🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

740i

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

E38

Engine Code Primary:

M62B44

👋 Introduction

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.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1997 BMW 740i (E38)

Secondary Coverage:

May extend to closely related E38 models/years with shared components (e.g., 740iL).

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Official Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download / CD-ROM anticipated for original)

📖 Manual Coverage

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.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF or proprietary software format for digital versions. Original might have been CD-ROM.

Quality:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and text. Optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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

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.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5024 mm (197.8 in)

Width:

1862 mm (73.3 in)

Height:

1421 mm (55.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2930 mm (115.4 in)

Curb Weight:

1850 kg (4079 lbs)

Gross Weight Rating:

2350 kg (5180 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

500 Liters (17.7 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

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

💡 Technology Features

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.

🔧 Maintenance

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.

📚 Vehicle History

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

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E38 generation of the 7 Series was frequently recognized by automotive publications for its engineering and driving dynamics.

Luxury Segment Ranking:

Consistently ranked among the top luxury sedans of its era by automotive critics.

Certification Type:

Officially Licensed Product