🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Chassis Code:

E38

Years Covered:

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

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking comfort, performance, and advanced technology

Key Competitors:

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

Premium Materials:

High-quality leather, wood trim, and refined interior appointments

Performance Orientation:

Powerful V8 and V12 engines, sophisticated suspension and handling

Advanced Technology:

Early adoption of electronic driver aids, infotainment, and comfort features for its era

Benefit:

Empowers owners and independent repair shops to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs

Accessibility:

Instant download and availability on multiple devices (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone)

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Engine Coverage:

All Engine Variants for E38 Chassis (e.g., M60, M62, M73, M73N)

Transmission Coverage:

All Transmission Types (Automatic and Manual)

Trim And Model Coverage:

All Models, Trims, and Options

Estimated Page Count:

Varies based on specific model/engine, typically 2000+ pages for a complete set

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (DME), sensors, actuators, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics

Transmission Automatic:

Steptronic transmission, valve body, torque converter, control systems, fluid service

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, gearbox, shift mechanisms, fluid service (if applicable)

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, axles, universal joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, self-leveling suspension (optional)

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pads, rotors, calipers, hydraulic system, parking brake

Electrical System:

12V battery system, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, central locking, mirrors, climate control electricals

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, sunroof, sound insulation

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control unit, refrigerant, components

Infotainment And Navigation:

Radio, CD player, navigation system (optional), speaker systems, antenna systems

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS control unit

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, component testing

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all systems

Overhauls And Rebuilds:

Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and major component overhauls

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, troubleshooting electrical faults

Software Updates And Coding:

Information on diagnostic software usage and basic module coding procedures (may require specialized tools not included in manual)

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete overhauls

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if digitally produced or scanned with OCR

Printability:

Printable by the user, page by page or in full

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

728I/Il:

M52B28 (2.8L inline-6), ~193 hp, ~206 lb-ft torque

730I/Il:

M60B30 (3.0L V8), ~218 hp, ~214 lb-ft torque

735I/Il:

M62B35 (3.5L V8), ~235 hp, ~243 lb-ft torque (pre-'98), M62TU (3.5L V8), ~245 hp, ~250 lb-ft torque ('98+)

740I/Il:

M60B40 (4.0L V8), ~282 hp, ~295 lb-ft torque (pre-'96), M62B44 (4.4L V8), ~286 hp, ~310 lb-ft torque ('96-'98), M62TUB44 (4.4L V8), ~290 hp, ~325 lb-ft torque ('98+)

750I/Il:

M73B54 (5.4L V12), ~322 hp, ~361 lb-ft torque (pre-'98), M73N (5.4L V12), ~326 hp, ~370 lb-ft torque ('98+)

Horsepower Range:

193 hp to 326 hp

Torque Range:

206 lb-ft to 370 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) via DME

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Control Unit:

Digital Motor Electronics (DME)

🔧 Transmission

Types:

Primarily 5-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP30, ZF 5HP24), with some markets/models potentially having a 6-speed manual option early on (rare)

Types:

Steptronic automatic transmission (manual shift mode)

Transmission Management:

EGS (Electronic Gearbox Control)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

Approx. 118.4 inches (3008 mm)

Wheelbase Long Wheelbase Il:

Approx. 124.3 inches (3157 mm)

Length Standard:

Approx. 197.2 inches (5008 mm)

Length Long Wheelbase Il:

Approx. 203.1 inches (5160 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4000 - 4700 lbs (1815 - 2130 kg) depending on engine and configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing Era:

Tests from the era were less standardized than today; focus on passive safety features inherent to BMW design

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Dsc:

Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models

Traction Control:

ASR (Automatic Stability Control) or DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) depending on model year and options

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A and B pillars, integrated roll bars in the roof structure

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

BMW Professional RDS, optional CD changer, cassette player.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Business or Professional Navigation System with CD-ROM based maps.

Display:

Central information display (CID) in the dashboard for vehicle status, climate control, and navigation prompts.

Parking Assistance:

Optional front and rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated cellular phone system.

Automatic Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control with recirculation, air quality sensor, and activated charcoal filters.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific recommendation based on oil type/grade).

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace every 30,000 miles or as needed.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on fuel quality and filter type.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-98 specifications (refer to manual for exact BMW approval number).

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (or equivalent specified for ZF 5HPXX transmissions). Crucial to use the correct fluid to avoid damage.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 low-viscosity brake fluid.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank prone to cracking, thermostat housing leaks, water pump failure.

Vacuum Leaks:

Age-related degradation of vacuum hoses and seals leading to rough idle, poor performance, and potential Check Engine Lights.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and crank seal leaks are common due to age and material degradation.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corrosion in electrical connectors, failing ABS/ASC sensors, blower motor resistor failure, headlight leveling system issues.

Transmission Issues:

Mechatronic seal leaks in automatic transmissions, torque converter issues, shifter bushings wear.

Suspension Components:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rods leading to alignment issues and poor handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Identity:

BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering precision.

E38 Introduction:

The E38 succeeded the E32 generation and was produced from 1994 to 2001, representing BMW's flagship sedan of the late 1990s.

Key Advancements E38:

Introduction of Xenon headlights, satellite navigation, electronic damping control (EDC), and the Steptronic transmission.

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

Production Years:

1994-2001 (for model years 1995-2001)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its refined ride, powerful engines, and luxurious interior during its production run. While specific awards for model years covered are difficult to pinpoint without original press, it was a benchmark luxury sedan.