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BMW 7 Series E38 725tds (143 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 Overview:
BMW 7 Series (E38). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1730 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 12.2 s). The top speed reaches 202 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) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The automatic transmission further softens the performance of the M51D25 diesel, making it best suited for relaxed, unhurried driving.
Fuel Economy
Still offers very good fuel economy, though slightly worse than the manual, making it a practical choice for long-distance economy.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Engaging driving dynamics for a large sedan
- • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines
- • Strong value proposition in the used market
Cons:
- • Complex electronics can be costly to repair
- • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
- • Fuel consumption can be high on V8/V12 models
- • Suspension components require regular attention
- • Parts can be expensive, especially for V12
- • Lack of modern safety tech (e.g., no Euro NCAP rating)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E38: 1995 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E38 |
| Modification (Engine): | 725tds (143 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| 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 [Same length.] |
| 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: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 9.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 202 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.1 kg/Hp, 82.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 161.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1730 |
| Max. weight: | 2265 |
| 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 | 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
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