🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Generation:

E38

Platform Code:

E38

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Target Market:

Affluent consumers seeking premium performance, comfort, and advanced technology.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille.

Premium Appointments:

Luxurious interior, advanced comfort features, and sophisticated styling.

Performance:

Powerful V8 and V12 engine options, refined handling, and smooth ride quality.

Technology:

Early adoption of advanced electronics, including navigation systems, advanced climate control, and driver assistance features.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of M62, M62TU, M73, M73N V8 and V12 engines, including diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, and exhaust systems.

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage of ZF 5HP30 (5-speed automatic) transmission, including repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, and electronic control.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, differentials, and wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, and anti-roll bars. Coverage of standard and self-leveling suspension systems.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including discs, pads, calipers, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, and parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column.

Electrical:

Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and onboard diagnostics (OBD-II).

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, locks, hinges, and exterior trim. Repair and adjustment procedures.

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, instrument cluster, climate control system (HVAC), power windows, power locks, sunroof, audio system, and interior trim panels.

Climate Control:

Detailed diagnostics and repair of the automatic climate control system, including refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, and blower motor.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pre-tensioners, and related sensors.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, brake inspections, and tire rotations.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues across all vehicle systems, including troubleshooting flowcharts and fault code interpretation.

Engine Repair:

Engine overhaul, piston and ring replacement, valve adjustments, cylinder head repair, gasket replacement, and timing belt/chain procedures (where applicable).

Transmission Repair:

Complete transmission overhaul, valve body repair, torque converter replacement, and electronic transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.

Brake Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, brake line replacement, ABS/DSC component testing and replacement, and brake bleeding.

Electrical Repair:

Wiring harness repair, component replacement (alternator, starter, sensors, control modules), fuse and relay testing, and troubleshooting of electrical faults.

Body Repair:

Body panel replacement, door and latch repair, glass replacement, bumper repair, and rust prevention.

Suspension Steering Repair:

Replacement of control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, struts, shocks, and power steering components.

Climate Control Repair:

Refrigerant recharging, compressor replacement, heater core replacement, blower motor replacement, and leak detection.

Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting guides for common and intermittent issues, including symptom-based diagnostics.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams, illustrations, and torque specifications for virtually every repair procedure.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Print Readability:

High-resolution scans ensuring clear text and diagrams suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

M62B35, M62B44, M73B54

Displacement V8:

3.5 L (3500cc) and 4.4 L (4398cc)

Displacement V12:

5.4 L (5379cc)

Engine Type:

V8 and V12 gasoline engines

Horsepower 3.5L:

235 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque 3.5L:

310 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm

Horsepower 4.4L:

282 hp @ 5400 rpm (M62TU: 290 hp @ 5400 rpm)

Torque 4.4L:

317 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (M62TU: 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm)

Horsepower 5.4L:

322 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 5.4L:

361 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECU:

BMW Electronic Engine Control (DME - Digital Motor Electronics)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type V8:

ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic

Transmission Type V12:

ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic

Transmission Control:

Electronic control with Sport and Comfort modes.

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent approved fluid for ZF 5HP30)

📐 Dimensions

Length Standard:

Approx. 197.8 inches

Width:

Approx. 73.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 58.2 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 118.2 inches

Curb Weight Approx V8:

4100 - 4300 lbs

Curb Weight Approx V12:

4400 - 4600 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, typically around 5500 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (driver), 5-star (passenger) - Varies by test year and specific vehicle configuration

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (typical for vehicles of this era with side airbags)

Traction Control:

Asc (Automatic Stability Control) standard on most models, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) introduced later.

Antilock Brakes:

ABS standard

Brake Assist:

Available on later models

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags for front occupants.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Navigation System:

BMW Professional Navigation system (MKII or MKIII units) with CD-ROM based maps.

Audio System:

Premium sound systems available, including Harman Kardon.

Parking Sensors:

Park Distance Control (PDC) available on front and rear.

Phone Integration:

Optional BMW integrated cellular phone system.

Xenon Headlights:

Optional Xenon HID headlights for improved night vision.

Heated Seats:

Standard on most models, available for front and rear occupants.

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Optional

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's onboard computer. Refer to manual for specific conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles or as needed.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Typically every 60,000 miles (M62TU).

Spark Plug Replacement V12:

Typically every 60,000 miles (M73N).

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 compliant synthetic oil, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 recommended.

Engine Oil Capacity V8:

Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 quarts (6.2 - 6.6 liters)

Engine Oil Capacity V12:

Approx. 8.5 - 9.0 quarts (8.0 - 8.5 liters)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump seals can fail.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets are common leak points.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corrosion on wire harnesses, particularly in the engine bay and near the battery, can lead to various electrical issues. Failing control modules (e.g., LCM, ABS module) are also known.

E38 Specific Issues:

ABS/ASC/DSC sensor failures, pixilation on the instrument cluster LCD display, and SRS module issues are common E38 problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is renowned for producing premium vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics, performance, and luxury.

Generation Code:

E38 is the third generation of the BMW 7 Series, succeeding the E32 and preceding the E65.

Introduction Year:

1994 (for the 1995 model year)

Key Updates E38:

Facelift in 1998 introduced updated M62TU engines, new headlights and taillights, revised interior, and expanded technology features.

Production Years:

1994-2001

Manufacturing Locations:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

Car and Driver's Ten Best list for several years during its production run.

Road And Track Awards:

Frequently praised by automotive journalists for its comfort, performance, and engineering.

Jd Power Quality:

Generally received good initial quality ratings, though long-term reliability can be mixed due to complex electronics.

Epa Fuel Economy City V8 4.4L:

Approx. 17 mpg

Epa Fuel Economy Highway V8 4.4L:

Approx. 23 mpg