BMW 7 Series (1994-2001)
In the summer of 1994, BMW launched the new and completely revised third generation 7 Series (E38). Every aspect of this new generation presented a consistent, advanced development of its successful predecessor and the design in particular demonstrated an impressive combination of elegance, aesthetics and harmony.
BMW 728i / 728iL
In 1996, BMW launched two new 6-cylinder models with the 728i and 728iL. Optimum dynamic power was supplied by the 4-valve engine generating 193 hp and familiar from the 328i and 528i. The outstanding economy of the 728i facilitated its development into one of the most successful models in this series. However, high volumes eluded the BMW 728iL by contrast with the 728i. Barely 5,000 units were manufactured.
BMW 728i General Data
Model Year……………………………1995 – 2001
No. of Units……………………………40,863
Price……………………………………DM 83,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2793
Power Output…………………………142 kW/193 bhp at 5300 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….227 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4984x1862x1435
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1745
BMW 728iL General Data
Model Year……………………………1998 – 2001
No. of Units…………………………..4,901
Price……………………………………DM 103,300
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2793
Power Output…………………………142/193 bhp at 5300 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….225 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….5124x1862x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1800
BMW 730i / 730iL
The BMW 730i powered by an 8-cylinder engine remained the entry-level model for the BMW luxury class until 1996. This model already offered exceptional comfort coupled with superior driving performance. The customer could also opt for a longer version of the 730i on an extended wheelbase by paying an additional DM 10,000.
BMW 730i General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 1996
No. of Units…………………………..20,213
Price……………………………………DM 92,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………2997
Power Output…………………………160 kW/218 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….235 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4984x1862x1435
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1800
BMW 730iL General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 1996
No. of Units…………………………..1,873
Price……………………………………DM 102,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………2997
Power Output…………………………160 kW/218 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….235 km/h
Dimensions……………………………5124x1862x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1825
BMW 735i / 735iL
In 1996, BMW expanded the 7 Series range by a new 8-cylinder model with the BMW 735i, which acted as the successor to the discontinued BMW 730i. This car generated 235 hp and was clearly separated from the 6-cylinder model BMW 728i that had also just been launched. The customer was also able to purchase a longer version of the 735i with an extended wheelbase by paying an additional DM 10,000.
BMW 735i General Data
Model Year……………………………1996 – 2001
No. of Units…………………………..21,481
Price……………………………………DM 96,500
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………3498
Power Output………………………..173 kW/235 bhp at 5700 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….244 km/h
Dimensions……………………………4984x1862x1435
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1820
BMW 735iL General Data
Model Year……………………………1996 – 2001
No. of Units……………………………6,724
Price……………………………………DM 107,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………3498
Power Output…………………………173 kW/235 bhp at 5700 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….240 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….5124x1862x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1900
BMW 740i / 740iL
The BMW 740i was the second most powerful version after the 750i equipped with a V12 engine. In autumn 1995, BMW increased the displacement to 4.4 litres without increasing the power. The 740i remained in the range until production of the series came to an end and was by far the most successful model with sales at nearly 130,000 units. Paying an additional DM 15,000 enabled the customer to opt for a longer version of the 740i with an extended wheelbase.
BMW 740i General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 2001
No. of Units…………………………..129,356
Price……………………………………DM 105,500
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………3982 (ab 02/96: 4398)
Power Output…………………………210 kW/286 bhp at 5700 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4984x1862x1435
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1875
BMW 740iL General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 2001
No. of Units…………………………..50,933
Price……………………………………DM 120,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………3982 (ab 2/96: 4398)
Power Output…………………………210 kW/286 bhp at 5700 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h
Dimensions……………………………5124x1862x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1950
BMW 750i / 750iL
The new top model BMW 750i was fitted with a 12-cylinder engine and equipped with all conceivable features for comfort and quality. Just over 9,000 units of this absolutely top-range car had been manufactured by 2001. The 750iL longer version was particularly popular with an extended wheelbase. Nearly 17,000 units were produced.
BMW 750i General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 2001
No. of Units…………………………..8,559
Price……………………………………DM 148,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Twelve-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………5379
Power Output…………………………240 kW/326 bhp at 5000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h
Dimensions……………………………4984x1862x1435
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..2035
BMW 750iL General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 2001
No. of Units…………………………..16,658
Price……………………………………DM 168,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Twelve-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………5379
Power Output…………………………240 kW/326 bhp at 5000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h
Dimensions……………………………5124x1862x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..2070
BMW 725tds
In 1996, BMW launched its first diesel model in its top range with the 725tds. Since that time, the diesel has been a fixed element in the luxury class, other models like the 730d and the 740d were launched in 1998 and 1999.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1996 – 2000
No. of Units……………………………9,053
Price……………………………………DM 80,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2498
Power Output…………………………105 kW /143 bhp at 4600 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………… 206 km/h
Dimensions……………………………4984x 1862×1435
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1785
BMW 740d
In 1996, BMW introduced a diesel model in the luxury class for the first time with the 725tds. After the introduction of the BMW 730d in 1998, the second BMW high-tech diesel 740d followed in 1999, also with Common Rail technology. The V8 Biturbo engine developed an impressive torque of 560 Nm at just 1,750 rpm.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1999 – 2001
No. of Units…………………………..3,450
Price……………………………………DM 130,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………3901
Power Output…………………………175 kW/238 bhp at 4000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….242 km/h
BMW L7
In 1997, BMW started to manufacture the L7 ultimate saloon nearly 5.40 metres in length. This automobile was designed for customers with the highest possible aspirations and catered for all forms of driving comfort. The L7 was fitted with every conceivable extra, including leather upholstery throughout. It was based on the BMW 750iL with a 12-cylinder engine although the BMW L7 was 25 cm longer after the B pillar. The top speed of the BMW L7 was 250 km/h. The L7 was individually manufactured in small batches until 2001 and was supplied as left-hand or right-hand drive.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1997 – 2001
No. of Units…………………………..470
Price……………………………………DM 246,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Twelve-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………5379
Power Output…………………………240 kW/326 bhp at 5000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h
Dimensions……………………………5374x1862x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..2120