UK US
← BMW 7 Series · 1994-2001 · E38

BMW 7 Series E38

Headline trim: 740i 4.4 V8 — 286 bhp, 0-62 in 6.6s.

press photo
Verdict
A
BHP
286 bhp
0–60
6.6 s
Top speed
155 mph
MPG
18 mpg (US)
Used
$3,800-$15,000

Strengths

  • Last analogue 7 Series
  • Inline-six and V8
  • James Bond fame

Weaknesses

  • Cooling plastics fail
  • Pre-iDrive cabin
  • Heavy thirst

Notable tech

  • E38 platform
  • M62 V8 / M52 inline-six petrol
  • M51/M57 inline-six diesel
  • 5MT, 5AT, 6AT

Common issues

  • Cooling system plastics
  • VANOS rattle
  • Headliner sag

Engine derivatives

US-spec trims and engines offered across E38's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.

Pick two engines to compare
728i 2.8 inline-6
BHP193
Torque280 Nm
0–608.1 s
Top142 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 5AT
730i 3.0 V8
BHP218
Torque290 Nm
0–607.9 s
Top148 mph
MPG (US)18 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
735i 3.5 V8
BHP235
Torque320 Nm
0–607.6 s
Top152 mph
MPG (US)18 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
740i 4.4 V8
BHP286
Torque440 Nm
0–606.6 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)18 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT / 6AT
750i 5.4 V12
BHP326
Torque490 Nm
0–606.2 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)15 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
730d / 740d diesel
BHP245
Torque500 Nm
0–607.2 s
Top152 mph
MPG (US)30 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT