BMW 7 Series (E38)

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BMW 7-Series (E38)
BMW 7er (E38) 20090314 front.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer BMW
Production 1994–2001
340,242 built[1][2]
Assembly Dingolfing, Germany
Designer Boyke Boyer (1990, 1991)
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury car (F)
Body style 4-door sedan/saloon
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 2.8 L M52 I6
  • 3.0-4.0 L M60 V8
  • 3.5-4.4 L M62 V8
  • 5.4 L M73 V12
  • Diesel:
  • 2.5 L M51 I6 turbo
  • 2.9 L M57 I6 turbo
  • 3.9 L M67 V8 turbo
Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase SWB: 2,930 mm (115.4 in)
LWB: 3,070 mm (121 in)
Length SWB: 4,984 mm (196.2 in)
LWB: 5,124 mm (201.7 in)
Width 1,862 mm (73.3 in)
Height SWB: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
LWB: 1,435 mm (56.5 in)
Curb weight 1,710–2,085 kg (3,770–4,597 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor BMW 7 Series (E32)
Successor BMW 7 Series (E65)

The BMW E38 is the third generation of the BMW 7 Series, which was produced from 1995 to 2001. It replaced the E32 and was available with straight-six, V8 and V12 engines. In 2001, the E38 was replaced by the E65 7 Series.

The E38 was the first car available with curtain airbags. It was also the first European car to offer satellite navigation[3] and the first BMW to offer an in-built television. The E38 was the first 7 Series to be available with a diesel engine.

Development

In early 1988, development began on the third generation 7-series.[4] From 1989 to 1990 styling work was done initially under design director Claus Luthe[5] (through April 1990), when Boyke Boyer's concept design was chosen and further refined into production form.[6]

In February 1991, the final production design for the new 7-series was approved by the board 36 months ahead of 1994 production.[4] On April 27, 1993 German design patents were filed featuring a pre-production prototype as a design representation.[7] Patents were later filed on October 27, 1993 in the United States.[8]

Production

Production started on July 23, 1993 on pilot production models and US specification variants on January 13, 1994, with series production commencing on February 17, 1994 and US-specification in the second half of the year. In May 1994, the 1995 model year E38 BMW 7-Series was unveiled.[9][10]

Equipment

Safety features include ASC+T traction control, headlight washers, auto-leveling low beam xenon HID headlamps. Side tubular airbags (called "Head Protection System) were fitted as standard equipment.[11][12] "Active Comfort Seats" were introduced in 1998, to improve comfort and reduce fatigue for the driver and front passenger.[13] This system uses two fluid-filled bladders which alternate in height.[14]

Other equipment includes Electronic Damper Control (called EDC III), power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, The E38 was the first European car to be available with satellite navigation,[15] a system called CARIN developed by BMW and Philips.[16] dual zone climate control, electric drivers seat adjustment and electric steering wheel adjustment. A "multi-function" steering wheel, with controls for the audio, phone, cruise control and air recirculation,[17] was standard equipment.[18]

The E38 could also be optioned with double glazed windows (called "dual pane glass"), which is known to delaminate.[19][20] Break resistant "security glass" was also available,[21] and bulletproof glass was used for the Protection model.[20]

The Sport Package included a sport steering wheel, sports seats, sports suspension, "shadowline" exterior trim and unique wood trim for the interior.[22] Some sports models also included a shorter differential ratio and higher stall speed for the torque converter.[23]

Transmissions

A 5-speed ZF 5HP automatic transmission was available on all models.[24]

In some markets, a 5-speed manual transmission was available for the 728i,[25] 730i,[26] 735i[27] and a 6-speed for the 740i.[28]

Model range

Petrol engines

Model Engine Power Torque Years Production[29]
728i M52B28
I6
142 kW (190 hp) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) 1995–1998 26171
M52TUB28
I6
142 kW (190 hp) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) 1998–2001 12776
728iL M52B28
I6
142 kW (190 hp) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) 1995–1998 1915
M52TUB28
I6
142 kW (190 hp) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) 1998–2001 4 901
730i M60B30
V8
160 kW (215 hp) 290 N·m (214 lb·ft) 1994–1996 20876
730iL M60B30
V8
160 kW (215 hp) 290 N·m (214 lb·ft) 1994–1996 2137
735i M62B35
V8
173 kW (232 hp) 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) 1994–1997 12971
M62TUB35
V8
174 kW (233 hp) 345 N·m (254 lb·ft) 1998–2001 8510
735iL M62B35
V8
173 kW (232 hp) 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) 1994–1997 3863
M62TUB35
V8
174 kW (233 hp) 345 N·m (254 lb·ft) 1998–2001 3100
740i M60B40
V8
210 kW (282 hp) 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) 1994–1996 33322
M62B44
V8
210 kW (282 hp) 420 N·m (310 lb·ft) 1996–1998 28272
M62TUB44
V8
210 kW (282 hp) 440 N·m (325 lb·ft) 1998–2001 27259
740iL M60B40
V8
210 kW (282 hp) 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) 1994–1996 12402
M62B44
V8
210 kW (282 hp) 420 N·m (310 lb·ft) 1996–1998 40655
M62TUB44
V8
210 kW (282 hp) 440 N·m (325 lb·ft) 1998–2001 38223
740iL P M62TUB44
V8
210 kW (282 hp) 440 N·m (325 lb·ft) 1998–2001 151
750i M73B54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1995–1997 6888
M73TUB54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1998–2001 1671
750iL M73B54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1995–1997 11038
M73TUB54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1998–2001 4039
750iL P M73TUB54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1998–2001 85
750iL S M73B54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1995–1997 253
M73TUB54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1998–2001 344
L7 M73B54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1996–1998 462
M73TUB54
V12
240 kW (322 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft) 1998–2001 437

Diesel engines

Model Engine Power Torque Years Production[29]
725tds M51D25
I6 turbo
105 kW (141 hp) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) 1995–2001 9053
730d M57D30
I6 turbo
142 kW (190 hp) 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) 1998–2001 12336
740d M67D40
V8 turbo
180 kW (241 hp) 560 N·m (413 lb·ft) 1998–2001 3450

Special models

L7

From 1997 to 2001, BMW sold an extended wheelbase limousine model called the L7.[30][31] The wheelbase was extended by 25 cm (10 in) over the "iL" models, resulting in an overall length of 5.37 m (211 in).[32] Features included electrically adjustable rear seats, rear footrests, fold down rear trays, a fridge, rear television screen, video player, fax machine.[32][33]

Based on the 750iL with a 12-cylinder engine, the L7 has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).[34] The L7 was only available in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, and 899 examples were built.[29] The 2000-2001 models had an optional "privacy window" glass partition to separate the driver from the rear passengers.[35]

Protection line

The armoured "Protection Line" vehicles were built from 2000–2001, based on the the 740iL and 750iL models.[36] Security features include body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.[37][38] An intercom system is provided to communicate with people outside the vehicle while the windows and doors are shut.[39]

A High-Security version with protection up to B6/7[40] was also available in Europe,[41] known internally as the 750iL S. The additional security measures brought an additional weight of 950 kg (2,090 lb) compared to the normal 750iL[42][43] Features include explosive cord around the windshield allowing removal of the windshield facilitating escape through it,[43] Hydraulically actuated windows,[43] A gas sensor that can detect irritants like CS gas and respond by turning the blower motor off closing the fresh air flaps and all windows,[43] a fire suppression system triggered by either a button or the detection of extreme temperatures in the engine bay or the vicinity of the fuel tank,[44][43] a breathing air system is also available which delivers air from a cylinder in the trunk,[43] up to three firearms cases designed to fit a Heckler & Koch MP5K were also optionally available,[43] and spherical gunports in the doors.[43]

Alpina B12

Based on the BMW 750i and 750iL, Alpina released the B12 5.7 in 1995 and the B12 6.0 in 1999. In contrast to the cars they are based on, these models are not electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), but reach top speeds of more than 280 km/h (174 mph) and 291 km/h (181 mph), respectively.[45] According to Alpina the B12 5.7 was the world's first vehicle with an electrically heated metal catalyst as standard.[46] The B12 5.7 has a 5.7 litre V12 and the B12 6.0 has a 6.0 litre V12.

Model Engine Power[45] Torque Years[47] Production[48]
B12 5.7 V12 285 kW (382 hp) 560 N·m (413 lb·ft) 12/1995–08/1998 202
B12 6.0 V12 316 kW (424 hp) 600 N·m (443 lb·ft) 07/1999–07/2001 94

USA model range

The models for sale in the USA were the 740i, 740iL and 750iL, and production began in the second half of 1994. 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.[49]

The 750iL was BMW's flagship vehicle, with a 5.4 L (330 cu in) V12 engine producing 322 bhp (240 kW; 326 PS) engine. A long-wheelbase variant was available for all petrol models.[50][51][52][53][54]

Model year changes

File:BMW 740iL E38 (5500335572).jpg
Pre-facelift BMW 740iL sedan (USA)

1995

  • E38 Production begins in 1994, for the 1995 model year. Initial models were the 725tds, 730i/730iL, 740i/740iL and 750i/750iL.
  • V8 models use a Nikasil bore coating, which experiences failures in countries with high sulfur petrol (see M60 article).[55][56]
  • DSC III (Dynamic Stability Control) becomes optional on the 740i/740iL and 750i/750iL.
  • 740i/740iL models use differential ratio of 3.15,[57] compared with 2.92 for following years.
  • Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, electric front seats with a three-position memory for the driver’s seat, front-seat side tubular airbags, a six-disc CD changer, and satellite navigation.[4]

1996

  • 728i and 735i models introduced
  • M62 engine replaces M60 for V8 models. The capacity on 740i and 740iL engines increases from 4.0 L to 4.4 L.
  • An Alpina sports suspension, onboard TV and satellite navigation system were offered as options.

1997

  • Worlds first production car with front passenger head airbags. In late 1997 the 1998 model year 7-series and E39 5-series were fitted with a tubular shaped head side airbags (Inflatable Tubular Structure (ITS)),[58] the "Head Protection System (HPS)" as optional equipment.[59] This airbag was designed to offer head protection in side impact collisions and also maintained inflation for up to seven seconds for rollover protection.
  • 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 automatic air-conditioning on 728i/735i; on-board computer on 728i;
  • xenon headlamps became standard on 750i/750iL.
  • The 750iL (actually a re-badged 740iL) is extensively featured in the high grossing James Bond series film Tomorrow Never Dies.

1998 mid-life facelift

  • 740d introduced with a 3.9L M67 V8 twin-turbocharged diesel engine.[60]
  • A new ZSP option (Sport Package) includes an Alpina suspension, multi-spoke alloys, sports seats and shadowline exterior trim.
  • 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
  • DSC III (Dynamic Stability Control) now standard on all 7 series models
  • Satellite navigation system become standard on 750i and 750iL
  • HPS or Head Protection System front passenger head airbags is introduced and offered as standard on all 7 series models (indicated by HPS badge on interior A-pillar)
  • 'Facelift' from 9/98 production featuring 'scalloped' headlamps, new front fenders with shorter turn signal lenses and side fascia improvements (including elimination of the visible jackpoints)

1999

Facelift BMW 735i
  • The 735 and 740 models receive an improved M62TU V8 engine with single VANOS variable valve timing. The 4.4 engine gets a marked increase in torque from 420 to 440 N·m (310 to 325 lb·ft). Horsepower remains at 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp).
  • A Sport Package becomes available for the 740i which includes: blacked-out exterior "shadowline" trim, Vavona redwood interior trim, 18-way adjustable sport seats, staggered 18-inch (460 mm) alloy wheels, a stiffer M inspired suspension with thicker front and rear anti-sway bars, Steptronic Transmission with higher stall-speed torque converter, and a lower 3.15:1 final drive ratio (versus 2.92:1).
  • The 750 receives an improved M73N 5.4 liter V12 engine making a slight increase in power and torque. Also, the first model year to feature the Steptronic Transmission on the 750iL in the US.
  • The 750 now includes Electric Catalytic Converter, or "E-CAT", assemblies. Heating coils inside the catalytic converter assemblies are electrified just after engine start, bringing the catalyst up to operating temperature very quickly to qualify the vehicle for Low emission vehicle (LEV) designation.[61] This system required the use of a two-battery system. This electric catalytic converter had been fitted since 1995 by Alpina to their B12 5,7 E-KAT saloon based on the BMW 750i, as it had been developed jointly by Emitec, Alpina and BMW.[62]
  • A number of previously optional features become standard for US models in March 1999 (release of model year 2000), including Xenon headlamps, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, headlight washers, GPS navigation, and upgraded audio including DSP and 6-disc CD changer. This was known as the Premium Package.
  • The sport package is extended to include the 740iL but without the same performance enhancing features as the 740i receives. The 740iL Sport maintains the same visual cues as the 740i Sport such as vavona redwood trim, shadowline exterior trim and 18" staggered alloy wheels.
  • In Europe, a radar based Adaptive Cruise Control became available as an option.

2001

2001 BMW 7-Series (US)
  • Final year of E38 sales with production ending in July 2001.

The last E38 (a silver 740i with black leather interior) rolled off BMW's assembly line on July 27, 2001[63] to make way for the new E65.

  • Body-colored side skirts and bumper facias, which were previously flat black.
  • Clear front and rear turn signal lenses replace amber-colored lenses.
  • The sport package is extended to include the 750iL. The 750iL Sport maintains the same visual cues as the 740i Sport & the 740iL Sport such as shadowline exterior trim and 18" staggered alloy wheels. The sport package also sports a special wood trim with an inlay that resembles nautical flags. The interior is dechromed. The wooden grab handles are omitted from the sport models as well. The Sport model could also be optioned with Sport seats. But is a rare option as it meant giving up the active comfort seats.
  • More previously optional features become standard, including a Motorola StarTAC or Motorola TimePort (depending on date of production) with BMW Assist telemetry system.
  • Widescreen Navigation Display and a faster CD based navigation computer (MK III) were phased in from 9/00 production on all models.
  • For US models, power folding exterior mirrors became standard on the 750iL, and were included in the optional convenience package on all other models.

Flexible Electronics System

Since the start of production the entire in-car entertainment system (Radio Function, DSP audio system, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) is based on a flexible automotive communication bus, known as the I-bus.[64] As a result, the E38 models can all be easily upgraded with the newer BMW technologies introduced in the 5-series (E39) and X5 (E53), including BMW's Bluetooth System, the DVD based Navigation system, as well as BMW's CD changers that play MP3s[65]

Film

BMW 7 Series car from Tomorrow Never Dies, seen at an exhibition at Museum Industriekultur, Nuremberg.

Contributing to the E38's continued popularity was its appearance in several films such as Tomorrow Never Dies (750iL), Bumer "Бумер" (750iL), Enemy of the State (740iL), Invictus (740iL), Bad Santa (740iL), Fun with Dick and Jane (740iL), Valley of the Wolves (TV series) (L7), Showtime (740i), The Transporter (735i) which was a one off manual 750i badged as a 735i,[66] "Live Free or Die Hard" which was a 2000 740i, The Game (740iL) and The Sum Of All Fears. Even though it was the only featured car in the series to be replaced the following year, the E38 featured in the BMW Film Ambush which was released in fall 2001.

In the 18th James Bond feature film Tomorrow Never Dies, the sixteen E38 cars used during production were modified so they could be driven from the backseat. The car type is actually a BMW 740iL but they were re-badged as the 750iL. One survives today and can be seen at exhibition “TOP SECRET” at Museum Industriekultur, Nuremberg. Besides the 7 Series saloons, BMW also supplied a $14,000 R1200C motorcycle. BMW received the rights to use movie clips from the film in its multimillion-dollar campaign, and during the 1997 holiday season they offered a special promotion that included the R1200C with the purchase of the 750iL.[67]

References

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  2. Auto Katalog, 2003 edition, p. 312. Note: Figures include early E65 production.
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  8. US D0372687, "Automobile Exterior Body", assigned to Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft 
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  10. http://www.e38registry.org/e38-production-numbers/
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sv:BMW 7-serie#E38