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BMW 7 Series E38 730i (218 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 Overview:
BMW 7 Series (E38). With 290 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1755 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 9.7 s). The top speed reaches 234 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.
730i (218 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An accessible entry into V8 luxury with the M60B30, offering smooth power delivery and a comfortable ride, though it's not the fastest E38 variant.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a V8, making it a reasonable choice for those who want the V8 feel without the top-tier running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Engaging driving dynamics for a large sedan
- • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines
- • Strong value proposition in the used market
Cons:
- • Complex electronics can be costly to repair
- • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
- • Fuel consumption can be high on V8/V12 models
- • Suspension components require regular attention
- • Parts can be expensive, especially for V12
- • Lack of modern safety tech (e.g., no Euro NCAP rating)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E32, facelift 1992: 1992 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E38 |
| Modification (Engine): | 730i (218 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 72.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 290 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M60B30 [Same engine] More details about the engine M60B30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2997 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 67.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 234 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.1 kg/Hp, 124.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 165.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1755 |
| Max. weight: | 2290 |
| Max load: | 535 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4984 mm mm [74mm more] |
| Width: | 1862 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Height: | 1435 mm mm [24mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2930 mm mm [98mm more] |
| 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 |
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