In October 1993, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled the third-generation 7-Series flagship sedan in the E38 body. Despite the fact that the model was to the liking of the public, it entered the assembly line only in June 1994. The car was produced until 2001 and gained popularity among motorists all over the world, including in Russia. In total, the Bavarian manufacturer has produced 340,242 examples of the BMW E38.
Many believe that the “seven” in the body of the E38 is the last “correct” model of this series, because the next generation (E65 / E66) received a radically new design.
Just looking at the BMW 7-series sedan in the back of the E38, it becomes clear that this is a real flagship. For all its solidity and solidity, the car looks sporty and fit. Aggressiveness to the look is added by the lowered hood, slightly "frowned" headlights, as well as the branded "nostrils" of the radiator grille.
The profile of the third-generation BMW 7-Series features a large glass area, an elongated bonnet and a long stern, as well as an almost flat roof that turns into a powerful C-pillar. The sedan's stern is massive, and it is crowned with small and neat lanterns.
Now about the specific numbers. The length of the "seven" is 4985 mm (the long wheelbase version is 5125 mm), and the distance between the axles is 2930 mm (3070 mm). The width and height in both cases are unchanged - 1862 mm and 1425 mm, respectively. Depending on the modification, the curb weight of the car varies from 1905 to 2235 kg.
The interior of the BMW 7 Series in the E38 body fully corresponds to the status of the car - an attractive design, ergonomics thought out to the smallest detail, high-quality finishing materials. The dashboard is simple, yet informative and functional. The control units for the entertainment system and the dual-zone air conditioning system are based on the center console.
The sedan has a roomy interior. The wide front seats have a fairly developed profile, wide cushion and dense padding, and there is enough space for riders of almost any size.
The rear sofa of "seven" with a standard wheelbase with its layout hints that it is designed for two people - this is evidenced by two headrests and a high transmission tunnel. The long-wheelbase car provides a truly royal seating for rear passengers - here you can easily throw one leg over the other.
Regardless of the modification, the BMW E38 sports a 500-liter luggage compartment. Its shape is not very convenient, but the loading height is small, which makes it easier to load heavy luggage.
Specifications. The third generation BMW 7-Series was equipped with four gasoline and one diesel engines.
The gasoline section includes units with 6, 8 and 12 cylinders. With a displacement of 2.8 to 5.4 liters, they deliver from 193 to 326 horsepower and 280 to 490 Nm of peak torque. Each of the diesel engines is equipped with a turbocharging system, and with a volume of 2.5 to 3.9 liters, they generate 143-245 "horses" and 280-560 Nm of thrust. Power units are combined with "mechanics" for five or six gears, or a 5-speed "automatic", as well as a rear-wheel drive transmission.
Even with the smallest engine, the executive sedan accelerates to a hundred in 12.2 seconds, and with the top-end - in just 6.8 seconds. The top speed varies from 202 to 250 km / h.
But the “seven” cannot be called the standard of fuel efficiency - a 143-horsepower diesel engine requires 9.5 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers, while a 326-horsepower gasoline unit requires 13.6 liters of fuel (passport data).
The BMW 7 Series with the E38 body has a fully independent suspension, represented by a double-wishbone arrangement at the front and a four-link at the rear. Each wheel is equipped with ventilated disc brakes.
Equipment and prices. "Seven" of the third generation is still in demand in the Russian market. Depending on the modification and equipment level, prices for a BMW 7-series in a 38-body (as of 2014) start from 200,000 - 250,000 rubles, and for the freshest and most "saturated" copies can reach 600,000 - 650,000 rubles ... It is worth noting that even the basic configuration of the E38 includes a power package, a dual-zone climate control system, a multifunctional steering wheel and standard music.
