Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 7 Series E38, facelift 1998 730d (184 Hp) Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW 7 Series:
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation.
The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle. It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.
The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E38, facelift 1998 Overview:
BMW 7 Series (E38, facelift 1998). With 410 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1830 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 220 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
730d (184 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A very capable engine, offering smooth power delivery and ample torque, though marginally less potent than the later 193hp version.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a luxury sedan, providing a practical and efficient option for diesel enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Superb ride comfort and luxurious interior
- • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines
- • Excellent driving dynamics for a large sedan
- • Strong used market value for the luxury offered
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 and V12 models
- • Potentially expensive maintenance and parts costs due to age and complexity
- • Complex electronics can be troublesome with age
- • Rust can be an issue on older examples, particularly in colder climates
- • Not officially Euro NCAP tested
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (E38): 1996 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E38, facelift 1998 |
| Modification (Engine): | 730d (184 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 184 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.9 Hp/l [140mm less] |
| Torque: | 410 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M57D30 More details about the engine M57D30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2926 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 9.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 18:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.9 kg/Hp, 100.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.5 kg/Nm, 224 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1830 |
| Max. weight: | 2365 |
| Max load: | 535 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4984 mm [140mm less] |
| Width: | 1862 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1435 mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2930 mm [140mm less] |
| Front track: | 1552 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1568 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Steptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
Is the BMW 7 Series worth every penny? Give us your honest ROI.