Segment:
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking advanced technology, refined performance, and superior comfort. Also targeted towards owners who prefer DIY maintenance and repairs.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ
E38 Characteristics:
Known for its sophisticated engineering, comfortable ride, powerful engines, and advanced (for its time) electronics. The E38 represented a significant step in BMW's luxury sedan offerings.
Benefit:
Enables significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs by empowering owners to perform tasks themselves with expert guidance.
Primary Focus:
Complete Service and Repair
Scope:
All models, engines, trim levels, and transmission types within the E38 generation (1995-2001)
Estimated Pages:
Extensive, typically exceeding 2000 pages for a complete workshop manual of this era, but not specified in product info.
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (Driveshafts, Differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, ASC, DSC), Wheel Alignment
Electrical:
12V Electrical System, Battery, Charging System, Starter Motor, Lighting Systems (Headlights, Taillights, Interior), Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Engine Management Electronics (DME), Transmission Control (EGS), ABS/ASC/DSC Control Unit, Body Control Modules (BCM), Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Sealing Systems, Interior Trim, Seats, Convertible Top (if applicable, though not for these specific models), Paint and Corrosion Protection
Maintenance:
Routine Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs, Belts, Hoses), Brake Pad/Disc Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation, Diagnostic Procedures for all major systems
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds (partial to complete), Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, HVAC System Repairs, Bodywork Repairs
Special Procedures:
Component Removal and Installation, Calibration Procedures, Resetting Service Indicators
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic steps and wiring diagrams.
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PC & MAC computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Requires Adobe Reader (free download).
Printability:
Printable by page, chapter, or the entire manual.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
740I/Il:
BMW M62B44 (4.4L V8)
750Il:
BMW M73B54 (5.4L V12)
740I/Il Horsepower:
Approx. 282 hp (pre-'98), Approx. 290 hp (post-'98 with VANOS update)
740I/Il Torque:
Approx. 310 lb-ft (pre-'98), Approx. 324 lb-ft (post-'98 with VANOS update)
750Il Horsepower:
Approx. 322 hp
750Il Torque:
Approx. 361 lb-ft
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic electronic engine management)
Coolant Type:
BMW Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., BMW Blue or G48 ethylene glycol based)
Oil Type 740:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specifications are often recommended)
Oil Capacity 740:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 Liters (7.0 - 7.4 US Quarts)
Oil Type 750:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specifications)
Oil Capacity 750:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 Liters (7.9 - 8.5 US Quarts)
740I/Il:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E or ZF 5HP30 depending on year/market)
750Il:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP30)
Availability:
Manual transmission not officially offered for E38 in North America for these models.
Steptronic:
Driver-selectable manual shifting mode.
740 Auto:
Dexron III / Mercon (or later compatible fluids like Dexron VI - check specific BMW recommendations)
750 Auto:
Dexron III / Mercon (or later compatible fluids like Dexron VI - check specific BMW recommendations)
Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 Liters (for torque converter refill)
Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 Liters (for torque converter refill)
740I Length:
Approx. 5124 mm (201.7 in)
740Il Length:
Approx. 5224 mm (205.7 in)
750Il Length:
Approx. 5224 mm (205.7 in)
Wheelbase 740I:
Approx. 2930 mm (115.4 in)
Wheelbase 740Il/750Il:
Approx. 3070 mm (120.9 in)
Curb Weight 740I:
Approx. 1800 kg (3968 lbs)
Curb Weight 740Il:
Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)
Curb Weight 750Il:
Approx. 1950 kg (4300 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Wheel Center Bore:
74.0 mm
NHTSA Fivestar Ratings:
Not readily available for this specific generation and year range in a standardized format, as testing protocols varied greatly.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T), later DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on some models/years.
Stability Control:
Standard on most models from 1997 onwards (DSC).
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags for front and rear occupants.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Navigation:
BMW Professional Navigation System (MKII or MKIII units), often with CD-ROM based maps. Features like TV tuner and premium audio systems were optional.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, some models featured Active Cruise Control (ACC) in later years.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC).
Communication:
Onboard phone integration was common, typically using a cradle and an external antenna. Bluetooth was not standard in this era.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or oil quality sensor.
Major Service Items:
Spark plugs (approx. 60,000 miles for V8, 100,000 miles for V12), coolant flush (approx. 2-4 years), transmission fluid/filter service (often considered lifetime by manufacturer, but DIY recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance DOT 4 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid (check specific reservoir).
Common Problems V8 M62:
Aluminum coolant expansion tanks cracking, coolant leaks (especially at thermostat housing and water pump), valve cover gasket leaks, oil separator system (CCV) issues causing rough idle or oil consumption, VANOS solenoid failures, timing chain guide wear, ignition coil failures.
Common Problems V12 M73:
Ignition coil failures (two per cylinder), spark plug degradation, coolant leaks, occasional transmission control module issues.
General E38:
Pixelfehler (dead pixels) in instrument cluster and infotainment displays, ABS/ASC/DSC sensor failures, headlight leveling system issues, door lock actuator failures, rear main crankshaft seal leaks.
Bmw Philosophy:
Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, engineering excellence, and driver engagement.
E38 Introduction:
The E38 succeeded the E32 and was produced from 1994 to 2001. It was a significant technological advancement, introducing features like CAN-bus networking, Xenon headlights, and advanced navigation systems.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Production Run:
1994-2001
Car And Driver Best 10:
The E38 7 Series often appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run, highlighting its blend of performance and luxury.
Overall Reputation:
Highly regarded for its engineering, comfort, and performance, though sometimes criticized for complex electronics and higher maintenance costs compared to some competitors.
