BMW E38

The BMW E38 automobile platform was the basis for the 1994 through 2001 7-series of automobiles including the 728i, 730i, 735i (These models were not available in the United states and Canada), 740i and 740il 4-Door Sedans (V8's), and the flagship, V12-based BMW 750's. It replaced the BMW E32 in 1995 and was later replaced by the BMW E66 for the 2002 model year. See E38.ORG for detailed information on the E38 by people that own, support, and race them or check out Consumer's Guide's commentary on the E38 at

Along its evolution the E38 underwent many upgrades both on the surface and under the hood. Likewise the fitment of the interior was also evolved. Just in regard to the powerplant provisioning alone, the 1995 North American market 740i/iL was still consuming the older 4.0 liter BMW M60 V8 engine that was used in the previous E32 7 series 740i/iL. And as all cars were performing better, BMW was pressed to improve the performance and power available in their 4-Door Sedans to remain competitve in the marketspace.

Added Performance BMW, like most car manufacturers addressed the added performance requirements by upgrading both motors deployed in the E38. They started first by upgrading the high-end 750iL's older M70 to the new M73 Power Plant and brought the displacement to the full 5.4 liters sported by the M73. BMW likewise upgraded the 740's M60 V8 engine to the new M62 V8's boasting 4.4 liter's for the new V8 as well. For detailed information on most all BMW's of this vintage see Kieth Turner's Model/Component Production Data list hosted at E38's

Interior refinements The interior of the E38's evolution included that starting in 1997, onboard TV and satellite navigation system's became optional and Front side-door airbags became standard equipment. Other creature comfort changes along the evolution of the E38 included the 1998 model year introduction of HPS air bags (head protection system) as standard equipment in all models. DSC (dynamic stability control) also became standard equipment in all models. DSC was a further advancement of ASC (automatic stability control) where ABS braking is utilized to help in understeer and oversteer situations to help the driver not lose control of the car.