BMW 7-series III (E38) photos

1994 — 2001 · sedan

66

photos

34

specifications

141–322

hp

6.6 s

best 0–100

Photos

66

BMW 7-series III (E38), sedan, silver, side view — photo 62518

81

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000 A silver sedan featuring 'CleanEnergy' livery driving along a city street in front of a domed capitol building.

BMW 7-series III (E38), sedan, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 62517

73

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000 A convoy of silver executive sedans with blue livery and decals drives at high speed on a steep banked curve of a test track. The leading car is captured from a front three-quarter angle with people visible inside the cabin.

BMW 7-series III (E38), sedan, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 62516

88

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000 A full-size luxury executive sedan in metallic silver with blue thematic decals and lettering on the sides and hood, parked by a scenic mountain lake with Mount Fuji in the background.

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62515

73

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62514

78

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62513

77

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62512

69

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62511

81

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62501

79

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62500

58

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62499

59

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62498

62

750hL CleanEnergy Concept (E38) 2000

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62497

129

740d (1999-2001)

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62496

131

740d (1999-2001)

BMW 7-series III (E38) photo 62495

124

L7 (1998-2001)

« Previous
Next »

1
2
3
4
5
›

About this generation

Universally praised as one of the prettiest luxury sedans ever built, blending sleek proportions with pioneering onboard GPS.

The E38 generation arrived in 1994 with slim headlights, low beltlines, and perfectly balanced proportions that remain widely acclaimed by automotive designers today. Beyond its timeless aesthetic appeal, it starred on the silver screen in James Bond's *Tomorrow Never Dies*, securing legendary pop-culture status as the ultimate getaway saloon.

Technologically advanced, the E38 was Europe's first vehicle to offer integrated satellite navigation, alongside side curtain airbags and adaptive transmission control. Available with smooth V8 and magnificent V12 engines, it delivered an unmatched blend of sportiness and executive composure.

Specifications

34 in 3 body styles

Sedan E38 22 specifications

4984 mm196.2 in

Length

1862 mm73.3 in

Width

1435 mm56.5 in

Height

2930 mm115.4 in

Wheelbase

500 l17.7 cu ft

Trunk

120 mm4.7 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

728i

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.6 s

1995–1998

Torque: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed: 228 km/h (142 mph)
Displacement: 2793 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M52B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1710 kg (3770 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

728i

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.6 s

1995–1998

Torque: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed: 226 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 2793 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M52B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1735 kg (3825 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

728i

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.6 s

1998–2001

Torque: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed: 228 km/h (142 mph)
Displacement: 2793 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M52TUB28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1725 kg (3803 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 10.5 l/100 km (22 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 252 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

728i

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.6 s

1998–2001

Torque: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed: 226 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 2793 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M52TUB28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1750 kg (3858 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.0 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 263 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

730i

215hp(160 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.5 s

1994–1996

Torque: 290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)
Displacement: 2997 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1730 kg (3814 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

730i

215hp(160 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.3 s

1994–1996

Torque: 290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)
Displacement: 2997 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1790 kg (3946 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

735i

232hp(173 kW)

3.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.6 s

1996–1998

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 244 km/h (152 mph)
Displacement: 3498 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62B35
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1735 kg (3825 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

735i

232hp(173 kW)

3.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.4 s

1996–1998

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Displacement: 3498 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62B35
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1775 kg (3913 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

735i

235hp(175 kW)

3.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.5 s

1998–2001

Torque: 345 Nm (254 lb-ft)
Top speed: 244 km/h (152 mph)
Displacement: 3498 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62TUB35
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1770 kg (3902 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.5 l/100 km (20 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 277 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

735i

235hp(175 kW)

3.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.2 s

1998–2001

Torque: 345 Nm (254 lb-ft)
Top speed: 243 km/h (151 mph)
Displacement: 3498 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62TUB35
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1815 kg (4001 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.0 l/100 km (20 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 288 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

740i

282hp(210 kW)

4.0 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.9 s

1994–1996

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3982 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B40
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1790 kg (3946 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

740i

282hp(210 kW)

4.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.4 s

1994–1996

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3982 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B40
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1825 kg (4023 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

740i

282hp(210 kW)

4.4 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.8 s

1996–1998

Torque: 420 Nm (310 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4398 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62B44
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1785 kg (3935 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

740i

282hp(210 kW)

4.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.0 s

1996–1998

Torque: 420 Nm (310 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4398 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62B44
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1815 kg (4001 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

740i

282hp(210 kW)

4.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.0 s

1998–2001

Torque: 440 Nm (325 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4398 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62TUB44
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1825 kg (4023 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.3 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 295 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

750i

322hp(240 kW)

5.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.6 s

1994–1998

Torque: 490 Nm (361 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5379 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M73B54
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1995 kg (4398 lb)
Fuel tank: 95 l (25.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 13.6 l/100 km (17 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 328 g/km (NEDC)

750i

322hp(240 kW)

5.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.6 s

1998–2001

Torque: 490 Nm (361 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5379 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M73TUB54
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1995 kg (4398 lb)
Fuel tank: 95 l (25.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 13.6 l/100 km (17 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 328 g/km (NEDC)

Diesel

725tds

141hp(105 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.4 s

1996–2000

Torque: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed: 206 km/h (128 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1705 kg (3759 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 7.9 l/100 km (30 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 209 g/km (NEDC)

725tds

141hp(105 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.2 s

1996–2000

Torque: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed: 202 km/h (126 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1720 kg (3792 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 8.7 l/100 km (27 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 230 g/km (NEDC)

730d

181hp(135 kW)

2.9 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.2 s

1998–2000

Torque: 410 Nm (302 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 2926 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M57D30
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1830 kg (4034 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 8.7 l/100 km (27 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 232 g/km (NEDC)

730d

190hp(142 kW)

2.9 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.9 s

2000–2001

Torque: 430 Nm (317 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 2926 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M57D30
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1830 kg (4034 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 8.7 l/100 km (27 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 232 g/km (NEDC)

740d

241hp(180 kW)

3.9 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.4 s

1999–2001

Torque: 560 Nm (413 lb-ft)
Top speed: 242 km/h (150 mph)
Displacement: 3901 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M67D39
Aspiration: twin-turbo
Curb weight: 1960 kg (4321 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 9.8 l/100 km (24 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 264 g/km (NEDC)

Tap a card to see all specs

Long Sedan (iL) E38/2 10 specifications

5124 mm201.7 in

Length

1862 mm73.3 in

Width

1435 mm56.5 in

Height

3070 mm120.9 in

Wheelbase

500 l17.7 cu ft

Trunk

120 mm4.7 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

728iL

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1995–1998

Torque: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed: 224 km/h (139 mph)
Displacement: 2793 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M52B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1805 kg (3979 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.2 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC

728iL

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1998–2001

Torque: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft)
Top speed: 224 km/h (139 mph)
Displacement: 2793 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M52TUB28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1805 kg (3979 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.1 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 266 g/km (NEDC)

730iL

215hp(160 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1994–1996

Torque: 290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed: 233 km/h (145 mph)
Displacement: 2997 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1835 kg (4045 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

735iL

232hp(173 kW)

3.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.8 s

1996–1998

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Displacement: 3498 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62B35
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1875 kg (4134 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.2 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 291 g/km (NEDC)

735iL

235hp(175 kW)

3.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.4 s

1998–2001

Torque: 345 Nm (254 lb-ft)
Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Displacement: 3498 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62TUB35
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1885 kg (4156 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.4 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 297 g/km (NEDC)

740iL

282hp(210 kW)

4.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.4 s

1994–1996

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3982 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B40
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1865 kg (4112 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

740iL

282hp(210 kW)

4.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.8 s

1996–1998

Torque: 420 Nm (310 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4398 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62B44
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1890 kg (4167 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.5 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 300 g/km (NEDC)

740iL

282hp(210 kW)

4.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.0 s

1998–2001

Torque: 440 Nm (325 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4398 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M62TUB44
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1900 kg (4189 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.5 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 300 g/km (NEDC)

750iL

322hp(240 kW)

5.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.6 s

1994–1998

Torque: 490 Nm (361 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5379 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M73B54
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2065 kg (4553 lb)
Fuel tank: 95 l (25.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 13.6 l/100 km (17 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 328 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 2

750iL

322hp(240 kW)

5.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.7 s

1998–2001

Torque: 490 Nm (361 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5379 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M73TUB54
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2085 kg (4597 lb)
Fuel tank: 95 l (25.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 13.6 l/100 km (17 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 327 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

Tap a card to see all specs

Limousine (L7) E38/L7 2 specifications

5374 mm211.6 in

Length

1862 mm73.3 in

Width

1435 mm56.5 in

Height

3320 mm130.7 in

Wheelbase

500 l17.7 cu ft

Trunk

120 mm4.7 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

L7

322hp(240 kW)

5.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.0 s

1997–1998

Torque: 490 Nm (361 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5379 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M73B54
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2215 kg (4883 lb)
Fuel tank: 95 l (25.1 gal US)
Emissions standard: Euro 2

L7

322hp(240 kW)

5.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.0 s

1998–2001

Torque: 490 Nm (361 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5379 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M73TUB54
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2240 kg (4938 lb)
Fuel tank: 95 l (25.1 gal US)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

Tap a card to see all specs

News

BMW news

All BMW news

2027 BMW 3 Series gasoline and electric versions will share a unified design

2027 BMW 3 Series gasoline and electric versions will share a unified design

BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk confirmed that the 2027 BMW 3 Series and all-electric i3 will share virtually identical styling. The German automaker is abandoning eccentric EV design cues to ease mainstream customer adoption and maintain a unified portfolio across powertrains.

01.Oct.2026

BMW Confirms Plan For Flagship SUV Positioned Above X7

BMW Confirms Plan For Flagship SUV Positioned Above X7

BMW plans to trim low-margin global offerings, including the 2 Series Active Tourer, while adding an even larger flagship Sports Activity Vehicle positioned above the X7 specifically for US buyers.

01.Oct.2026

2027 BMW 3 Series G50 debuts with Neue Klasse tech and a 437-hp M350 xDrive

2027 BMW 3 Series G50 debuts with Neue Klasse tech and a 437-hp M350 xDrive

BMW has revealed the eighth-generation G50 3 Series sedan, adapting the Neue Klasse interior and front fascia design from the electric i3. The gasoline lineup includes the 255-hp turbo-four 330 and the range-topping M350 xDrive with a 437-hp mild-hybrid inline-six.

30.Sep.2026

2027 BMW 3 Series Debuts with Neue Klasse Styling and 437-HP M350 xDrive

2027 BMW 3 Series Debuts with Neue Klasse Styling and 437-HP M350 xDrive

BMW has revealed the redesigned 2027 3 Series sedan, adopting the brand's Neue Klasse design language and shedding the letter 'i' from its gasoline models. The range-topping M350 xDrive produces 437 horsepower from an inline-six engine and features a dedicated drift mode.

30.Sep.2026