BMW 7 series 1998 E38
This generation of BMW 7 series E38 has been produced from April, 1998 to December, 2001. We can provide information about 15 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.
This BMW is available with five petrol engines with displacement from 2.8 to 5.4 litres and power of from 193 to 326 horsepower un three diesel engines with displacement from 2.5 to 3.9 litres and power of from 143 to 238 horsepower. All engines feature a timing chain-driven camshaft, which is considered a more reliable and less maintenance-intensive solution (What is an engine chain and belt?).
The car is available with both manual (2 versions), as well as automatic (13 versions) gearbox.
BMW 7 series 1998 E38 average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 10 to 15 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 8.2 to 9.8 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 7 series 1998 E38 petrol engine version is BMW 728i, consuming 10 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 7 series 1998 E38 diesel - BMW 725tds for 100 kilometers consumes 8.2 liters of diesel.
According to user reviews, BMW 7 series real-world fuel consumption is on average the same as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average the same for petrol engines and the same for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 7 series modification.
BMW 7 series 1998 E38 CO2 emissions for petrol engine are from 241 to 332 grams per kilometer, whereas for diesel engine - from 217 to 260 grams per kilometer. From BMW 7 series with petrol engines the lowest CO2 emissions has BMW 728i which produces an average of 241 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In turn, from the BMW 7 series diesels least CO2 distributes BMW 725tds - 217 grams per km.
The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 6.6 seconds has BMW 750iL version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 725tds reaching this speed only in 12 seconds. The maximum top speed is 250 km/h for the 4.4 petrol 8-cylinder 286 hp version (BMW 740i) and 4 other versions.
Lenght of BMW 7 series is 504 cm, it is large car. For comparison - BMW 7 series is about 12 cm longer than Audi A6 sedan. BMW 7 series gross weight is from 2245 to 2580 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 13 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles.
This BMW is quite costly - it can be purchased (in Latvia, EU) for around 5500 $. According to user reviews, average BMW 7 series repair costs are 270 $ per year. Users calculated BMW 7 series 1998 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2900 € cost per year and 0.20 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 65%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 23% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of BMW 7 series for your situation and driving habits here! Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 7 series prices and costs.
In user reviews BMW 7 series received average grade 5.8 (from 10) which is relatively low, considering average rate 7.6 for similar aged cars. Ratings are quite controversial, both positive and not so good, read more in the reviews below. 60% of reviewers would recommend this car to the friend.
BMW 7 series modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BMW 725tds
Sep 1998 — Mai 2000 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.5 Diesel | 143 HP | 8.2 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 725tds Sep 1998 — Mai 2000 | 2.5 Diesel | 143 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 728i
Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.8 Petrol | 193 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 728i Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 | 2.8 Petrol | 193 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 728iL Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 | 2.8 Petrol | 193 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 730d
Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 Most fuel efficient diesel version by real consumption |
2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 8.7 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 730d Jan 2000 — Dec 2001 | 2.9 Diesel | 193 HP | 8.8 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 735i Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 | 3.5 Petrol | 238 HP | 12.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 735iL Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 | 3.5 Petrol | 238 HP | 12.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 740d
Apr 1999 — Nov 2001 Most powerfull diesel version (238 HP) |
3.9 Diesel | 238 HP | 9.8 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 740i Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 | 4.4 Petrol | 286 HP | 12.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 740iL Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 | 4.4 Petrol | 286 HP | 13.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW L7 High-Line Apr 1998 — Nov 2001 | 5.4 Petrol | 326 HP | 15.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 750i Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 | 5.4 Petrol | 326 HP | 14.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 750iL
Sep 1998 — Nov 2001 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds |
5.4 Petrol | 326 HP | 14.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW 7 series prices
BMW 7 series 1998 - 2001 sedan price in Latvia is from 2000 $ to 9000 $.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 7 series price is very high - BMW 7 series is more than two times more expensive then average sedans of this age (compare sedans 1998 - 2001 prices).
| Year | Lowest | Average | Highest | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 7 series 2001 price | 3900 $ | 6000 $ | 9000 $ | |
| BMW 7 series 1999 price | 5500 $ | 7500 $ | 9000 $ | |
| BMW 7 series 1998 price | 2000 $ | 3200 $ | 4100 $ |
BMW 7 series total costs of ownership
How much really costs to own BMW 7 series? Users calculated BMW 7 series 1998 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2900 € cost per year and 0.20 € cost per one kilometer.
BMW 7 series 1998 total costs of ownership calculator
Calculate total cost of ownership of the BMW 7 series, including purchase, insurance, maintenance, taxes and other costs based on how you use your vehicle.
BMW 7 series reliability and quality
According to yearly reports of vehicle inspection service BMW 7 series reliability is below average. In the roadworthiness tests in 2011 defects were detected in an average of 27.2 percent of BMW 7 series of this generation (on average 12 years old at the time of inspection). The average failure rate for a vehicles of the same age was 24.5%.
BMW 7 series 1998 E38 features (options)
Percentage of BMW 7 series with corresponding feature (option)
81% Conditioning
78% Leather upholstery
67% Metallic paint
67% Xenon headlights
66% Cruise control
63% Adjustable steering wheel
61% Rain sensor
60% Heated seats
58% Electrically adjustable seats
56% Rear parking sensors
46% Navigation
43% Front parking sensors
42% Sunroof
42% Auxiliary heating
33% Tire pressure control
27% Dimming mirrors
27% Electrically adjustable steering wheel
16%
BMW 7 series 1998 E38 photo images
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- lower fuel consumption
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BMW 7 series reviews
Total 18 BMW 7 series owner reviews
Pros: Comfortable, reliable. If finances permit, then I suggest this car
| Purchase year: | 2009 age of car 11 years) | Owned for | 80`000 kilometers (5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 12.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 1443 $ (~ 288 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend