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BMW 7 Series Long (E38) 735iL (235 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)
Long (E38) Overview:
BMW 7 Series (Long (E38)). With 320 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1825 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.4 s). The top speed reaches 240 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.
735iL (235 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers ample power for comfortable cruising and confident overtaking, though not as outright quick as the larger V8s.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is moderate for a V8, representing a decent compromise between power and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design and classic BMW aesthetics.
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refined cabin ambiance.
- • Powerful and smooth engine options, particularly the V8s and V12.
- • High-quality interior materials and build.
- • Excellent highway cruiser with stable handling.
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 and V12 models.
- • Maintenance and repair costs can be substantial due to complexity and age.
- • Lack of modern safety tech and Euro NCAP rating.
- • Aging electronics can lead to intermittent issues.
- • Rear suspension (Inclined Lever) is less sophisticated than later multi-link designs.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E38: 1995 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | Long (E38) |
| Modification (Engine): | 735iL (235 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 235 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.2 Hp/l [140mm more] |
| Torque: | 320 Nm @ 3300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M62B35 More details about the engine M62B35 |
| Engine displacement: | 3498 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 240 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.8 kg/Hp, 128.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 175.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1825 |
| Max. weight: | 2360 |
| Max load: | 535 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 95 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5124 mm mm [140mm more] |
| Width: | 1862 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1425 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3070 mm mm [140mm more] |
| Front track: | 1552 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1568 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.2 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 | 235/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
If you could change one thing about the BMW 7 Series, what would it be?