Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking refined driving experience, advanced technology, and performance.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ.
Vehicle Highlights:
Long wheelbase for enhanced rear passenger comfort, V8 engine power, sophisticated ride and handling, premium interior appointments, advanced (for its time) electronics.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables owners to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and undertake repairs, potentially saving significant dealership costs and empowering self-sufficiency.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, exhaust, engine management (DME).
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (GM 5L40-E), control systems, torque converter.
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshafts, differential, rear axle.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system.
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition switch, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), comfort electronics, infotainment system (basic), diagnostic connectors.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, interior trim, chassis components, body structure.
HVAC Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control module.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor service.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component removal/installation (e.g., alternator, water pump), transmission fluid service, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, exhaust system repairs.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine and transmission overhauls.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs, including diagnostic strategies and component-level troubleshooting.
Wheelbase:
3.122 meters (122.9 inches)
Length:
5.124 meters (201.7 inches)
Width:
1.862 meters (73.3 inches)
Height:
1.435 meters (56.5 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1920 kg (4233 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2450 kg (5401 lbs)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not directly rated under modern NHTSA standards, but E38 known for robust safety cage.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Brake Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on some models.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Body Structure:
High-strength steel construction, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio/cassette player, optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System with CRT display and CD-ROM based maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional adaptive cruise control (ACC) on some later models.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system with Bluetooth capability on some later models.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control, optional rear climate control.
Seating:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory, optional heated and ventilated seats, rear seat adjustments.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, using synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 60,000 miles, though often debated; check manual for specific guidance.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (if using long-life iridium plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) compliant synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-40.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 type), mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Common Failures M62:
Cooling system (plastic expansion tank, water pump, hoses), VANOS solenoids, oil filter housing gasket leaks, PCV system issues, valley pan gasket leaks.
Common Failures Electrical:
LCM (Light Control Module) failures, pixelated instrument cluster displays, door lock actuator failures, ABS/DSC sensor issues.
Common Failures Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, rear self-leveling suspension (SLS) issues (if equipped), ball joint wear.
Oil Filter Oem:
11421703805 (Example, verify for specific engine variant)
Cabin Air Filter Oem:
64111379819 (Example, verify for specific variant)
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, engineering excellence, and luxury.
E38 Generation:
Third generation of BMW's flagship 7 Series, produced from 1994 to 2001.
Differences From Predecessor:
Smoother styling, improved aerodynamics, more advanced electronics, introduction of the long-wheelbase 'iL' variant, introduction of the M62 V8 engine.
Manufacturing Plant:
Dingolfing, Germany
