The BMW E38 model, from BMW 7 series, was the basis for the 1995 through 2001 automobiles. The car was developed from early 1988 to 1994, the final design approved 1991. It was unveiled in the summer of 1994, replacing the BMW E32 that September. The production of the car began in 1994 for the 1995. Initial production E38s were available with either a 2.5 L Turbodiesel I6 3.0L or 4.0 L M60 V8 or the 5.4 L M73 V12 engine. However, the development of the V8 engine, M60, for these automobiles began in 1984, and the engine was committed to production in 1986. Some 560 test engines were built throughout the development program.
Designing the engine had extensive use of CAD, to minimize size and weight. It had a closed-deck cylinder block for maximum rigidity, and used aluminum alloy for both block and cylinder head. 1995 E38 used an aluminium block with Nikasil plated cylinder bores - nickel containing silicon carbide particles, which proved to be problematic. Unfortunately, excessive sulphur from fuel reacts adversely with the nickel, causing very slight blemishes in the top few millimeters of the cylinder bore, creating early engine cylinder compression loss .The valve covers were magnesium, and the intake manifold was nylon. The sintered connecting rods were made as a single piece and then fractured in order to ensure a closer fit. The block weighed 25 kg (55 lb), and the heads 30 kg (66 lb) each. Total dry weight was 203 kg (448 lb).
The M60 engine had four valves per cylinder, with duplex-chain-driven dual overhead camshafts. Valves had hydraulic lash adjustment to reduce maintenance, and the camshaft chain drive was self-adjusting. There was no distributor, each cylinder having its own ignition coil. Fuel injection and ignition were managed by a DME (Digital Motor Electronics) from Bosch the MOTRONIC 3.3 computer system.
The M60 was offered in two sizes: the 3.0 L M60B30 and the 4.0 L M60B40. The two had very similar design, but neither block, heads, nor crankshafts were interchangeable.
The E38 models were offered with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. In US, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i/iL was powered by a 4.4 L V8 engine. The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL. A rare European executive long-wheelbase limousine model was also produced, called the BMW L7, available as both 740iL (4.4 L V8) and 750iL (5.4 L V12) variants. Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000–2001, again utilizing the 740iL and 750iL platforms, cost between $99,100-124,400.These models included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
The sales of E38s increased noticeably in the car's final months of production as people moved to buy the car before it was replaced by the newer generation of 7 series, the E65 model. Due to the fact that the consumers initial response did not fancy the E65's radical styling and iDrive , the used E38s increased in value as demand increased. Also contributing to the E38's continued popularity was its appearance in several films such as Tomorrow Never Dies, The Transporter, Bimmer and The Game.
Common problems with E38:
Common problems with E38:
Cooling System, Computer Readout, Plastic Trim Around Seat Cushions, Front Thrust Arm Bushings,V8 Power Steering Hoses, V8 Valve Cover Oil Leaks, V8 Vacuum Plate, Cam and Crankshaft Position Sensors, Brake Light Bulb Sockets, Window Regulators, Cup Holders, Rear Bushings & Ball Joints, Rear Upper Control Arms
