Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 7 Series E38, facelift 1998 728i (193 Hp) Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW 7 Series:
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation.
The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle. It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.
The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E38, facelift 1998 Overview:
BMW 7 Series (E38, facelift 1998). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1740 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.6 s). The top speed reaches 226 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
728i (193 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The smooth and responsive inline-six offers a good balance of power and refinement, suitable for daily use and comfortable cruising.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size, representing a good compromise between performance and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Superb ride comfort and luxurious interior
- • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines
- • Excellent driving dynamics for a large sedan
- • Strong used market value for the luxury offered
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 and V12 models
- • Potentially expensive maintenance and parts costs due to age and complexity
- • Complex electronics can be troublesome with age
- • Rust can be an issue on older examples, particularly in colder climates
- • Not officially Euro NCAP tested
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E38: 1996 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E38, facelift 1998 |
| Modification (Engine): | 728i (193 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 193 Hp @ 5300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 69.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 280 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M52B28 More details about the engine M52B28 |
| Engine displacement: | 2793 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.75 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 226 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9 kg/Hp, 110.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1740 |
| Max. weight: | 2285 |
| Max load: | 545 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4984 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1862 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1435 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2930 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1552 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1568 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Steptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the BMW 7 Series?