since 2000, they have been updated again, the turn signal glass has become transparent.
The headlights have also changed a lot. The design itself became glass (instead of plastic), and decreased in height, so the front fenders also became different. A new design has appeared - the lower part received “roundness”, while the old one had a straight lower edge. The internal design of the headlights has not changed much.
If replacing the taillights with restyled ones is very simple (they are mounted on four bolts), then you will have to tinker with the headlights. The size of the turn signals is noticeably different, and if you just install a new headlight, there will be a noticeable gap. To remove it, you need to either modify / replace the front fenders (not the cheapest pleasure), or leave the old turn signal blocks, “disguising” them with paint around the edges under the new ones. (Similar activities were done in Europe 🙂) restyled car.
Mechanical part and electronic systems.
In the process of updating the E38 in 1998, the electronic components were upgraded. The ABS, DSC (stabilization system) and ASC (traction control) systems have changed a lot. Initially, they were all separate components. In the 740i model after 1998, they were placed in one electronic unit, located at the ABS unit. The cruise control system, idle valve and ASC system components were combined into one EML system (electronic throttle control system), and in the 750i this happened back in 1988 on the E32 model. Mechanical changes in the engine (improvement of Vanos) are described above.
Salon equipment.
Armchairs. Three types of seats and many additional options were installed on cars - ventilation, heating and even a massager.
- very comfortable, but they lack lateral support a little. The range of settings is very wide. As an additional option, they can be equipped with heating.
- they are distinguished by additional adjustable lumbar support, also the back of the chair can be bent at the top.
Sports (anatomical) seats- have the same set of adjustments as the comfort ones, but also have adjustable hip support - part of the seat cushion can be moved forward. The seats were installed on all models of the Sport version.
Seat heating - installed as an add. option for all types. The heating system consists of two containers with a special fluid that is constantly circulating. At the same time, the seat surface changed slightly, which could confuse an unprepared driver.
Seat ventilation - quite rare, helps in hot weather.
Center console, audio system, trip computer.
Three main versions of the center console:
The multimedia system could combine many functions: navigation, TV tuner, telephone and on-board computer, without a monitor all these functions (except for the telephone) were not available. And if it is more or less possible to install a system with 4:3 instead of the base one, then with 16:9 the situation is much more complicated.
In the case of replacing a 4: 3 monitor with a large one, less fuss is required. But at the same time, you will have to change the video module (located in the trunk) to use all the capabilities of the multimedia system.
Navigation system versions.
Three navigation versions were installed on the E38: MKI, MKII and MK3. If you come across a car with MK4, then the owner installed this system himself, which is not a difficult task. And MK4 works much faster (but it is worth noting that all systems today are hopelessly outdated).
MK1 installed on early models, the system “spoke” with a male voice, and for its time was advanced and sophisticated. It consisted of a head unit, a GPS unit, a magnetic direction sensor and an antenna. She worked very slowly, and often "lost her bearings."
MK2 became a little faster, the magnetic sensor was replaced with a gyro sensor built into the head unit. The GPS unit and antenna were still separate. The Mk2 system appeared in 1998, and at first it was often buggy, "hanging" the entire multimedia system, so that none of the monitor's functions worked.
MK3 appeared in 2000 and became faster again. The GPS module in it is built into the head unit, only the antenna remained external. In this version, the system no longer “hangs”. Maps could be updated. When using a large 16:9 monitor, there is a new split-screen mode, which simultaneously displays the map and direction indicators.
MK4 the system was equipped with a DVD disc, worked an order of magnitude faster than its predecessors. The entire map of Europe was already placed on the disk, and not individual countries, as in previous versions. There was also a view function with a perspective (a view of the “top-rear” of the car, and not just from above).
Differences between Sport, Individual and Highline versions.
Sport version extremely rare, but despite this, every second advertisement for the sale of E38 (in Europe) contains exactly this word. The main differences cannot be seen with the eye - these are other gear ratios in the gearbox and the main pair (option code S204A). The difference on paper is 0.1s in acceleration to a hundred, but it feels like the car goes much faster than usual.
But the steering wheel and wheels with the M badge are very often found on ordinary cars, which never turns them into Sport. Here is a list of options that have always been installed on these special versions:
M-style wheels with parallel spokes (37th design)
Shadow line bodywork
Sports steering wheel with M badge
Suspension S-EDC, or lowered sport suspension (without stiffness adjustment)
Obviously, it is impossible to see the other main pair in the rear differential, only the decoding of the VIN code and the list of options for a particular car will help.
Individual/Highline versions.
The E32 Series 7's Highline version was super-exclusive, with stunning interior trim (using real wood), drop-down tables, extra lighting for the rear row, and even a refrigerator between the rear seats. The E38 did not have a separate version of the Highline, but in the list of available options, you could choose almost everything that the E32 had.
But what is the Individual version? This is a car that has options that are not in the standard list. You can distinguish this version primarily by the plate with the VIN code on the front “cup” under the hood. Be sure to present the inscription Individual.
What are the options from the Individual list? It can be a non-standard body color, interior trim material (Nappa leather), door sills with Individual inscription, and much more. All this makes the car more rare, and, accordingly, increases its value.
List of standard add. equipment.
The most interesting is the system S-EDC . With a standard soft suspension, the car may seem too “rolly” to many, and it is very unpleasant to ride on a hard suspension from Alpina on poor coverage. Suspension with S-EDC automatically adjusts the damping force in real time to the specific driving situation. Or you can manually turn on the sport mode, so that the car will be controlled no worse than the Alpina. The system is very complex, so finding a car with a working EDC is a real stroke of luck. The system includes many electronic components, acceleration sensors, rudder position sensors, etc. The shock absorbers have three hydraulic valves, the whole system is controlled by a separate electronic unit. With this system, there will be an S-EDC button on the center console. The system was installed on all versions of Sport.
Another useful option is PDC (Park Distance Control) - parktronic. For a hefty car, an irreplaceable thing. The system has four sensors in the front and rear bumpers. sensors often fail, but are not very expensive.
The hydraulic drive of the trunk lid is also a nice option, which is very difficult to install on an “empty” car.
But the tire pressure monitoring system (RDS) is not so desirable - but do not confuse it with the “Tyre failure system”, which signals a flat tire by receiving information from the ABS sensors. RDS is much more complex, it was used on cars with RunFlat tires, included pressure sensors in the wheels themselves, temperature sensors, transmitters, antennas in the wheel arches. etc. The wheel sensors used their own battery, which over the years became unusable, and the entire sensor had to be replaced.
In the event of a malfunction, the system constantly generated an error “Check tire pressure”, at normal pressure. So it can be considered useless and harmful.
Also installed on the car: a steering wheel with electric adjustment and memory function, auto-dimming side mirrors, voice control, bluetooth, a rain sensor, and much more. even by today's standards, a twenty-year-old car is very well equipped.
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At the moment, BMW cars in the E38 body are “almost youngtimers”, with a beautiful body design (especially in comparison with subsequent “sevens”), a very pleasant price, relatively affordable spare parts, and they are modern enough to move around in comfort. every day. So cars (or rather, a few “live” copies) will soon move into the collection category.
Flight Translation
Production of the third 7th series E38
Production history: Production period 1993-2001 Total production 327,599
| Modifications | 728i | 730i | 735i | 740i | 750i | 725tds | 730d | 740d | Total for a year | car kits |
| 1993 | 22 | 25 | 3 | 50 | ||||||
| 1994 | 10 895 | 18 829 | 1 351 | 31 075 | 24 | |||||
| 1995 | 3 836 | 10 823 | 70 | 26 745 | 7 652 | 18 | 49 144 | 888 | ||
| 1996 | 8 920 | 346 | 6 531 | 26 070 | 3 453 | 4 837 | 50 157 | 264 | ||
| 1997 | 9 044 | 6 526 | 26 505 | 3 901 | 2 920 | 48 896 | 180 | |||
| 1998 | 9 201 | 5 440 | 25 174 | 3 703 | 1 190 | 1 833 | 22 | 46 563 | ||
| 1999 | 5 328 | 4 361 | 22 250 | 2 462 | 82 | 4 010 | 1 525 | 40 018 | ||
| 2000 | 5 516 | 3 598 | 22 097 | 2 048 | 6 | 4 238 | 1 477 | 38 980 | ||
| 2001 | 3 918 | 1 679 | 12 438 | 644 | 2 255 | 426 | 21 360 | |||
| Total | 45 763 | 22 086 | 28 205 | 180 133 | 25 217 | 9 053 | 12 336 | 3 450 | 1 356 | |
| Grand total: | 326 243 | |||||||||
| Grand total, including car kits: | 327 599 | |||||||||
Gallery BMW L7 (760i) Karl Lagerfeld Edition
X-ray diagram of BMW E38 security systems
BMW E38 Convertible (Cabrio)
A photograph of the BMW 7 Series in the body of an E38 with an open top, the first time I came across somewhere in 2002. The American company NCE specializes in the refinement of cars, turning everything that cannot logically be a convertible into a convertible. Looking for a certain photo on the computer, I decided after a decade and a half to drive a BMW E38 NCE into a google search and still photos of only a few cars and all of a small terrible quality. That is, there were apparently not many orders for the E38, and the photographs were rather taken on soap dishes and also scanned into a computer.
Interior BMW E38 Convertible
