BMW 7 Series (E38)
| BMW 7 Series (E38) | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | April 1994 – July 2001 |
| Model years | 1995–2001 |
| Assembly | Germany: Dingolfing (BMW Group Plant Dingolfing) |
| Designer | Boyke Boyer |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Rear-wheel drive |
| Related | Alpina B12 (E38) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,930 mm (115.4 in) LWB: 3,070 mm (120.9 in) |
| Length | SWB: 4,985 mm (196.3 in) LWB: 5,124 mm (201.7 in) |
| Width | 1,862 mm (73.3 in) |
| Height | 1,425–1,435 mm (56.1–56.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,710–2,085 kg (3,770–4,597 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 7 Series (E32) |
| Successor | BMW 7 Series (E65) |
The BMW E38 is the third generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars and was produced from 1994 until 2001. The E38 replaced the E32 7 Series and was produced with petrol and turbo-diesel straight-six and V8 engines, along with a petrol V12 flagship model. Three wheelbase lengths were available — short (i), long (iL) and Limousine (L7).
The E38 was the first car available with curtain airbags. It was also the first European car to offer satellite navigation and the first BMW to offer an in-built television. The E38 was the first 7 Series to be available with a diesel engine and the last to be available with a manual transmission.
In 2001, the E38 was succeeded by the E65 7 Series.