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BMW 7 Series E38, facelift 1998 725tds (143 Hp)
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 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). With a weight of 1710 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 11.4 s). The top speed reaches 206 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.
725tds (143 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for daily driving, but lacks the punch and refinement of newer diesels; more utilitarian in its power delivery.
Fuel Economy
Offers the best fuel economy among the diesel lineup, making it a budget-friendly option for long-distance travel.
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): | 725tds (143 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.3 Hp/l [140mm less] |
| Torque: | 280 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M51D25 More details about the engine M51D25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2497 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 9.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.8 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 206 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12 kg/Hp, 83.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1710 |
| Max. weight: | 2245 |
| 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 | Manual |
| 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 |
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