🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 740iL Model Code: E38 Year: 2000 Codes Chassis Code: E38 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Positioning: Flagship luxury vehicle emphasizing comfort, performance, and advanced technology for its era. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220), Audi A8 (D2), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ Key Features Features Of Vehicle: Long wheelbase ('L' designation) for increased rear passenger space, powerful V8 engine, sophisticated chassis dynamics, advanced electronics for its time, premium interior materials, and extensive comfort features. Value Proposition: Provides expert-level repair and maintenance guidance for a complex and high-value luxury vehicle, enabling owners or technicians to perform accurate and efficient service. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 2000 BMW 740iL (E38) Engine Coverage: 4.4L V8 (M62TU) Transmission Coverage: 5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic) Page Count Estimated Pages: Approx. 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive digital manual) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Mechanical, Engine Management (DME), Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System Drivetrain: Transmission (Automatic Steptronic), Driveshaft, Differential, Axles Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels and Tires Electrical: Basic 12V System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Ignition System, Instrument Cluster, Body Electronics (Central Body Module - ZKE), Comfort Systems (HVAC, Seats), Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Sunroof), Audio System, Navigation System (if equipped) Body: Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Sealing Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishments Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Symptom-Based Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Component Testing Repair: Engine Rebuilding (partial to full), Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement Installation: Component Installation and Replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), Accessory Installation (where applicable) Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete mechanical and electrical system overhauls. Includes detailed component removal, installation, and adjustment procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Software Searchability: Likely fully searchable text for quick access to information Graphics: Includes diagrams, schematics, and illustrations Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for workshop use Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Software) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Software) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M62TU (Technical Update) Configuration: 4.4-liter (4398 cc) V8, DOHC, 32 valves Bore X Stroke: 94.0 mm x 79.1 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Engine Management: Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 Performance Horsepower: 282 hp @ 5400 rpm Torque: 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended) Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 equivalent) Lubrication System Oil Type: SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (BMW Longlife-01 specification) Oil Capacity: 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Automatic with Steptronic Manual Shift Control Transmission Model: GM 5L40-E (or ZF 5HP30 depending on specific VIN/market build) Features Steptronic Functionality: Allows manual gear selection via shifter or steering wheel buttons (if equipped). Fluid Type Fluid Specification: Dexron III or equivalent Dexron VI (refer to manual for exact BMW spec) Fluid Capacity Capacity: Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) for fluid change (Pan Drop & Filter) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 201.5 inches (5118 mm) Width: 73.5 inches (1867 mm) Height: 57.0 inches (1448 mm) Wheelbase: 124.4 inches (3160 mm) Interior Front Headroom: 39.4 inches (1001 mm) Rear Headroom: 39.1 inches (993 mm) Front Legroom: 41.3 inches (1049 mm) Rear Legroom: 47.2 inches (1199 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 4300-4500 lbs (1950-2041 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 5512 lbs (2500 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in a way comparable to modern standards, but generally considered robust. IIHS Side Impact: Not explicitly rated by IIHS in a way comparable to modern standards. Active Features Traction Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) Headlights: Halogen Projector Headlights with Auto-leveling, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) optional Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags Seatbelts: Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners Chassis Construction: Reinforced steel chassis with crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business or Professional CD system with optional Navigation Navigation: BMW's early generation in-dash navigation system with CD-ROM map data. Sound System: Standard 10-speaker system, optional premium systems (e.g., Harman Kardon). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) optional on some models Parking Assist: Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) optional Connectivity Cellular Integration: Optional integrated cellular phone system with BMW Assist (early telematics). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable Service Interval System (VSIS) based...
Flagship luxury vehicle emphasizing comfort, performance, and advanced technology for its era.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220), Audi A8 (D2), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ
Key Features
Features Of Vehicle:
Long wheelbase ('L' designation) for increased rear passenger space, powerful V8 engine, sophisticated chassis dynamics, advanced electronics for its time, premium interior materials, and extensive comfort features.
Value Proposition:
Provides expert-level repair and maintenance guidance for a complex and high-value luxury vehicle, enabling owners or technicians to perform accurate and efficient service.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
2000 BMW 740iL (E38)
Engine Coverage:
4.4L V8 (M62TU)
Transmission Coverage:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive digital manual)
Manual Type
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)
Engine Rebuilding (partial to full), Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement
Installation:
Component Installation and Replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), Accessory Installation (where applicable)
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete mechanical and electrical system overhauls. Includes detailed component removal, installation, and adjustment procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Software
Searchability:
Likely fully searchable text for quick access to information
Graphics:
Includes diagrams, schematics, and illustrations
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages for workshop use
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Software)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Software)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M62TU (Technical Update)
Configuration:
4.4-liter (4398 cc) V8, DOHC, 32 valves
Bore X Stroke:
94.0 mm x 79.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic ME 7.2
Performance
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 equivalent)
Lubrication System
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (BMW Longlife-01 specification)
Oil Capacity:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic with Steptronic Manual Shift Control
Transmission Model:
GM 5L40-E (or ZF 5HP30 depending on specific VIN/market build)
Features
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual gear selection via shifter or steering wheel buttons (if equipped).
Fluid Type
Fluid Specification:
Dexron III or equivalent Dexron VI (refer to manual for exact BMW spec)
Fluid Capacity
Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) for fluid change (Pan Drop & Filter)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
201.5 inches (5118 mm)
Width:
73.5 inches (1867 mm)
Height:
57.0 inches (1448 mm)
Wheelbase:
124.4 inches (3160 mm)
Interior
Front Headroom:
39.4 inches (1001 mm)
Rear Headroom:
39.1 inches (993 mm)
Front Legroom:
41.3 inches (1049 mm)
Rear Legroom:
47.2 inches (1199 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4300-4500 lbs (1950-2041 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5512 lbs (2500 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in a way comparable to modern standards, but generally considered robust.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not explicitly rated by IIHS in a way comparable to modern standards.
Active Features
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Headlights:
Halogen Projector Headlights with Auto-leveling, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) optional
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced steel chassis with crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business or Professional CD system with optional Navigation
Navigation:
BMW's early generation in-dash navigation system with CD-ROM map data.
Sound System:
Standard 10-speaker system, optional premium systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) optional on some models
Parking Assist:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) optional
Connectivity
Cellular Integration:
Optional integrated cellular phone system with BMW Assist (early telematics).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval System (VSIS) based on driving conditions, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as indicated by VSIS
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-60,000 miles
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change recommended around 60,000-80,000 miles, though BMW initially considered it 'lifetime'.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (check manual for specific BMW specification)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (plastic components), VANOS solenoid failure, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket), EWS immobilizer system faults, oxygen sensor failures, ABS/DSC sensor issues, door handle microswitches.
Electrical Gremlins:
Due to the complex electronics of the era, some intermittent electrical issues can arise, often related to wiring harnesses, grounds, or module failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury vehicles with a strong emphasis on performance and engineering.
Model Evolution
E38 Generation:
The E38 generation of the 7 Series, produced from 1994 to 2001, represented BMW's flagship sedan, known for its elegant design, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort.
Technical Updates In 2000:
The 2000 model year likely featured the 'TU' (Technical Update) designation for the M62 V8 engine, which included updates for improved reliability and performance (e.g., VANOS improvements).
Production
Production Years:
1994-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards:
The E38 generation 7 Series was widely recognized for its technological advancements, luxury, and driving dynamics, often earning accolades in automotive media for its segment.