🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 740iL Model Designation: E38 Year: 1995 Generation Generation Code: E38 Generation Years: 1994-2001 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: Flagship luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: E38 7 Series offered a blend of sophisticated engineering, premium comfort, and driving dynamics, establishing BMW's reputation in the ultra-luxury segment. Key Features Key Features: Long wheelbase ('iL'), V8 engine, luxurious interior appointments, advanced (for the time) electronic features, superior chassis tuning. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic), drivetrain, chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical system, body, interior, HVAC, safety systems, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting. Page Count Page Count: Extensive (typical for official BMW service manuals, often 1000+ pages digitally). Manual Type Manual Type: Official Service & Repair Manual Software. Language Language: English (standard for official BMW North America documentation). Format Format: Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable digital format with search capabilities). 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of engine components (M60B40 V8 engine). Engine Management: DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system, sensor diagnostics, actuator testing, emission controls, OBD-II system integration. Fuel System: Fuel delivery, injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator, fuel tank service. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant types, bleeding procedures. Exhaust System: Catalytic converters, mufflers, O2 sensors, exhaust manifold service. Transmission: GM 5L40-E (RWD) or ZF 5HP30 (AWD, less common for 740iL), hydraulic control, electronic control module, fluid specifications, repair procedures. Drivetrain: Driveshafts, U-joints, differential service, axle shafts. Chassis Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, calibration. Steering: Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, alignment specifications. Brakes: Front and rear brake system, rotors, pads, calipers, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on later models, brake fluid specification. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, component locations, fuse box layouts, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power accessories, EWS (Electronic Immobilizer) system. Body: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof operation, exterior trim. Interior: Seat adjustment, dashboard removal, trim panels, interior lighting. HVAC: Automatic climate control system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, diagnostic procedures. Safety Systems: Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation. Repair: Component-level repair and replacement for all major systems. Diagnostics: Detailed instructions for using diagnostic tools and interpreting live data. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete mechanical overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Digital Software (searchable, zoomable content). Print Quality Print Quality: N/A (Digital format - content is clear and legible). Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital format). Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M60B40 Engine Type: 4.0L V8 DOHC (32-valve). Performance Horsepower: 282 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Injection: Bosch Motronic M3.3 (sequential multi-point). Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded (91+ octane). Engine Construction Block Material: Aluminum Head Material: Aluminum Engine Capacity Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 90.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic (GM 5L40-E or ZF 5HP30 depending on specific market/options). Optional Optional Transmission: N/A for 740iL, manual transmission was available on the 740i short-wheelbase model. Features Transmission Features: Steptronic (manual shifting capability) introduced later in E38 production, not standard on early 1995 models. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III (for GM 5L40-E), BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (for ZF 5HP30). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 120.1 inches (3050 mm) Length: 201.5 inches (5118 mm) Width: 73.1 inches (1857 mm) Height: 55.4 inches (1407 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 4,123 lbs (1,870 kg) approx. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: NHTSA ratings for this era were less standardized. Known for strong safety cage and front airbags. Active Features Active Safety Features: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control (ASC+T). Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Front airbags, side-impact protection, reinforced passenger cell. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: BMW Business or Professional CD radio, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon). Navigation: Optional GPS navigation system (early generation, often CD-ROM based). Driver Assistance Driver Assistance: Cruise control, Parking Distance Control (PDC) optional. Connectivity Connectivity: N/A (No Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features standard). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system dictates intervals, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification). Coolant Flush Interval: Every 2-3 years or as indicated by vehicle condition. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: BMW Longlife-98 (e.g., Castrol SYNTEC 5W-30 or 5W-40). Engine Oil Capacity: 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter. Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant. Known Issues Known Issues: Coolant...
Flagship luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
E38 7 Series offered a blend of sophisticated engineering, premium comfort, and driving dynamics, establishing BMW's reputation in the ultra-luxury segment.
Key Features
Key Features:
Long wheelbase ('iL'), V8 engine, luxurious interior appointments, advanced (for the time) electronic features, superior chassis tuning.
Component-level repair and replacement for all major systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed instructions for using diagnostic tools and interpreting live data.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete mechanical overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Digital Software (searchable, zoomable content).
Print Quality
Print Quality:
N/A (Digital format - content is clear and legible).
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital format).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format).
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M60B40
Engine Type:
4.0L V8 DOHC (32-valve).
Performance
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 (sequential multi-point).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane).
Engine Construction
Block Material:
Aluminum
Head Material:
Aluminum
Engine Capacity
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (GM 5L40-E or ZF 5HP30 depending on specific market/options).
Optional
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 740iL, manual transmission was available on the 740i short-wheelbase model.
Features
Transmission Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting capability) introduced later in E38 production, not standard on early 1995 models.
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (for GM 5L40-E), BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (for ZF 5HP30).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
120.1 inches (3050 mm)
Length:
201.5 inches (5118 mm)
Width:
73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
55.4 inches (1407 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
4,123 lbs (1,870 kg) approx.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
NHTSA ratings for this era were less standardized. Known for strong safety cage and front airbags.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control (ASC+T).
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side-impact protection, reinforced passenger cell.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
BMW Business or Professional CD radio, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system (early generation, often CD-ROM based).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
Cruise control, Parking Distance Control (PDC) optional.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
N/A (No Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features standard).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system dictates intervals, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or as indicated by vehicle condition.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (e.g., Castrol SYNTEC 5W-30 or 5W-40).
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant.
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Coolant expansion tank cracking, VANOS solenoid issues, window regulator failures, mass air flow sensor (MAF) issues, headliner sagging, ignition coil pack failures (on later M62 engines, less common on M60).
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, founded in 1916, renowned for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The E38 generation replaced the E32 and introduced significant advancements in technology and design, setting a benchmark for luxury sedans.
Production
Production Years:
1994-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Dingolfing plant).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While specific awards for the 1995 model might be sparse, the E38 generation consistently received praise for its engineering and luxury from automotive journalists.