🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

740i

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E38

Engine Code Primary:

M62B40

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Flagship luxury sedan from BMW, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and Lexus LS series. Known for its blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology for its era.

Key Competitors 1995:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Audi A8 (D2), Lexus LS400 (XF20), Cadillac Fleetwood, Lincoln Continental.

Vehicle Highlights:

Powerful V8 engine, advanced suspension and chassis dynamics, luxurious interior appointments, cutting-edge (for 1995) electronic features, superior build quality.

Value For Owner:

Essential tool for owners seeking to maintain or repair their E38 740i effectively, saving potentially significant costs compared to dealership labor. Provides insights into complex systems.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive factory-level service and repair

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel & emissions, transmission, drivetrain, steering, suspension, brakes, HVAC, body, interior, exterior, electrical diagnostics, chassis, SRS, ABS

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Detailed coverage of M62B40 V8 engine, including internal components, timing, lubrication, cooling, and ignition systems. Full coverage of 5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., GM 5L40-E) operation, diagnostics, and repair.

Chassis And Suspension:

In-depth analysis of front and rear suspension systems (e.g., multi-link rear), steering components (e.g., recirculating ball steering, Servotronic), and wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Comprehensive brake system repair, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction Control) diagnostics, component replacement, and bleeding procedures. Disc brake specifications and pad/rotor wear limits.

Electrical And Diagnostics:

Extensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, and procedures for accessing and interpreting data from the vehicle's onboard computer (OBD-I/OBD-II transition era considerations).

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, differential fluid changes, and air filter replacement.

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine component replacement (e.g., head gaskets, pistons, connecting rods), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension arm and bushing replacement, driveshaft and CV joint repair.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, including drivability problems, electrical faults, HVAC malfunctions, and cooling system leaks, often with specific symptom-to-cause mappings.

Installation And Adjustment:

Procedures for installing new components, adjusting belt tensions, setting ignition timing (if applicable to M62), and calibrating sensors.

Depth:

Factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic testing parameters, and detailed step-by-step repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital Software (potential for searchable PDF or executable program with navigation)

Print Quality Suitability:

Designed for digital viewing; print quality depends on user's printer. Expected to contain clear diagrams and legible text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8

Displacement:

3.982 cc (4.0 Liters)

Engine Code:

M62B40

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic M5.2 electronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled, pressurized system

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)

ECU System:

Bosch Motronic M5.2

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed automatic

Transmission Model:

GM 5L40-E (likely variant)

Manual Transmission Option:

N/A for 740i in North America (740iL might have had limited manual availability elsewhere, but 740i is typically auto only)

Transmission Modes:

Standard (D), Sport (S), Manual Shift (SMG - if equipped, uncommon for 1995 740i) or basic automatic modes

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-2 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon specification fluid

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) for dry fill

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

115.4 inches (2931 mm)

Length:

197.2 inches (5009 mm)

Width:

73.1 inches (1857 mm)

Height:

56.2 inches (1427 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4050 lbs (1837 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5180 lbs (2350 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 17.1 cu ft (485 liters)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 7.0 inches

Standard Tire Size:

235/60R16

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Information not readily available for 1995 models in a standardized format. However, BMW vehicles of this era were known for robust construction.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Automatic Stability Control and Traction Control (ASC+T)

Headlights:

Halogen headlights, optional Xenon headlights (HID) on later models or as an upgrade.

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, optional side airbags (later models or as an option)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters for front occupants.

Chassis Construction:

High-strength steel body structure, integrated safety cage.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Professional RDS radio with cassette player, optional CD changer, premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Navigation:

Optional BMW On-Board Monitor with GPS navigation system (CD-ROM based).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional parking distance sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) available on later models, less common for 1995.

Telematics:

Optional integrated cellular phone system.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control with cabin air filter.

Seats:

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for driver's seat, heated seats optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (e.g., synthetic).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 50,000 - 60,000 miles (80,000 - 100,000 km) for the automatic transmission.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (100,000 - 160,000 km) for iridium or platinum spark plugs, check specific recommendation.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (50,000-80,000 km).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic engine oil meeting BMW LL-98 specification (or equivalent API SN/ILSAC GF-5 for modern equivalents).

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.

Common E38 Issues 1995:

Vanos seals degradation, coolant expansion tank leaks, ignition coil failures, EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System) issues, valve cover gasket leaks, ABS/ASC sensor failures, heater core leaks, sagging headliner.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter HU836 or MAHLE OX35D (verify specific for M62B40)

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter C35100 or MAHLE LX64 (verify specific for M62B40)

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, handling, and engineering excellence.

E38 Generation Introduction:

The E38 generation of the BMW 7 Series was introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model year, replacing the E32. It represented a significant evolution in design, technology, and luxury.

E38 Features At Launch:

Introduced features like Xenon headlights, GPS navigation, integrated cell phone, and heated windshield. The 740i variant was key to the lineup, offering the V8 power.

Production Years E38:

1994-2001

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

740I Positioning:

The 740i was the popular V8-powered model, sitting below the V12 750i but above the 6-cylinder models (730i, 735i) offered in some markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated technology for its era.

Model Year Specific Awards:

While specific 'Car of the Year' awards for the '95 740i are not easily aggregated, the E38 platform generally received accolades for its segment leadership in luxury and performance.

Iso Certification Bmw Plants:

BMW's manufacturing facilities, including Dingolfing, are typically certified to stringent ISO quality standards, reflecting high production quality.