Segment:
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, professional independent mechanics.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Lexus LS 400, Audi A8 (D2), Jaguar XJ (X300)
Vehicle Appeal:
Refined driving dynamics, powerful V8 engine, advanced (for its time) technology, luxurious interior.
Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, accurate repair information, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic, ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), Climate Control Electronics, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seals
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Power Steering, Transmission), Filter Replacements, Belt Inspections/Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, System-Specific Diagnostics
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, Component Reassembly & Adjustment, Electrical System Repairs, Mechanical Repairs
Technical Data:
Specifications, Tolerances, Torque Values, Wiring Diagrams, Schematics, Component Locations
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complex system diagnostics and repairs, including electronic systems.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
4.4 Liters (4398 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder (32 total)
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque:
317 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (SAE Net)
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M5.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 specification preferred)
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.0 Liters (7.4 Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (10 Quarts)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Transmission Type:
None for 740i in this year.
Shift Modes:
Standard Drive, Sport (S), Manual Sequential Shift (SMG capability not present in standard 740i)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF specification)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 Liters (1.6 Quarts) for torque converter drain and refill. Full capacity higher.
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (as per available data for the era)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) / Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Ventilated Disc Brakes (Front & Rear)
Headlights:
Halogen Projector Beam (Optional Xenon HID)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Side Airbags (Optional)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners with Force Limiters
Chassis Design:
Reinforced Safety Cell, Crumple Zones
Audio System:
BMW Professional RDS Cassette/CD Player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Navigation:
BMW On-Board Navigation System (Mk I or Mk II depending on late production/updates)
Climate Control:
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with micro-filter system.
Cruise Control:
Standard Electronic Cruise Control
Parking Assistance:
Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) available as an option.
Telematics:
BMW Assist Tele Aid (optional, cellular-based emergency assistance)
Memory Seats:
Driver and front passenger seat memory functions.
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional rain sensor for automatic wiper activation.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 15,000 miles / 12 months for synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles (or as per CBS), although often considered 'lifetime' by some, service is advisable.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles for Blue Antifreeze.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., long-life iridium).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (preferably DOT 4 LV for ABS systems)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks prone to cracking, water pump failures, thermostat issues.
Ignition System:
Coil-on-plug failures (early models had distributor issues), spark plug blowout in some instances.
Electrical Gremlins:
Water ingress affecting modules (e.g., LCM), ABS/ASC sensor issues, window regulator failures.
Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers due to vehicle weight and mileage.
Vanos System:
Potential for VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid seal failure leading to rough idle or power loss.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, engineering excellence, performance luxury.
E38 Generation:
Third generation of the BMW 7 Series, introduced in 1994 (as a 1995 model year).
E38 Design:
Designed by Boyke Boyer, featuring a more rounded and aerodynamic profile than its predecessor (E32).
E38 Technologies:
Introduced significant electronic advancements like CAN bus communication, electronic damper control (EDC), and navigation systems.
Production Years:
1994-2001 (E38 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
