Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan of its era, representing BMW's pinnacle of engineering and comfort.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220), Audi A8 (D2), Lexus LS 400/430, Jaguar XJ.
Luxury Features:
Extended wheelbase ('L'), premium materials, advanced technology for the time, smooth V12 power delivery.
Performance Focus:
V12 engine provides effortless torque and refined performance, prioritizing grand touring over outright sportiness.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Overhaul
Type:
Software Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)
Powertrain:
Engine (M73N V12), Transmission (automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Adaptive Ride Control), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition, Lighting, ECUs, Sensors, Wiring Diagrams, Entertainment System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC, Body Control Modules (BCM)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical, and body components
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics and programming (if applicable to software).
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5379 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 79.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (M73N is DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder - correction needed based on definitive M73N specs)
Power Output:
326 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Output:
361 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
0-60 Mph:
Approx. 6.4 seconds
Top Speed:
Electronically Limited to 155 mph
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Transmission Model:
ZF 5HP30
Shifting Modes:
Comfort, Sport, Manual (Steptronic)
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) - check manual for exact fill procedures.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact:
4/5 Stars
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Brakes:
ABS, ventilated discs front and rear, DSC integration
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners, force limiters, rear passenger seatbelt reminders
Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage design
System Name:
BMW Professional Navigation System (MKIII/MKIV)
Features:
CD-based navigation, radio, cassette player, optional TV tuner, premium audio system (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Active Cruise Control (ACC)
Parking Assistance:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system
Seats:
Multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, power adjustments with memory
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate controls
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually. Consult manual for CBS reset procedures.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Long-life iridium plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as indicated by CBS. Use BMW Blue Coolant (G48).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.9 quarts (7.5 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) - BMW recommends Castrol DOT 4 LV
Common Wear Items:
Cooling system components (hoses, water pump, expansion tank), VANOS seals, ignition coils, fuel injectors, front suspension bushings, ABS sensors.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur due to aging wiring, corroded connections, or failing control modules. Comprehensive diagnostics are key.
V12 Specific:
VANOS system complexity, potential for oil leaks from seals, two separate ignition systems requiring meticulous maintenance.
Heritage:
BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').
E38 Generation:
The E38 generation (1994-2001) was the third iteration of BMW's 7 Series, succeeding the E32 and introducing significant advancements in technology, comfort, and design. The 750iL represented the pinnacle of this generation, powered by BMW's legendary V12 engine.
Production Years:
1994-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
