Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking prestige, comfort, and performance
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ
Brand Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, Focus on Engineering Excellence
Model Philosophy:
Flagship luxury sedan, combining advanced technology with refined performance
Unique Selling Points:
V12 engine, advanced chassis dynamics, sophisticated interior appointments
Engine Mechanical:
V12 Engine (M73/M73N) - Disassembly, Assembly, Component Specifications, Timing, Cooling
Engine Management:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics), Fuel Injection, Ignition System, Emission Controls
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP30) - Operation, Diagnosis, Repair, Fluid Specifications
Chassis Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension, Steering System, Wheel Alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic Brake System, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Bleeding Procedures
Electrical System:
Complete Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, Convertible Top (if applicable), Exterior Trim
Interior:
Seating Systems, Climate Control, Dashboard, Interior Trim, Airbags
HVAC:
Automatic Climate Control System, Components, Diagnosis, Recharge Procedures
Infotainment Electronics:
Radio, CD Player, Navigation System (if equipped), On-Board Computer (OBC)
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for most common and complex repairs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Diagnostic Codes:
OBD-I and manufacturer-specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required specialized tools
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostics, including electrical system tracing and component testing
Diagrams Illustrations:
Extensive use of diagrams, schematics, and detailed illustrations
Engine Type:
V12, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code:
M73 (or early M70 variant depending on exact 1994 build date)
Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4988 cc)
Horsepower:
296 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
332 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (ME Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (API SG/SH or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (8 US Quarts) with filter change
Timing System:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder, timing chains
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Model:
ZF 5HP30
Transmission Modes:
Standard, Sport (S), Manual (M)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF LT 71141 or BMW Approved Equivalent
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts) for complete fill
Frontal Crash Rating:
N/A (Not tested under modern standards)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts, 3-point rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Head Unit:
BMW Business RDS or Professional RDS Cassette/CD Player
Navigation:
Optional (early generation GPS navigation system with CRT screen)
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard Electronic Cruise Control
Onboard Computer:
Standard On-Board Computer (OBC) with extensive diagnostics and vehicle information
System Type:
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Oil Change Interval:
10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months (with synthetic oil), or as indicated by Condition Based Service (CBS) system
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (long-life platinum or iridium plugs recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (check manual for specific recommendation, often considered 'lifetime' but fluid change is advisable)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent approved fluid
Common Failures:
Cooling system components (water pump, hoses, radiator), VANOS system seals (later models, but relevant for advanced engine tech), ignition coil packs, ABS sensors, window regulators, OBC pixilation, transmission shift issues
V12 Specifics:
Requires diligent maintenance; two spark plugs per cylinder, complex ignition system, potentially higher maintenance costs due to complexity
Brand Introduction:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, founded in 1916
Luxury Segment Entry:
Long history of producing high-quality, performance-oriented vehicles across segments
E38 Generation Start:
Introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year
Predecessor:
BMW E32 7 Series
Key Updates:
Introduction of the V12 engine for the 750iL, updated styling, advanced electronics
Production Years E38:
1994-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany