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BMW 7 Series Long (E38, facelift 1998) 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, facelift 1998) Overview:
BMW 7 Series (Long (E38, facelift 1998)). With 345 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1845 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.2 s). The top speed reaches 243 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 adequate and smooth V8 performance for comfortable cruising, though not as potent as the larger V8 or V12.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption for a V8, providing a better balance than the V12 while still being a luxury car.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • Powerful and smooth engine options (especially V8 and V12)
- • Spacious and luxurious interior (LWB models)
- • High build quality and premium materials
- • Excellent value on the used market
Cons:
- • High running costs (fuel, maintenance, parts)
- • Complex electronics can be prone to age-related failures
- • Large turning circle can make city maneuvering challenging
- • Aging suspension components may require costly replacement
- • Not officially tested by Euro NCAP
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E38: 1996 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | Long (E38, facelift 1998) |
| Modification (Engine): | 735iL (235 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 235 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.2 Hp/l [140mm more] |
| Torque: | 345 Nm @ 3800 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 |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| 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: | 17.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 243 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 127.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 187 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1845 |
| Max. weight: | 2380 |
| 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 W |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone |
Does the BMW 7 Series live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!