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BMW 7 Series Long (E38) 730iL (218 Hp)
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)
Long (E38) Overview:
BMW 7 Series (Long (E38)). With 290 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1750 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.3 s). The top speed reaches 235 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.
730iL (218 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
With the same V8 engine, this variant offers noticeably quicker acceleration, suggesting a more engaging driving experience, likely due to a manual transmission or different automatic tuning.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is slightly higher than the Steptronic, likely due to different transmission characteristics or driving style.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design and classic BMW aesthetics.
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refined cabin ambiance.
- • Powerful and smooth engine options, particularly the V8s and V12.
- • High-quality interior materials and build.
- • Excellent highway cruiser with stable handling.
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 and V12 models.
- • Maintenance and repair costs can be substantial due to complexity and age.
- • Lack of modern safety tech and Euro NCAP rating.
- • Aging electronics can lead to intermittent issues.
- • Rear suspension (Inclined Lever) is less sophisticated than later multi-link designs.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E32, facelift 1992: 1992 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | Long (E38) |
| Modification (Engine): | 730iL (218 Hp) |
| 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. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 72.7 Hp/l [214mm more] |
| Torque: | 290 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M60B30 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 67.6 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 235 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8 kg/Hp, 124.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6 kg/Nm, 165.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1750 |
| Max. weight: | 2285 |
| Max load: | 535 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5124 mm [214mm more] |
| Width: | 1862 mm [17mm more] |
| Height: | 1425 mm [14mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3070 mm [238mm more] |
| Front track: | 1552 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1568 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.2 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 | Manual |
| 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 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the BMW 7 Series!