BMW E38
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| BMW E38 | |
 |
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| Manufacturer: | BMW |
|---|---|
| Production: | 1995–2001 |
| Predecessor: | BMW E32 |
| Successor: | BMW E65/E66 |
| Class: | Full-size luxury car |
| Similar: | Audi A8 Infiniti Q45 Lexus LS Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
| Vehicles: | BMW 7 Series |
The BMW E38 automobile platform was the basis for the 1994 through 2001 7-series of automobiles. It replaced the BMW E32 in 1995 and itself was replaced by the BMW E65/E66 for the 2002 model year.
The E38 models were offered with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 740d and 750i (with a 5.4 L 322 bhp [240 kW] engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).
In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i and 740iL share the same 4.4 L V8 engine. The 740iL is essentially a long-wheelbase 740i (hence the "L" in the model name). The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12-powered 750iL was only available as a long-body; there was no E38 750i in the US lineup. The 750iL was BMW's flagship sedan.
Features of the E38 7 Series included high-pressure headlight washers, auto-leveling xenon HID headlamps, power moonroof, a sound system with 14 speakers and four subwoofers as well as 6-disc CD changer, onboard navigation and rain-sensing wipers. Other features included an automatic climate control system with separate controls for the driver and passenger and a 3-position memory system for the driver’s seat, safety-belt height, steering wheel and outside mirrors. Front-seat side airbags and a Head Protection System (HPS) were also standard. The car featured an all-leather interior with burl walnut trim. The continuous-motion Active Comfort Seat technology was introduced in 1998 to improve comfort and reduce fatigue for the driver and front passenger.
The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL.
740iL and 750iL Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000-2001, and cost US$99,100 and US$124,400, respectively. These models included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
A rare executive V12-powered stretch limousine was also produced, called the BMW L7.
Contents |
[edit] Models using the E38 platform
North American models
| Model | Engine | HP/TQ(lb-ft) KW/TQ(Nm) |
Years produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 740i/740iL | 4.0L M60B40 Petrol V8 | 282/295 210/400 |
1995 |
| 740i/740iL | 4.4L M62B44 Petrol V8 | 282/310 210/420 |
1996-1998 |
| 740i/740iL | 4.4L M62TUB44 Petrol V8 | 282/324 210/440 |
1999-2001 |
| 750iL | 5.4L M73B54 Petrol V12 | 326/361 240/490 |
1996-2001 |
Additional models offered in Europe and elsewhere
| Model | Engine | HP/TQ(lb-ft) KW/TQ(Nm) |
Years produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 725tds | 2.5L M51D25 Diesel I6 | 105/143 105/280 |
1995-2001 |
| 728i/728iL | 2.8L M52B28 Petrol I6 | 190/207 142/280 |
1996-2001 |
| 730i/730iL | 3.0L M60B30 Petrol V8 | 215/214 160/290 |
1994-1996 |
| 735i/735iL | 3.5L M62B35 Petrol V8 | 232/236 173/320 |
1994-1997 |
| 735i/735iL | 3.5L M62TUB35 Petrol V8 | 233/254 174/345 |
1998-2001 |
| 730d | 2.9L M57D29 Diesel I6 | 190/302 142/410 |
1996-2001 |
| 740d | 3.9L M67D39 Diesel V8 | 254/442 190/600 |
1998-2001 |
[edit] Model History
[edit] 1995
- E38 Production begins in 1994 for the 1995 Model Year replacing the E32. Initial production E38s were available with either a 2.5L Turbodiesel 3.0L or 4.0L M60 V8 or the 5.0L M70 V12 engine.
- US Model Range includes the 740i, 740iL and 750iL.
[edit] 1996
- 750i includes Steptronic automatic transmission with manual shift mode
- 728i and 735i launched with traction control, ABS, alloy wheels, dual airbags, air-conditioning, leather upholstery, and electric front seats
- 740i and 740iL upgraded from 4.0L to 4.4L V8 engine
- Steptronic and traction control become standard on 730i, 740i, and 740iL. Steptronic is not available in the North American market until 1999 When the 740i ZSP Sport Package is offered.
- An Alpina sports suspension, onboard TV and satellite navigation system are offered as options
[edit] 1997
- 730i/730i SE and 735i/735i SE launched. Equipment includes central locking, front fog lamps and electric heated mirrors; 735i has rear head restraints and electric front seats; 730i SE has a sunroof; 735i SE has air-conditioning, cruise control and leather. *Revisions midway through the model year include front head airbags; automatic air-conditioning on 728i/735i; on-board computer on 728i; DSC III (Dynamic Stability Control) offered on 740i/740iL and 750i/750iL
- xenon headlamps are included on 750i/750iL
[edit] 1998
- A new ZSP option (Sport Package) includes an Alpina suspension, multi-spoke alloys, sports seats and exterior dechroming.
- Revisions midway through the model year include new front and rear lights, a revised grille, black side sills and valances, and a remote locking with memory system
- Parking sensors become available on 728i, 735i and 740i
- DSC now standard on 735i
- Satellite navigation system become standard on 750i and 750iL
[edit] 1999
- 'Facelift' from 9/98 production featuring 'scalloped' headlamps, new front fenders with shorter turn signal lenses and glass taillights.
- 4.4L V8 engine receives dual-VANOS variable valve timing and an increase in torque from 310 to 324 lb-ft. Horsepower remained at 282.
- A new ZSP option (Sport Package) becomes available for the 740i, which includes 18-inch wheels, Shadowline trim, a lower final drive ratio, and Vavona redwood interior trim.
[edit] 2000
- A number of previously optional features become standard, including Xenon headlamps, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, headlight washers, GPS navigation, and upgraded audio including DSP and 6-disc CD changer
- 1999 740i's new ZSP option becomes available on 740iL/740iL without the lower final drive ratio
[edit] 2001
- Final year of E38 sales with production ending in July of 2001.
- Includes body-colored side skirts and front/rear air dams, which were previously flat black
- Clear turn signal lights replace amber-colored lights.
- A number of previously optional features become standard, including a Motorola StarTac phone with mayday system, and 16-way Comfort seats.
- Widescreen Navigation added from 9/00 production.
[edit] Tuning
The E38 has been successfully modified with a large number of after market performance tools, including free-flow exhaust and intake systems, suspension adjustment, and braking system performance upgrades.
Engine tuning companies such as Alpina, Dinan and Hartge have built both turbocharged and supercharged versions of the M73 V12 motor.
[edit] In popular culture
- An E38 was used extensively by the character protrayed by Michael Douglas in The Game (1997) - Douglas appreciated the car so much that he bought one.
- A 1997 750iL was featured in the James Bond movie, Tomorrow Never Dies. Some of its features included rockets that shot from the sunroof, a wire-cutter hidden under the BMW logo on the hood, and re-inflatable tires. All could be remotely operated via Bond's cell phone.
- A standard-shift 735i is featured in the film The Transporter.
- The 2001 740iL was featured in "Ambush" of the BMW Films series.
- A 1996 750iL was the car which Tupac Shakur and Suge Knight were in on the night of Shakur's fatal shooting on September 7, 1996.
- A 2001 740iL was featured in the movie Fun With Dick And Jane. In one scene of the movie, a row of E38s are pictured.
[edit] External links
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The BMW in the Transporter was a special made 750i with a 6 speed manual transmission. Two of these cars were made for the movie. In the movie the car is referred to as a 735, but it is not really. Watch the bonus features to confirm this.
