BMW 7 Series E38 LCI Sedan (1998-2001)

78% Neofiliac
Keywords: bmwdohcflagshipfull-sizemacpherson-strutmanual-transmissionrwdsedansohcturbochargedv12v8

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Photo 0of BMW 7 Series E38 LCI Sedan (1998-2001)Photo 1of BMW 7 Series E38 LCI Sedan (1998-2001)Photo 2of BMW 7 Series E38 LCI Sedan (1998-2001)Photo 3of BMW 7 Series E38 LCI Sedan (1998-2001)Photo 4of BMW 7 Series E38 LCI Sedan (1998-2001)Photo 5of BMW 7 Series E38 LCI Sedan (1998-2001)

Product Overview

BMW 7 Series E38 LCI is the facelifted version of the E38 full-size luxury sedan in production from 1998 to 2001. It is available with inline-6, V8, and V12 engines that displaced 2.5 to 5.4 liters.
Undoubtedly, the most appealing engine is the M73 V12 found in the flagship 750i and 750iL. It offered a level of refinement and relative reliability that was hard to beat (perhaps with the M120 from Mercedes as a notable exception). Today, it has become a modern classic that is nonetheless affordable.
The E38 used MacPherson front suspension, which is usually not the best recipe for handling. However, the E38 is much lighter than modern full-sizers, and with a balanced weight distribution and FR layout, the E38 could handle a lot better than its size would suggest.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 78% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • The height of elegance
  • Sweet M73 V12 engine
  • No-BS interior
Cons
  • Stuck with MacPherson struts in the front

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Specifications

725tds725tds AT728i728i AT728iL AT730d 184hp AT730d 193hp AT735i AT735iL AT740d AT740i AT740iL AT750i AT750iL AT

Capacity

Cargo Capacity500 L / 17.7 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity9.8 L / 10.4 qt9.8 L / 10.4 qt11.0 L / 11.6 qt11.0 L / 11.6 qt11.0 L / 11.6 qt9.2 L / 9.7 qt9.2 L / 9.7 qt12.5 L / 13.2 qt12.5 L / 13.2 qt16.0 L / 16.9 qt12.5 L / 13.2 qt12.5 L / 13.2 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt
Engine Oil Capacity7.0 L / 7.4 qt7.0 L / 7.4 qt5.8 L / 6.1 qt5.8 L / 6.1 qt5.8 L / 6.1 qt7.0 L / 7.4 qt7.0 L / 7.4 qt7.5 L / 7.9 qt7.5 L / 7.9 qt9.5 L / 10.0 qt7.5 L / 7.9 qt7.5 L / 7.9 qt8.0 L / 8.5 qt8.0 L / 8.5 qt
Fuel Capacity85.0 L / 22.5 gal85.0 L / 22.5 gal85.0 L / 22.5 gal85.0 L / 22.5 gal85.0 L / 22.5 gal85.0 L / 22.5 gal85.0 L / 22.5 gal85.0 L / 22.5 gal95.0 L / 25.1 gal95.0 L / 25.1 gal85.0 L / 22.5 gal95.0 L / 25.1 gal95.0 L / 25.1 gal95.0 L / 25.1 gal
Passengers5
Payload535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs545 kg / 1202 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs535 kg / 1179 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsDiscVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discs
Brakes | RearDisc
Power SteeringHydraulic Steering
Suspension | FrontMacPherson strut
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire Size215/65 R16215/65 R16215/65 R16215/65 R16215/65 R16 V215/65 R16215/65 R16235/60 R16235/60 R16 W235/60 R16 W235/60 R16235/60 R16 W235/60 R16235/60 R16
Turning Circle11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft12.2 m / 40.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft12.2 m / 40.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft12.2 m / 40.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft12.2 m / 40.0 ft

Construction

Body Style4-door Sedan

Dimensions

Size | Height1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1425 mm / 56.1 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1425 mm / 56.1 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1425 mm / 56.1 in1425 mm / 56.1 in1425 mm / 56.1 in
Size | Length4984 mm / 196.2 in4984 mm / 196.2 in4984 mm / 196.2 in4984 mm / 196.2 in5124 mm / 201.7 in4984 mm / 196.2 in4984 mm / 196.2 in4984 mm / 196.2 in5124 mm / 201.7 in4984 mm / 196.2 in4984 mm / 196.2 in5124 mm / 201.7 in4984 mm / 196.2 in5124 mm / 201.7 in
Size | Width1862 mm / 73.3 in
Track Width | Front1552.0 mm / 61.1 in
Track Width | Rear1568.0 mm / 61.7 in
Weight1710.0 kg / 3769.9 lbs1730.0 kg / 3814.0 lbs1710.0 kg / 3769.9 lbs1740.0 kg / 3836.0 lbs1765.0 kg / 3891.2 lbs1830.0 kg / 4034.5 lbs1830.0 kg / 4034.5 lbs1810.0 kg / 3990.4 lbs1845.0 kg / 4067.5 lbs1960.0 kg / 4321.1 lbs1850.0 kg / 4078.6 lbs1890.0 kg / 4166.7 lbs1960.0 kg / 4321.1 lbs1995.0 kg / 4398.2 lbs
Wheel Size16 in
Wheelbase2930 mm / 115.4 in2930 mm / 115.4 in2930 mm / 115.4 in2930 mm / 115.4 in3070 mm / 120.9 in2930 mm / 115.4 in2930 mm / 115.4 in2930 mm / 115.4 in3070 mm / 120.9 in2930 mm / 115.4 in2930 mm / 115.4 in3070 mm / 120.9 in2930 mm / 115.4 in3070 mm / 120.9 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h11.4 sec12.2 sec8.6 sec9.6 sec9.6 sec9.2 sec8.9 sec8.2 sec8.2 sec8.4 sec7.0 sec7.0 sec6.6 sec6.6 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph10.8 sec11.6 sec8.2 sec9.1 sec9.1 sec8.7 sec8.5 sec7.8 sec7.8 sec8.0 sec6.7 sec6.7 sec6.3 sec6.3 sec
Coefficient Of Drag0.300.300.300.300.300.300.300.300.310.300.300.320.32
Fuel Economy8.0 L/100km / 29.4 MPG (combined) | 11.0 L/100km / 21.4 MPG (urban) | 6.2 L/100km / 37.9 MPG (highway)9.0 L/100km / 26.1 MPG (combined) | 12.5 L/100km / 18.8 MPG (urban) | 6.9 L/100km / 34.1 MPG (highway)10.0 L/100km / 23.5 MPG (combined) | 13.7 L/100km / 17.2 MPG (urban) | 7.9 L/100km / 29.8 MPG (highway)11.1 L/100km / 21.2 MPG (combined) | 16.5 L/100km / 14.3 MPG (urban) | 8.0 L/100km / 29.4 MPG (highway)11.1 L/100km / 21.2 MPG (combined) | 16.5 L/100km / 14.3 MPG (urban) | 8.0 L/100km / 29.4 MPG (highway)8.8 L/100km / 26.7 MPG (combined) | 12.1 L/100km / 19.4 MPG (urban) | 6.8 L/100km / 34.6 MPG (highway)12.1 L/100km / 19.4 MPG (urban) | 6.8 L/100km / 34.6 MPG (highway)12.1 L/100km / 19.4 MPG (combined) | 17.2 L/100km / 13.7 MPG (urban) | 9.1 L/100km / 25.8 MPG (highway)12.1 L/100km / 19.4 MPG (combined) | 17.2 L/100km / 13.7 MPG (urban) | 9.1 L/100km / 25.8 MPG (highway)9.8 L/100km / 24.0 MPG (combined) | 14.7 L/100km / 16.0 MPG (urban) | 7.0 L/100km / 33.6 MPG (highway)12.5 L/100km / 18.8 MPG (combined) | 18.1 L/100km / 13.0 MPG (urban) | 9.2 L/100km / 25.6 MPG (highway)12.5 L/100km / 18.8 MPG (combined) | 18.1 L/100km / 13.0 MPG (urban) | 9.2 L/100km / 25.6 MPG (highway)13.6 L/100km / 17.3 MPG (combined) | 19.6 L/100km / 12.0 MPG (urban) | 10.1 L/100km / 23.3 MPG (highway)13.6 L/100km / 17.3 MPG (combined) | 19.6 L/100km / 12.0 MPG (urban) | 10.1 L/100km / 23.3 MPG (highway)
Top Speed206.0 km/h / 128.0 mph202.0 km/h / 125.5 mph228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph226.0 km/h / 140.4 mph226.0 km/h / 140.4 mph220.0 km/h / 136.7 mph220.0 km/h / 136.7 mph243.0 km/h / 151.0 mph243.0 km/h / 151.0 mph242.0 km/h / 150.4 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel drive
EngineM51D25M51D25M52B28M52B28M52B28M57D30M57D30M62B35M62B35M67D40M62B44M62B44M73B54M73B54
Engine | Bore80.0 mm / 3.1 in80.0 mm / 3.1 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in92.0 mm / 3.6 in92.0 mm / 3.6 in85.0 mm / 3.3 in85.0 mm / 3.3 in
Engine | Compression Ratio22.0:122.0:110.2:110.2:110.2:118.0:118.0:110.0:110.0:118.0:110.0:110.0:110.0:110.0:1
Engine | Displacement2.5 L / 152.4 cu-in / 2497.0 cc2.5 L / 152.4 cu-in / 2497.0 cc2.8 L / 170.4 cu-in / 2793.0 cc2.8 L / 170.4 cu-in / 2793.0 cc2.8 L / 170.4 cu-in / 2793.0 cc2.9 L / 178.6 cu-in / 2926.0 cc2.9 L / 178.6 cu-in / 2926.0 cc3.5 L / 213.5 cu-in / 3498.0 cc3.5 L / 213.5 cu-in / 3498.0 cc3.9 L / 238.1 cu-in / 3901.0 cc4.4 L / 268.4 cu-in / 4398.0 cc4.4 L / 268.4 cu-in / 4398.0 cc5.4 L / 328.2 cu-in / 5379.0 cc5.4 L / 328.2 cu-in / 5379.0 cc
Engine | Power143.0 hp / 106.6 kW @ 4600 rpm143.0 hp / 106.6 kW @ 4600 rpm193.0 hp / 143.9 kW @ 5300 rpm193.0 hp / 143.9 kW @ 5300 rpm193.0 hp / 143.9 kW @ 5300 rpm184.0 hp / 137.2 kW @ 4000 rpm193.0 hp / 143.9 kW @ 4000 rpm238.0 hp / 177.5 kW @ 5800 rpm235.0 hp / 175.2 kW @ 5800 rpm245.0 hp / 182.7 kW @ 4000 rpm286.0 hp / 213.3 kW @ 5400 rpm286.0 hp / 213.3 kW @ 5400 rpm326.0 hp / 243.1 kW @ 5000 rpm326.0 hp / 243.1 kW @ 5000 rpm
Engine | Specific Output57.3 hp/L / 0.9 hp/cu-in57.3 hp/L / 0.9 hp/cu-in69.1 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in69.1 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in69.1 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in62.9 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in66.0 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in68.0 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in67.2 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in62.8 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in65.0 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in65.0 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in60.6 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in60.6 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke82.8 mm / 3.3 in82.8 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in88.0 mm / 3.5 in78.9 mm / 3.1 in78.9 mm / 3.1 in88.0 mm / 3.5 in82.7 mm / 3.3 in82.7 mm / 3.3 in79.0 mm / 3.1 in79.0 mm / 3.1 in
Engine | Torque280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm410 Nm / 302.4 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm430 Nm / 317.2 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm345 Nm / 254.5 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm345 Nm / 254.5 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm560 Nm / 413.0 lb-ft @ 1750-2500 rpm440 Nm / 324.5 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm440 Nm / 324.5 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm490 Nm / 361.4 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm490 Nm / 361.4 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Engine | TypeTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-6 DOHC engine with 2 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-6 DOHC engine with 2 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-6 engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-6 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V8 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V8 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderBi-turbocharged commonrail diesel V8 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V8 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V8 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V12 SOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol V12 SOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears5-speed
Transmission | TypeManualAutomatic SteptronicManualAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic SteptronicAutomatic Steptronic

Production

Availability1998 ~ 20001998 ~ 20001998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20002000 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011999 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 2001

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