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BMW 7 Series E38, facelift 1998 740i (286 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 440 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1850 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7 s). The top speed reaches 250 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.
740i (286 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The potent V8 provides exhilarating acceleration and a rich, classic BMW exhaust note, making it very responsive and engaging.
Fuel Economy
Expectedly thirsty, especially in urban environments, but acceptable for its performance and the luxury class.
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(E38: 1996 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E38, facelift 1998 |
| Modification (Engine): | 740i (286 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 286 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 440 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M62B44 More details about the engine M62B44 |
| Engine displacement: | 4398 |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.7 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.2 kg/Nm, 237.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1850 |
| Max. weight: | 2385 |
| Max load: | 535 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4984 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1862 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1435 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2930 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 | 235/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the BMW 7 Series?